PERITONITIS ASSOCIATED WITH PASSAGE OF THE PLACENTA INTO THE ABDOMINAL-CAVITY IN A LLAMA

The possibility of passage of the placenta into the abdominal cavity s hould be considered in all South American camelids that have retained fetal membranes and full-thickness tears of the birth canal. Llamas wi th a placenta in the abdominal cavity may appear clinically normal for up to 7 days, and if this condition is suspected, an exploratory lapa rotomy should be performed immediately. In llamas with vaginal tears a nd retained placenta, it may be useful to secure the fetal membranes t o the outside of the doe to ensure passage through the vulva.