Llama Down. Likely Meningeal Worm.

[FranklinHazelGardens]

Morning update day three. He’s not looking good. I called the vet to get them out here and left a message. I wish getting vets to come over was easier but I understand that they have a regular practice as well. I guess in my area most people don’t call the vet for their animals so it’s not a high need situation.

Anyway, Stephen managed to move his neck back to the ground and wedged it by some hay and his back. So his neck was pulled back all the way against his spine. I got him out of it and he was moaning, gasping with his mouth, and foam was around his mouth. He’s in bad shape. I got him some electrolytes and his banamine injection and I held his head upright so he could breathe and burp. He eventually started shaking and still gasping but he seemed to do well with the electrolyte drenching. I put some blankets over him because it is cold and it’s possible he’s in shock with the illness and stress.

I didn’t give him the de wormer yet. I am going to continue to monitor him and if he stops gasping then maybe I’ll do it later. Right now I just want fluids and the vet to call me back and get here.

I also gave him some nutridrench for sheep. When I got down there in a few I’ll bring the molasses as well.

He’s either got this new symptom because of the position he put himself in last night or because he’s dying. Either way I want to get him more comfortable

 

[Baymule]

You are a good llama momma.

 

[Ridgetop]

Not sure about lamas, but years ago we had an older goat doe go down with what looked like tetanus. She stretched out with her head bent backwards. The vet came out every day and treated her but she didnt make it. Was at a goat seminar several years later and found out that several people had seen similar symptoms and lost goats. Finally one gost owner vet did tests and found that it was a lack of a certain B vitamin. Can't remember which one. Anyway that person's goat pulled through with large doses of that B vitamin.

 

[Baymule]

Thiamine, goat polio.

 

[Finnie]

for Stephen

 

[FranklinHazelGardens]

Stephen passed away over the night and I found him Thursday morning when I went to go work on him. He’s no longer suffering in pain.

I meant to post earlier but, as most of you know, working on a down animal over the course of several days is absolutely exhausting and I’ve been trying to get rest.

I sheared him and the county picked him up on Friday. Shearing was actually healing. I only had him a year. He was just three years old but he was one cool dude. Would never let me catch him. Jerk. Here’s a famous example of the lengths he will go to in order for me not to catch him.

 

[Baymule]

I’m so sorry you lost him. It sure wasn’t for lack of love and trying everything possible.

Shearing him was a great idea, you can make something from his wool and keep him forever. Glad it eased the sorrow.

Love the ladder picture, it made me smile.

 

[Mini Horses]

I know the sadness of losing the battle. to you.

 

[SageHill]

Sorry for your loss. You did all you could.
Seems there are a lot of losses lately.

 

[canesisters]

I'm really sorry. You did everything you could to save him.
Do you have plans for his wool?
A felted Llama wound be sweet.