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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.

Twenty-one cases of urolithiasis in small ruminants were examined to evaluate the efficacy of various surgical treatments. Of 21 cases, all but 1 had multiple calculi. Urethral process amputation and medical therapy either did not relieve the obstruction or provided only temporary relief (< 36 hours) in 14 of 16 cases. In 2 cases, obstruction recurred in 1 year and 4 years, respectively, after urethral process amputation. Ten of 13 animals that had perineal urethrostomy (PU) experienced short-term complications, including postoperative hemorrhage, dehiscence of the surgical wound, and subcutaneous accumulation of urine. Urethral stricture occurred in 7 of 9 animals in which follow-up information was obtained, and long-term survival was 55%. Cystotomy alone was performed on 8 of 21 cases, and 7 of 8 (88%) were healthy at the time of follow-up. In order to relieve the obstruction with cystotomy alone, multiple attempts at normograde and retrograde flushing were required. Cystotomy allowed removal of multiple calculi, bidirectional flushing of the urethra, and posed less risk for short-term postoperative complications and urethral stricture. These data suggest that cystotomy was more effective than PU for the management of urolithiasis in small ruminants.

A case of infiltrative lipoma in the left flank of a yearling Quarter Horse is described. Rectal palpation, percutaneous ultrasonographic examination, the marbled appearance and poor delineation from surrounding tissues strongly suggested an infiltrative lipoma. This was confirmed by histological examination. Infiltrative lipomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of soft masses located in equine muscle.

Three horses examined for complaints of ptyalism and dysphagia were found to have metallic lingual foreign bodies. Metallic foreign bodies were located by oral examination combined with radiography. In 1 horse clinical signs resolved without removal of the foreign body. The foreign body was extracted via an oral approach in the second horse; a mandibular symphysiotomy and radiographic guidance were necessary for removal in the third horse. In all 3 cases, the presenting clinical signs subsided.

A 15-year-old mare mule was presented with a 2-month history of weight loss, lethargy, and anorexia. Clinicopathologic abnormalities were consistent with liver disease. Repeated urinalysis revealed hyposthenuria, but water intake and a water deprivation test were normal, suggesting adequate renal function. Ultrasonography revealed pulmonary, hepatic, and renal masses. Cytologic and histologic examination of pulmonary aspirates and hepatic biopsies, respectively, revealed polygonal neoplastic cells with many mitotic figures, the cells having the characteristics of adenocarcinoma. Necropsy confirmed a primary renal adenocarcinoma with metastasis to liver, lung, lymph nodes and the opposite kidney.

A squamous cell carcinoma located adjacent to the anus was diagnosed in a 15-year-old light colored Longhorn bull. The tumor restricted the anal orifice to a diameter of 3 cm. Upon histological evaluation, islands of squamous cells were present deep in the dermis and the submucosal connective tissue. It was not possible to determine whether the tumor originated from the perianal region or the anus. This is the first diagnosed and reported occurrence in North America of squamous cell carcinoma in the anal region of a bull.

Behavioral observations and hematological, serum biochemical and blood gas measurements were made on 8 naturally occurring twin calves during the first 48 hours of life. These values were compared to similar measurements collected from 30 single born calves, born under the same calving conditions. All calves survived to at least 3 weeks of age without physically detectable disease. Although the gestational age of the twins and singles were not different, the twins had a lower mean birth weight. Calving difficulty score, time interval to standing and time interval to nursing were not different between the 2 groups. Twin calves had significantly lower rectal temperatures, arterial oxygen tensions and blood glucose concentrations than the single calves through the first 12 hours of life. Hct, Hgb concentration, and RBC were lower in twin calves throughout the 48 hour period. The N:L ratio was lower in the twins at birth. Mean serum IgG1 concentrations were lower in twins only at 24 hours whereas IgM concentrations were lower at both 24 and 48 hours in twins. Serum chemistry value differences between twin and single calves were most numerous at 24 hours of age when serum proteins, urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, sodium, chloride, and total calcium concentrations were higher in the twins and serum phosphorus concentration was lower in the twins.

This clinical report describes 2 cases of acute renal failure in the llama (Lama glama). Both llamas presented with histories of administration of potentially nephrotoxic agents prior to hospitalization. It is suggested that renal function be carefully monitored in all llamas treated with nephrotoxic agents, especially when history or clinical signs indicate increased risk for renal failure.

This paper describes two cases of infection of the soft palate and pharyngeal wall in cattle. The infections were secondary to trauma and laceration received during treatment with an oral calcium preparation which was given to treat post-parturient hypocalcemia. Clinical signs included dehydration, depression, pseudoptyalism, and fetid breath. Other signs involved the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Digital oral examination revealed the traumatized regions. Treatment included antibiotics and non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents. A semipermanent rumenostomy was performed on one cow for fluid and nutritional maintenance, but she died from secondary septic peritonitis. The second cow survived.