Ocular diseases in New World camelids presented to the Veterinary University in Vienna: 68 cases (2009-2025).

Corneal disease is the most prevalent ocular condition in New World camelids requiring early detection.

This retrospective study analyzed 68 New World camelids (59 alpacas, 9 llamas) with 104 affected eyes presenting with ocular disorders to the Veterinary University in Vienna between 2009 and 2025. Young animals (≤3 years) and males were significantly more frequently affected. The cornea was the most commonly involved ocular structure (36.4%), followed by conjunctiva (16.8%), uvea (15.4%), and lens (15.4%). Corneal pathology predominantly included keratitis, corneal ulceration, melting corneal ulcers, and perforation. Uveitis and conjunctivitis were the second and third most common diagnoses. Lens abnormalities were primarily cataracts in various stages. Adnexal conditions were less frequent, with entropion being most common. Rare conditions included dacryocystitis, nasolacrimal duct agenesis, endophthalmitis, and persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis. Case numbers steadily increased throughout the study period, suggesting increased clinical recognition or presentation of ocular disease in this species.

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