Evaluating the camelid eye. Part 1: ophthalmic examination and additional diagnostics

Background : While the majority of alpacas and llamas are kept in South America, the popularity of South American camelids continues to rise in many other countries in Australia, Europe and North America. Knowledge about husbandry and veterinary care varies among owners, but an increased demand for general and specialised ophthalmological veterinary care exists. It is important for general practitioners to be competent in performing an ophthalmic examination, to have a basic knowledge of common ocular diseases and to be familiar with treatment options for those diseases. This is the first article in a two‐part series on evaluating and treating the camelid eye. This part covers the ophthalmic examination and additional diagnostics. Part two, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice , will cover common camelid ophthalmic diseases, diagnostics and treatment modalities. Aim of the article : This article guides practitioners in performing a camelid ophthalmic examination. Additional diagnostics used to supplement the ophthalmic examination and their normal values for camelids will also be discussed.