I’m still awaiting approval from the alpaca group, but just throwing this out if someone might be able to help…. I’m located in east TN and for the last year have managed 67 head of alpaca for some elderly mentors. I had no prior knowledge of alpaca husbandry, so am still learning about top health and well-being. Over the last month, we have lost 3 alpaca to what we assumed was meningeal worm — and two more just went back-leg lame over the last couple of days. I think we’ll surely lose one as she can only drag herself, so it will be the humane thing to do shortly. The other can get herself back up but is unsteady. We’ve tried ivermectin with Fenbendazole and vitamins. Nothing seems to be working and their owners said they’ve never seen this in their 30 years of alpaca breeding. Could there be a possible “super meningeal” this year, or anything else you can think of that I might try?? Any advice appreciated 🧡 Here is Flambé with her baby, who is worried about her.
by hobby_hens
3 Comments
You say vitamins, but minerals? This is very, very much shot in the dark, but with cows that has just calved, low magnesium or low phosphorus could be factors. If all the dead ones has recently had offspring, can the same thing happen to them?
Again, I can not underline enough that I have no experience with alpaca, and my experience with cows is also not all that extensive. It was just something that hit me here.
Everything I know is about “infected” meningeal wormed deer, how eating the venison is NOT recommended.
As far as I know, the medications you mention are the only ones to combat it.
😢😢😢Sadly, once it has entered the brain, there is no cure.
Diatomaceous capsules or powder (food grade, Veterinary supported) IS used on mammals (dogs, cows) to kill parasites, & to deworm, but- it does NOT cross the blood brain barrier.
Treating the ground/soil, especially wet areas near ponds, creeks, where slugs & snails (major spreaders) exist is usually recommended, & the diatomaceous powder (food grade) can kill them as well, but will be harmless to livestock, dogs, etc.
GOOD LUCK
Have you found a vet locally yet?