Influence of age on biochemical serum parameters in female alpacas - A retrospective study.

The determination of biochemical parameters plays an important role in the veterinary care of alpacas, as it can provide an overview of the integrity and function of various organs and metabolic states. Various reference intervals are available for interpreting biochemical results in alpacas, but physiological variations due to age, sex or season should also be considered. Particularly, information on the influence of age is scarce.

Characterization of white blood cell ratios in South American camelids presented at a veterinary teaching hospital.

White blood cell (WBC) ratios are used as diagnostic markers for various inflammatory or tumor diseases as well as stress in a broad range of species. The aim of this work was to provide data on five WBC ratios (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], band neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [BLR], band neutrophil-to-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [BNLR], band neutrophil-to-neutrophil ratio [BNR] and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio [LMR]) in South American camelids (SAC) and characterize their association with demographic and important diagnostic parameters. Medical records of 307 SAC (275 alpacas, 32 llamas) that were presented at a veterinary teaching hospital were evaluated retrospectively.

Hematologic parameters in female alpacas during age progression: a retrospective study.

Alpacas, like all camelids, have elliptical red blood cells (RBCs) in contrast to other mammals. This particular shape is important for increased osmotic resistance and stability. Age-related changes in the RBC count are known in other species, with alterations in both red and white blood cells being described.

Biomechanical evaluation of stand-alone lumbar polyether-ether-ketone interbody cage with integrated screws.

Background Context: Stand-alone interbody cages with integrated screws potentially provide a biomechanically stable solution for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) that alleviates the need for additional exposure for supplemental fixation, thereby reducing the chance of additional complications and morbidity.

Purpose: To compare the stability of a stand-alone anterior interbody fusion system with integrated fixation screws against traditional supplemental fixation methods and to evaluate the difference between three and four fixation screws in the stand-alone cage.

Study Design: In vitro cadaveric biomechanical study.

Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis: a prospective long-term study comparing fusion and pseudarthrosis.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized study on patients who underwent posterior lumbar decompression with bilateral posterolateral arthrodesis.

Objective: To determine the long-term influence of pseudarthrosis on the clinical outcome of patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Spinal decompression and posterolateral arthrodesis have been shown to be beneficial in the surgical treatment of symptomatic spinal stenosis with concurrent spondylolisthesis.