Femoral head ostectomy in an alpaca with rickets

Abstract

A nine month old female alpaca cria presented to the Cornell University Equine and Farm Animal Hospital (EFAH) in July 2012 for a chronic left hindlimb lameness. The cria had a prior history of rickets and a slipped capital femoral physis in December 2011 for which no surgery was performed. On presentation in July 2012 the cria would not bear weight on her left hind limb when standing and was noticeably lame at the walk. Radiographs revealed subluxation of her left coxofemoral joint and osteoarthritis. Her left femur was bowed and rotated medially. A femoral neck and head ostectomy was performed for the cria’s comfort and future use as a breeding animal. She underwent daily physical therapy performed by her owner. At a 6 week postoperative recheck she was comfortable, ambulating well, and doing well at home.