alpaca with injury

I have a male alpaca approx. 3 yrs. old... 3 weeks ago found him in pasture unable to get up.. in sitting position... we got him up and he went over to see girls... went down to sitting position again... tried getting him up again and would not stand... we got him back to barn via truck and he is in an area in the barn... he can see other male alpacas... have been treating him with banamine 2xday.... he has been wormed... given vitamin B injections... given ABDE gel... he eats fine and drinks water... alert and responsive... was given regular ivemec.. shots every month... none missed... have been moving limbs daily to keep circulation... We are stumped.. are we doing the right thing... has anyone had similar problem with an alpaca... how long do we continue....any suggestion welcomed... thanks Laura White ..

Not familiar with alpaca health issues but, first thought when reading this was nerve damage...possible spinal....any chance he was injured such as a fall, another animal , if any in with him, etc ? Any diseases that include nervous system from such things as viral/bacterial issues that could be spread via mosquitos, flies, spoiled/moldy feed? (not saying you fed it but, in our part of country so much rain it gets there!). Worm that could cause & ivomect doesn't kill?

I'd be calling the vet. Sorry for the problems.

Hopefully an Alpaca owner will reply & have some great suggestions.

I know nothing about alpaca's either so I'm tagging @SkyWarrior because she's just come though a battle with some sick llamas...she might be able to give you some advice.

Here's the link....start at the beginning.

http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/llorelei-needs-here-own-thread-shes-doing-terrific.32251/


Hope you can get some help for your guy!

Greetings @Laura White from the front range in Colorado. Sorry you are having health issues with your alpaca. It's a long thread, but if you have a few minutes, you might read: http://www.backyardherds.com/threads/llorelei-needs-here-own-thread-shes-doing-terrific.32251/

As Skywarrior lost all but one of her llamas due to a "rare" disease that affects all camalids. Multiple vets couldn't figure it out and it took her quite a while (and too many dead llamas) to get it figured out. I'm not sure it's the same issue, but what you're saying sounds familiar.

I hope you can get a handle on it. Meantime, welcome!

Edit: was typing while FEM was above. GMTA I guess.

Welcome to Backyard Herds!! Sorry your alpaca has been sick! Hope he gets better soon!

Welcome from Ohio, sorry your alpaca is not doing well. I hope someone here can give you some ideas or you can get a vet out.

Have you spoken to your vet? After 3 weeks down, something serious is going on. Especially since he isn't responding to any of your treatments.

My vet is not versed on Alpacas... we live in the country and not to many vets will come out here....latestarter.... did they ever come to the conclusion of what kind of disease it is.... what were the symptoms... how did you attempt to treat it... any suggestion is welcomed... thanks... Breezy Pine gal

I'd have to go back and completely review the thread, and wouldn't be able to explain all the details in a single post... Really, it would be easiest and best if you read the thread and could follow from beginning to end. Bottom line, the vets (yes plural) had NO IDEA and misdiagnosed! After losing multiple animals, she finally narrowed it down and saved her last llama.

I DON'T KNOW if your issue is the same as hers... it just sounded familiar from what you posted. That is why FEM and I directed you to her thread.

Have you considered meningeal worm? Does he seem weaker in the rear end?

He's going to need a lot of physical therapy to get him back up and going again.