Anatomy
In what part of the llama can the cervical vertebrae be found?
The neck
At what age are females ready to breed?
18 months to 2 years
What are three types of wounds?
Open wounds (laceration and punctures)
Closed wounds (bruises and abrasions)
Burns (skin is exposed to excessive heat, cold, or harmful corrosive chemicals)
Blocking of the esophagus from greedy animals gorging food
Choke
What is a major problem with burns?
The animal could become dehydrated quickly
What is the main difference between a llama and an alpaca skeleton?
The pelvis of an alpaca sits in the pelvic area at a steeper angle, making the spine of the alpaca more curved. But a llama’s pelvis sits at a shorter angle to the spine, making a llama’s back more flat and parallel to the ground
What does it mean if you hear sucking noise when a new cria is nursing?
The cria is probably not getting much milk
1. Length of neck from poll to withers.
2.Length of back from withers to loin
3.Length of legs
Should all be equal
How much protein does a lama need daily?
10% of their diet
Why should llamas and alpacas not be sheared to the skin?
The skin can sunburn and body temperature will rise
What is the mandible?
The lower jaw
Why should pregnant llamas and alpacas be vaccinated 4-6 weeks prior to first estimated delivery date?
So she can pass antibodies to her cria via her colostrum (first milk)
What are the 3 genera of the camelid family?
Genus Lama (llama and guanaco)
Genus Vicugna (alpaca and vicuna)
Genus camelus (camels)
What is a creep station?
A lower feed container that young llamas and alpacas can reach that is separate from the adults
What is CA?
Choanal atresia, a lethal congenital condition that results in narrowing of the nasal passage.
What is the order of teeth in an adult male llama from front to back?
Incisors (on the bottom only), canine (fighting tooth), premolars, and molars
What is parturition?
The medical term for birthing
What do the 3 compartments in a lama’s stomach prevent?
They decrease bloating
What are two reasons not to feed too much protein?
The excess will be converted to energy, if the energy is not needed will be stored as fat
Can contribute to heat stress
What is alopecia?
Complete bald spots with no new hair growth
What is the gap between the two upper lips called?
The philtrum or labial cleft
Why is it important to know the due date?
Crias born prematurely may have medical issues that need immediate attention
What are 3 common methods of detecting pregnancy?
Progesterone testing, behavior testing, and ultrasound
How soon after a normal birth do crias nurse?
How do you administer eye ointment for treatment of an infection?
Lower bottom eyelid and squeeze ointment into lower pocket keeping the tip of the medication clean and dry as not to spread the infection