Traumatic gastroperitonitis (hardware disease) in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos).

ABSTRACT

A 5-yr-old, intact male Suri alpaca (Vicugna pacos) presented with acute onset of anorexia, depression, and reluctance to stand. Exploratory laparotomy revealed diffuse peritonitis resulting from penetration of a 5-cm wire through the second gastric compartment (C2). Due to the severity of the alpaca's condition and its deteriorating nature, euthanasia at the time of surgery was elected. This is the first published case of a condition commonly observed in cattle (traumatic gastroperitonitis, "Hardware disease") to be reported in an alpaca.