Treatment, survival and subsequent fertility following uterine torsion and dystocia in alpacas.

OBJECTIVE

Compared to domestic ruminants, dystocia is uncommon in alpacas. Uterine torsion is the most frequent obstetrical emergency and also a leading concern in late pregnancy. North American studies report favorable outcomes for dams and guarded outcomes for crias; comparable data for European populations are lacking. This study thus evaluated causes and outcomes of late-pregnant and obstetrical cases at a veterinary teaching hospital.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included all alpacas presented between January 2009 and August 2025. Cases of antepartal uterine torsions and manual and surgical obstetrical interventions were identified and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five alpacas were included. Two cases involved antepartal uterine torsions, while 33 were obstetrical in nature. Gestation length ranged from 332 to 374 days. Dystocia (n=4) or antepartal torsion (n=2) were corrected manually in 6 cases, while 29 underwent cesarean (c-) section. Thirty-two dams (91.4%) were discharged after a mean hospitalization of 3.7 days; 24 of the 30 long-term survivors (80%) recovered without complications. Uterine torsion was the main problem (12/35, 34.3%), followed by fetal maldisposition (8/35, 22.9%) and insufficient cervical dilation (6/35, 17.1%). Counterclockwise torsions were diagnosed in 6 cases and clockwise torsions in 5, while the direction was unrecorded in one. Retained placenta was frequent but rarely clinically relevant. Wound healing after c-section was excellent, with only one dehiscence 10 days postoperatively. Thirteen crias (37.1%) were stillborn. Of 22 live-born fetuses, 5 (22.7%) died or were euthanized. Ten of the 25 surgical cases (40%) were re-mated, with 8 conceiving successfully (80%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Uterine torsion is common, and determining the direction is essential before correction. Manual resolution of fetal maldisposition is often difficult due to the long neck and limbs and vulnerability of the genital tract. To maximize dam and cria survival, c-section should be performed in a timely manner if manual correction fails. The left flank approach under local anesthesia is practical in the field and provides good maternal survival and postoperative fertility.