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This is not meant in ANY way to replace your veterinarian.  Rather, this is intended to educate, so that you may be a better partner in working with your veterinarian in providing care for camelids.  Do NOT attempt to diagnosis any illness at home.  Any animal that you suspect may have a medical problem should be taken quickly to your veterinarian. 

Limb deformities can seem very scary at first.  Don't jump to conclusions on the day the cria is born.  Below are some common limb conditions present at birth.

Windswept is a condition in which the crias' limbs bow to the left or right.  This is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth, but may not be genetic.  Windswept conditions are due to the crias position inside the uterus and is more frequently seen in larger crias.  As the cria begins walking and moving about the tendons and ligaments around the joints will tighten & the legs will straighten up.  Note the photos of the cria below taken at 1 hour and again at 3 days of age.  In most crias, evidence of windswept is absent by 2 weeks of age.

[Product Image] Windswept 1 hr old

[Product Image] Windswept 3 days old (same cria as above)

Angular Limb Deformity is a condition in which the crias limbs angulate.

    Fore limbs:  Carpus Valgus - hypoplasia of carpal bones, medial deviation above the knee & lateral deviation below (knock-knees)

    Fore limbs:  Caprus Varus - lateral deviation above the knee & medial deviation below (bow-legged)  

[Product Image] Carpus valgus 2 days old

*As with windswept conditions, ALD may self correct within the first 2 weeks as the tendons and ligaments tighten.  If the cria still has ALD at 30 days of age, consultation with an orthopedic specialist may be warranted and consideration of periostal stripping.

 

 

 

 

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Last modified: 01/26/10