OCULAR DISEASES OF LLAMAS - 194 CASES (1980-1993)

Objective-To identify ocular and adnexal diseases to which llamas in N orth America are susceptible, to determine prevalence of these disease s in llamas, and to compare prevalences of the major ocular diseases o f llamas, cattle, and horses. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-194 llamas, 4,937 cows, and 11,950 horses with ocular disease. Procedure-M edical records of all llamas entered into the Veterinary Medical Datab ase between 1980 and 1993 were reviewed. Data on ocular structures aff ected and types of ocular disease were compiled. Prevalences of uveiti s, corneal ulcers, and ocular squamous cell carcinoma in llamas were c ompared with prevalences in cattle and horses. Results-194 of 3,243 (6 %) llamas had at least 1 ocular disease. The proportion of llamas that had ocular disease was significantly higher than the proportions of c attle or horses. The most frequently affected ocular structure in llam as was the cornea, and ulcerative keratitis was the most common cornea l disease. The second most commonly affected structure was the uveal t ract. Cataracts were reported in 20 (10%) of the llamas with ocular pr oblems. Eyelid disorders, retinal diseases, glaucoma, and ocular or ad nexal neoplasia were reported infrequently in llamas. Clinical Implica tions-Results suggest that corneal disease is common in llamas and is usually secondary to trauma. Uveitis may also be common in llamas, but llamas do not appear to be highly susceptible to glaucoma, ocular neo plasia, or to direct corneal invasion by bacteria such as Moraxella sp .