Key result
Standing thoracic radiographs establish baseline cardiopulmonary reference values in healthy adult llamas.
Why the study?
Quantitative and qualitative radiographic information of the normal adult llama thorax was lacking to aid evaluation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Observational (n=16)
This study establishes baseline normal thoracic radiographic parameters for adult llamas, which can aid in diagnosing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in this species.
Establishes normal llama thoracic radiographic ratios; leaves open validation in clinical disease states.
The goal of this study was to collect quantitative and qualitative radiographic information of the normal adult llama thorax. Standing right-left lateral radiographs of the thorax of 16 normal llamas were made. Normal ratios of cardiac height, width, and height plus width to thoracic vertebrae 3-5 and thoracic height were calculated. Normal values determined for tracheal angle of divergence from the thoracic spine, cardiophrenic and cardiosternal contact are additional potential indicators of cardiac enlargement. Ratios of normal pulmonary artery and vein, caudal vena cava and trachea to the height of the fourth thoracic vertebra should allow identification of pathology of these structures. Observations regarding pulmonary vessels and airways, thoracic spine, sternebrae and portions of the gastrointestinal tract observed on thoracic radiographs are also included. It is proposed that these normal values and observations can be used to better evaluate diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of adult llamas.
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Mattoon et al. (2001) conducted an observational in Normal adult llamas (n=16). Thoracic radiography was evaluated on Normal radiographic ratios and values. Standing right-left lateral thoracic radiographs of 16 normal adult llamas established baseline quantitative ratios and qualitative observations for evaluating cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
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