Third-compartment cannulation in alpacas using a polyurethane gastrostomy tube.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simple and effective surgical technique for third-compartment cannulation in alpacas. DESIGN: Prospective study using six adult male alpacas. METHODS: General anaesthesia was induced and a polyurethane gastrostomy tube was surgically implanted into the distal portion of the third compartment. RESULTS: Three of the alpacas retained their cannulas for a 100-day period; however, three cannulas were dislodged during the study. Two of the three dislodged cannulas were replaced during a second surgical procedure. Cannulas were well tolerated by the alpacas and all animals remained clinically healthy during the study period. Third compartment contents did not leak from the cannulation site. The tubes were manually removed following the completion of the study and the small defect in the body wall quickly healed over in all animals. CONCLUSION: Surgical placement of polyurethane tubes designed for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a useful method of cannulating the third compartment in camelids. This technique can be used for experimental studies and possibly could be used for nutritional support and fluid therapy in sick camelids that might need long-term care.