alpaca with injury

[Laura White]

have been treating for menningeal double dosing with safeguard..vitamin b.. banamine..biomycin...he is eating and drinking well...we are on fourth dose of safeguard...this morning stood him up..front legs are stronger did put some weight on back..still doing therapy on legs I feel terrible have been back and forth from the barn daily...how long does it take? am I doing the right thing?

 

[purplequeenvt]

That's the bummer about Meningeal, you just can't guarantee a full recovery. If it is caught and treated soon enough, there can be minimal damage to the nervous system, but too long before treatment (and often still happens with early treatment) and the damage is permanent. Some can never walk again, but others just end up with a hitch in their step or they might fall over if slightly unbalanced.

I've never had an animal with Meningeal, but I know several people who have. I think that the Safeguard dose is more like 3 or 4x the normal dose every day for at least a week along with steroids.

How long ago did you say he went down? And he's still eating and drinking?

To help rehab him and get him back on his feet, you need to get him up at least twice a day. Help him stand for as long as he can. Also, move him from side to side so he doesn't develop sores. I'm assuming he is laying in a normal cushed position and not flat out on his side, correct?

 

[Laura White]

Hi thanks for giving me advice on my male...We have been moving him so as he does not get sores..I have been giving him the following: safeguard..(mega dose)...vitamin B from the vet...banamine...crushed prilosec...(to prevent ulcers).. Biomycin every three day stretch for five doses..water and feed free choice of hay and his minerals His appetite is very good..alert..can see his buddies and hums to them..we are standing him up...any other suggestions would be appreciated thanks Laura

 

[Mini Horses]

Once, when one of my mini stallions had a broken leg (in a cast) I rigged a body sling and used a rope pully hanging from the barn rafter to help stabilize him to do his hoof trims. He could walk, even with one leg in cast but, to keep him balanced for holding a leg up, I did this. Later, I used it for another animal that needed some support for a short time.

Anyway, it may be a way to get him in upright and lightly move legs by self or with help, to keep nerves, ligaments, muscles, massaged and circulating. Just a thought, as it isn't really expensive to get this type set-up. Then, even if they slump, they are held from a real fall. Often they will begin to use their limbs for balance & to try to walk.

It isn't for lengthy sessions as that isn't good on their gut but, can be helpful.

 

[Laura White]

Today is a good Day!! Our male alpaca ( that I am treating for Menningeal) is attempting to get up on his own... this is a good thing since he has been down since Feb.6th... we are so happy here!! I am still treating him with the B Vitamins..( B complex and B12)... Vitamin E... banamine... we are finished with the Safeguard mega doses... and Bio-mycin...still doing physical therapy on his back legs and hip area... standing him up... he is eating and drinking well... he is getting his minerals... has not lost any weight through this...he sees and recognizes his pasture mates and especially me... since I am the make ship vet...I think I have lost weight going back and forth and worrying so much...( this is a good thing!!!) I really appreciate all of the encouragements and thoughts on how to treat him...It works!!! I also followed what Vets who specializes in Alpacas, Camels and llamas... the articles were very informative and gave even dosing amounts... I have faith of course in God ... he guides us daily and has the main plan for us all!!! Thankyou God for being there for me and my male alpaca...thankyou for a good group of caring animal lovers here on this forum ( Backyard Herds)...Laura White from Blue Creek Ohio

 

[BlessedWithGoats]

Yay!! I'm glad he's doing better!