The fiberglass cast is maintained for 4 to 6 weeks and removed. The camelid is maintained in confinement for 4 weeks after the cast is removed. This will minimize the risk of the development of compressive lesions of the cervical spinal cord. The ventral aspect of the cranial end of the cast must be adjusted so that the head can be easily flexed without restriction. Sugical Management Surgical treatment of cervical injuries is indicated in animals with significant neurologic deficits or when owners desire correction of the cervical deviation for cosmetic reasons.
Surgical approach is mandated by the lesions documented via radiography.
Camelids have minimal soft tissue coverage of the cervical vertebra and, therefore, the surgical approach is straightforward. I have observed acute neurogenic edema and death following hemilaminectomy of a chronic, progressive C4-5 lesion. Also, I have observed respiratory failure and apparent coma after ventral stabilization of an acute subluxation of C3-4. I currently prefer surgical restoration of anatomic alignment of the cervical vertebral column via a dorsolateral approach without laminectomy. The fused articular facets are resected and the vertebral bodies re-aligned.