Tooth Root Abscess and Mandibular Infections in Old World Camelids: 3 Cases

Abstract

There are limited reports of mandibular infections and tooth root abscesses in camels (Old World Camelids). This is in contrast to multiple reports and case series detailing diagnosis, management, and therapy of similar infections in New World Camelids such as llamas and alpacas. The purpose of this case series is to present three cases of camels in North America with these infections and to detail the diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, management, and follow-up of these cases. Radiography was utilized in all three cases, as was sedation and/or anesthesia. Similar to llamas, florfenicol was used for antimicrobial therapy and flunixin meglumine was utilized as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. Some degree of lavage was required for the management of each case. Clinicians should be aware of the potential need for sedation, diagnostic imaging, culture, and extended therapies for the treatment of mandibular and tooth root infections in camels as comparatively described for llamas and alpacas.