Abdominal pain associated with an umbilical abscess in a llama.

Abstract

A 3-month-old llama with a presenting complaint of lethargy, anorexia, and a painful, distended abdomen was evaluated. The llama had intermittently strained to defecate during the 3 days prior to admission. Physical examination results, hematologic data and lateral abdominal radiographs were used to diagnose a large umbilical abscess, which was causing a partial obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Under general anesthesia, 3 liters of purulent exudate were drained from the abscess. The abscess cavity was then lavaged with saline solution and its capsule was marsupialized to the skin. Cultures of the abscess content yielded Proteus sp, Streptococcus equisimilis, and Clostridium septicum. Two days after surgery, the llama was drinking, eating, and passing feces. The abscess was lavaged daily for a total of 11 days. Six months after surgery, the llama was the same size as other llamas of the same age, and the owners were pleased with the cosmetic appearance of the ventral abdomen. Umbilical abscesses can vary in size and clinical presentation; they should be recognized as a possible cause of abdominal pain with a potential for causing intestinal obstruction in llamas.