Induced placentitis after vaginal manipulation in two late pregnant alpacas

Abstract Two prepartum female alpacas were referred to our institution with the presumed diagnosis of uterine torsion. In both cases, uterine torsion was not confirmed but bacterial placentitis with Escherichia coli as the aetiological agent was diagnosed. Transabdominal ultrasound confirmed the presence of a living fetus, with heart rates of 108 and 75 beats per minute, respectively. The allantoic fluid was hyperechogenic and the placenta partially detached. No signs of uterine torsion were evident. Treatment with antibiotics and NSAIDs was initiated. Female Alpaca #1 gave birth to a healthy cria on Day 5 of treatment. In female Alpaca #2, fetal heart rate had decreased on Day 2, was no longer detectable on Day 3 and 1 day later a dead cria was born. In both cases, the placenta was partially covered with purulent material. In conclusion, placentitis should be included as a differential diagnosis in prepartum alpacas and may be more frequent than previously assumed.