34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Mandibular osteomyelitis in llamas and alpacas has been reported either as a primary event or secondary to protracted dental disease. While there is a recent report on treatment of primary osteomyelitis in an alpaca, little detailed information on diagnosis, treatment and outcome is available in cases of severe mandibular osteomyelitis associated with extensive dental involvement. Therefore, this report aims at describing diagnosis, treatment and outcome of llamas and alpacas with severe osteomyelitis and involvement of the entire dental arcade on the affected side.

Methods:

Retrospective case series of llamas and alpacas presented with severe osteomyelitis and advanced dental disease between January 2021 and December 2023.

Results:

Six animals (4 alpaca and 2 llamas) presented with severe osteomyelitis undergoing subsequently diagnostic work-up and treatment. All animals underwent CT imagine of the head followed by multiple tooth extractions (each 3-4 cheek teeth of one mandibular arcade) and extensive debridement of osteomyelitis lesions with removal of bony sequestra. Repeated debridement, lavage and dental plug changes were required in all animals prior to discharge (mean duration of hospitalization: 26days; SD ± 6days). Follow-up ranged from 1-30month, in which repeat CT studies were obtained and showed resolution or marked improvement in all but one case.

Conclusions:

While repeatedly encountered in new world camelids, little information on diagnostic imaging, treatment, and outcome of severe mandibular osteomyelitis has been described to date. This case series shows that particularly the use of CT imagining can facilitate surgical planning and aids in follow-up assessments.