UNPACKING CAESAREANS
Ami Sawran, Westpoint Farm Vets, offers an overview of decision making in obstetrical emergencies – being informed can help deliver the best outcome in a difficult situation.
T
here is a certain amount of worry surrounding caesarean sections in alpacas compared to species such as sheep or cattle. Indeed, there are several particular quirks of alpacas that every vet and owner should keep in mind, but they are not necessarily great barriers to performing the surgery if indicated. When you are in the situation where you must opt for or against a caesarean, it pays to be informed about potential risks, and factors we can mitigate, to aim for the best outcome. In the UK, alpacas are generally thought of as a farmed species, and are
therefore under the care of farm practitioners (of course, there are exceptions!). Farm vets have experience of caesareans in cattle, sheep and even goats, and the fundamental aspects of the surgery do not really differ between species. If a vet can perform the surgery on a sheep, for example, it is no great departure from an alpaca, however there are several key aspects that we must all be mindful of.
Are we at term?
In some species, it is accepted that when the dam is very ill or injured, we can induce birth. This is not a safe practice in alpaca, due to their varying gestation lengths, and the safety of the usual medications. If a live cria is a priority, elective (planned) caesarean would not be advised unless the dam is severely compromised, and continuing gestation would be fatal to her and/or the cria.
Safe restraint
Alpacas are less tolerant of local anaesthesia than other farm species, necessitating a lower dose or dilution of our usual medication, and careful monitoring of their demeanour post operatively. Your vet is also going to need time to clip, clean, prepare, anaesthetise and sterilise the operation side (usually the left flank). You can assist by providing clean, warm water. Secure restraint is of paramount importance, so whether the operation is undertaken standing or lying down (depending on surgeon preference – either is permissible) it must be done with the safety of the animal, yourselves and the surgeon in mind. When there are behavioural issues preventing safe working, your vet may wish to sedate the dam. Sedation is not necessarily without risk, however, surgery cannot be safely completed on an out of control animal. Take a look at your sheltered facilities – would you be able to ready them at short notice for a safe restraint?
About the author
Dr Ami Sawran graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2011 and works for Westpoint Farm Vets. She is head of the small ruminant and camelid working group, and head of the camelid specialist interest group for VetPartners. Ami’s certificate in advanced veterinary practice focussed on camelid medicine.
