Advanced Camelid Medicine: Gi Obstruction versus Enteritis

Abdominal disease is common in camelids and can present many diagnostic and treatment challenges. The presentation of mild colic with abdominal distension and decreased or abnormal fecal output in camelids may indicate either mechanical or functional (ileus) intestinal obstruction. Differentiation of the possible causes and their management is important for a successful outcome and often relies on additional diagnostic tests including a CBC, serum biochemistry profile, gastric fluid chloride analysis, abdominal ultrasound, and sometimes abdominal radiographs. Even with the additional diagnostics, differentiation between medical versus surgical conditions can be challenging, making the treatment approach decisions particularly difficult. This presentation will discuss diagnostic approaches to these conditions along with medical and surgical treatments.