Clinical Management of Small Ruminants and Camelids

Parasite Management and Diagnostics

Parasitic infections are a leading cause of morbidity in small ruminants, particularly involving blood-sucking nematodes.

Haemonchus contortus and the FAMACHA System

Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole Worm) is a significant blood-sucking parasite that causes anemia, diarrhea, and weight loss. To combat the rising issue of drug resistance, clinicians utilize the FAMACHA system. This system involves checking the color of the ocular mucous membranes to assess anemia levels, allowing for selective deworming rather than treating the entire flock.

Diagnostic Tools

• Fecal Egg Counts (FEC): Performed using the Modified McMaster Test to determine the number of eggs per gram of feces.
• PCV/TS: Packed Cell Volume and Total Solids are used to assess the severity of anemia caused by parasites.

Species-Specific Parasites

• Eimeria macusaniensis: A unique coccidia species found only in camelids. While rare, it can cause sudden death in animals of all ages; even a single egg found in diagnostics warrants treatment.
• Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (Meningeal Worm): Transmitted via snails or slugs, this parasite undergoes aberrant migration in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of certain hosts. Clinical signs are neurologic, and treatment typically involves Ivermectin and Fenbendazole.

Clinical Procedures and Restraint

Restraint and Sedation

Handling camelids can be challenging, requiring a "safety first" approach by moving animals in groups and keeping a companion nearby. Physical restraint methods include halters, ear twitches, and chutes.

Chemical Restraint/Sedation Protocols:

Common Surgical and Routine Procedures

• Disbudding: Preferred over dehorning for females (days 4–6) and males (days 3–5). Using a hot iron cautery, the iron is applied firmly for 10 seconds until a "copper ring" appears. Local blocks using lidocaine (4–8 mg/kg) targeting the cornual nerve branches are recommended for analgesia.
• Epidurals:
  • Caudal Epidural: Performed at the 5th sacral space to desensitize the perineum, vulva, and rectum; useful for castrations and dystocia.
  • Lumbosacral Epidural: Useful in short-tailed sheep; provides analgesia and pelvic limb ataxia.
• Dental Care: Dentition should be checked via palpation through the cheek to ensure symmetry. Note that cheek teeth should not be floated.
• Blood Transfusions: In cases of severe anemia, a jugular catheter is placed. Note that there is no cross-matching required, but clinicians must monitor for reactions and provide supportive care like Vitamin B (Thiamine).

Common Diseases and Complications

Clinicians should remain vigilant for several common metabolic and infectious conditions:

1. Bloat: Often caused by enteritis or intestinal obstruction. Clinical signs include the animal kicking at its abdomen or remaining in a prolonged "kush" position.
2. Gastric Ulcers: Highly susceptible to stress and concurrent diseases.
3. Heat Stress: A significant environmental risk factor for all species.
4. Clostridium (CD&T): Vaccination is critical. For does, the vaccine should be administered 30 days prior to kidding, provided they have had appropriate priming doses in the past.

Exam Tip: Vaccination Timing For kids from non-immunized dams, a three-dose schedule at weekly intervals is required starting at 4 weeks of age.