Similar head support techniques as outlined above for administering oral medications can be used for administering eye medication. The head is cradled as previously described and gently rotated (forehead toward, jaw away) into the chest of the holder. This positioning causes the eye to roll downward because of the internal balancing mechanism, which makes the animal want to keep the eye horizontal. The eye will rotate downward below the lower eyelid exposing the sclera. The medication can be applied onto the sclera. Since the pupil is below the lower lid, the animal does not see the medication coming and does not get frightened. The upper eyelid can be rolled up to make more room for the medication.
Figure 2.43 Using the halter to balance a llama's head to administer oral medication.
Trimming Fighting Teeth and Incisors
South American camelids frequently require trimming of teeth as a routine husbandry practice. Overgrown incisors may require trimming to allow for proper prehension of forages. Mature males have prominent upper and lower canine teeth and upper third incisors which curve caudally in the mouth. These teeth are known as the “fighting teeth,” and are formidable weapons. It is recommended for these teeth to be trimmed to increase safety for human handlers and other male camelids, if pastured together. The technique for trimming fighting teeth and incisors is detailed in Chapter 12.
Chemical sedation is recommended for trimming fighting teeth. If there is some mild pain associated with the procedure, sedation with help as an analgesic and the person doing the trimming can do a better job if the animal is still. Sawing fighting teeth off at the gum line is not easily done on a conscious animal, and the teeth tend to break before sawing is complete. Sedation allows a more thorough job, affords the opportunity to apply topical pain relief, and allows the person trimming to make certain that the cut edge is smooth.
The process of trimming incisors with a motorized tooth saw and a speculum made for camelids is often so quick, that this procedure can be done with a light sedation or no sedation, depending on the temperament of the animal and the skill of the handler. In any case, working with the head and mouth before the procedure, understanding balance and using containment rather than restraint is recommended. If you elect to use OB (obstetrical) wire to shorten the incisors, a sedative for the same reasons mentioned above should be used to allow for a more thorough and careful job.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a method of identification and a popular practice in camelids. The preferred location is the top line or shoulder for two reasons: it is easy to insert the microchip under this loose skin, and it is easy to read once inserted. If the chip is to be inserted in the body, the same handling principles discussed for injections apply. If the microchip is to be inserted in the ear, it is recommended to prepare the animal by working with ears first and to use a neck wrap if available. Working ears can be done with a catch rope or handler helper at the top of the neck or with the animal haltered. Camelids tend to be ear sensitive, influenced by experiences within the herd. By slowly moving the hand from the head to the base of the ear and gradually to the tip, camelids will tend to accept gentle stroking (Figure 2.44).
Figure 2.44 Working with the ears helps facilitate easier haltering as well as medical treatment of the ears.
Earring
Earring is a technique that can be used to eliminate movement (Figure 2.45). Earring can be done humanely. If it is done correctly, it does not cause pain, but suggests to the animal that if it does move, it might be painful. The author compares it to someone holding my earrings firmly in each hand. It would not hurt but she can promise you she is not going to move around for fear that the movement might cause pain. The process involves squeezing upwardly and not twisting the base of the ear. The process of earring should not be painful. Earring preoccupies the animal and makes him reluctant to move. Hurting an animal by twisting the ears causes a fight; it does not prevent one.
Earring should not be used as a primary method for controlling an animal, but as a last resort. Times when this technique may be useful include placing a microchip in the ear. The animal must be still until the microchip has been inserted and the tool removed from the ear. If the animal tosses his head at the wrong moment, the tool used to insert the microchip can rip the skin of the ear. It is not possible to follow the movement of the ear and allow freedom of the head for this procedure.
The animal can be prepared for the earring by stroking the ear from the base to the tip with the bottom edge of the hand. If the animal is nervous, strokes should be faster at first and then slow down. A neck wrap is an extremely helpful tool for this procedure. A mini‐catch pen or trailer is ideal. Grasp the base of the right ear and squeeze up firmly. Make sure that the nose is pointed forward, the head is in line over the neck, that the neck is in a comfortable angle and in line with the body, and that the body is in balance over the feet. In other words, make sure your animal is in balance.
Figure 2.45 Earring humanely requires that the ear be squeezed but never twisted.
Sedation
Many medical procedures are uncomfortable but not painful. Furthermore, many techniques are performed quickly. Sedation should be considered for medical procedures that are painful, and those that are long. Animals that are particularly highly strung or agitated may benefit from sedation for procedures for which other animals may not require sedation. Animals that are not able to stand quietly in a chute without restraint are candidates for sedation. It is more preferable to sedate a patient than risk injury to helpers, the animal, or yourself. By successfully performing a procedure in a sedated, but conscious animal, the animal may learn that the procedure itself is not bad and sedation may not be necessary in the future. For details about sedation protocols, see Chapter 6.
Halter Fit
Improper halter fit creates a multitude of behavioral problems. Box 2.4 lists some common behavioral problems that can be related to poor halter fit. A camelid's small head, coupled with the leverage provided by their long neck, make proper halter fit trickier and more important. Improperly fitted halters can interfere with the animal's ability to breathe, eat, and ruminate.[5]
Box 2.4 Behavioral Problems Related to Improperly Fitting Halters
Animal misbehaves when on a lead rope
Animal
