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European Specialist Performs Eye Surgery To Help Llama At Colchester Zoo

Author: Colchester Zoo
Posted: Monday 18th April, 2011. 17:01:20

Colchester Zoo has brought in European specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology, Claudia Hartley to assist with surgery on its 12 year old Llama, Clara. The Llama had been suffering from eye infections and needed an operation to stop the infections reoccurring. Claudia Hartley based at the Animal Health Trust has deemed the operation a success and said that it should greatly improve Clara’s overall ophthalmic health.



Clara the llama

Claudia has worked for the Animal Care trust for the last 7 years and has extensive experience in animal eye surgery of this kind. She said that the infections were caused by a raised piece of cartilage in the inner corner of Clara’s eye. The cartilage had been trapping dust particles between the cartilage and the third eyelid, resulting in an inflammation of the eyelid area.

Clara’s operation aimed to remove the part of the third eyelid that was trapping the dust behind the cartilage to prevent the subsequent build up of dust. The operation was painless and only took a total of 10 minutes to complete. It is expected that the eyelid will probably take no longer than a couple of weeks to heal and Claudia has prescribed a course of antibiotics to ensure that the area does not become infected.

It is hoped that Clara will now make a speedy recovery.


Colchester Zoo is a member of BIAZA. BIAZA is the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. They are the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland. Member Collections pride themselves on their excellent animal welfare, education and conservation work. BIAZA supports them in their work and helps promote the work of good zoos and aquariums.

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