Retrospective review of dystocia in South American camelids

We describe case management of 30 South American Camelids (7 llamas and 23 alpacas) presented to our tertiary care hospital for dystocia. Assisted vaginal delivery was successful in 80% of llamas and 50% of alpacas. Due to unique camelid anatomy, equid dystocia practices were modified. For llamas and alpacas, neonatal survival rates were 71 and 69%, respectively and nearly all dams (100% [7/7] and 96% [22/23]) were discharged from the hospital. Furthermore, 90% (18/20) of cria survived for at least 1 year. It is important to advise owners of potential complications and the need for rapid and appropriate veterinary intervention (including surgical) if a favorable outcome is desired (for both dam and cria).