Page 1 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2024

CLINICAL CONNECTIONS

RVC Clinical Services Newsletter Autumn 2024

ALPACA BENEFITS FROM COLLABORATIVE

APPROACH AFTER TRAUMA

David Bolt (Senior Lecturer in Equine forelimb lameness. dystrophic mineralisation and distension
Surgery) and Richard Meeson (Professor On presentation, Dexter was bright, of the synovium and joint capsule, likely
of Orthopaedics and Head of the Small alert and responsive. His general physical representing proliferative synovitis and
Animal Orthopaedic Service) outline the examination was normal, but he was lame possible haemarthrosis.
case of an alpaca who benefited from the on the right forelimb at walk. There was a The scan also revealed complete
transdisciplinary approach of the RVC. reduced cranial phase to the stride. displaced comminuted subacute and
two-year-old male Huacaya alpaca Focal swelling present over the right traumatic fracture of the acromion of the
was treated at the RVC Equine shoulder region with mild focal pain on scapula. Additionally, there were mild
A Referral Hospital by the equine palpation was noted. changes to the proximal aspect of the bicipital
specialists, in collaboration with the RVC tendon, suggestive of mild tendinopathy.
Small Animal Referrals’ Orthopaedics Diagnostic tests This was considered to be a consequence
Service. A CT scan identified luxation of Dexter’s of the luxation or normal variation.
Dexter had sustained a traumatic right right shoulder joint with a large associated
shoulder luxation approximately a week defect in the humeral head and flattening of Surgery
prior to referral. He presented with right the glenoid cavity of the scapula. There was The surgery was a collaboration between

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ONCOLOGY CASE BLOOD DONOR IMTP PATIENT SAVED RABBIT REFERRALS
STUDY PROGRAMME MOVES BY DONORS