Re: [AlpacaTalk] more on gucky eyes
Hi Wendy,
Since the vet found a scratch, that is probably the total explanation for your eye problem, but sometimes if an alpaca is anemic, underweight, or did not receive enough immunity from mom, then they are more susceptible to whatever comes along. The CBC would check for infection and anemia (CBC = complete blood count), BCP (biochemical profile) checks several other parameters such as liver function, sugar levels, protein levels, the IgG (Immunoglobulin G) checks for the immunity or antibodies he has to fight infection, and the PCR checks for an illness called BVDV or bovine viral diarrhea virus. The thyroid is just what it says and is used to make sure he is not hypothyroid. These are all things that could affect his size and his ability to fight infection.
You should body score your little guy and check out how he feels around the ribs and all as well. You body score at the top of his shoulders (withers). You place your hand on top of his spine so that the thumb points down to his left or right and the fingers point down the opposite side. Then you feel to see if to the left and right of his spine caves in, forms a nice inverted "V", or if it is like a table top. If the flesh just to the sides of his spinous processes is caved in, then he is a bit under weight.
You can also feel along the ribs, but this is something that you have to feel several alpacas to get an idea of who is skinny, fat, or just right. If you can easily feel the ribs, and he is really boney, then you may have a little one who is not getting enough nurtition from his momma. The fact that he is running around makes me think that he is probably doing okay though.
I would imagine from what you are describing that this little one is okay, but just had the bad luck of getting scratched, but should he not get better in the next few days, or if he should develop more problems, then I would consider the tests I described above.
Keep us posted!
Laurel
Tim & Laurel Shouvlin
Bluebird Hills Farm
3617 Derr Rd.
Springfield, Ohio 45503
bluebirdhills@
www.bluebirdhills.
937-206-3936
----- Original Message -----
From: Wendy Edwards
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogro
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] more on gucky eyes
hi Dar - this BNP ointment is really effective - i was using an opthalmic ointment after i cleaned his eye with cold tea - but the vet explained the BNP is an apthalmic ointment with a broader spectrum - it's a bit frustrating to not be able to get vet attention until things get really bad - but i suppose i should be grateful (and i am) that he came at all - i just came in from putting the ointment in fonzie's eye for the night and now i am ready for my quilt and pillow. What a long day!!.
where are you in Ontario? i will be in Rockland next month - is that at all close?
Wendy
DreamWeaver Alpacas
Port Alberni BC
----- Original Message -----
From: Darlene Long
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogro
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 3:07 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] more on gucky eyes
Hi Wendy,
I am going through a similar issue with our 6 month old boy who had a
difficult delivery and start to life. We have milky clouding of his
eye now after the conjunctiva became inflammed/infected. I use BNP
ointment (from the vet) in the eye itself and just started him on a
systemic antibiotic. The vet should look at the eye because they can
have a lot of trouble with ulcers with infection. The vet will use
drops that are stained to detect a corneal abbrasion (which can be
painful for them) and timely treatment can prevent vision troubles.
I'm glad your vet is coming. When things go from a little red to
infected the time for tea soaks etc., is over.
dar long
Serenity Suris
Ontario Canada
On 1/11/08, Wendy Edwards <wendy.edwards@
>
>
>
>
>
>
> hi all - my little guys eye has not improved - started using gensin
> yesterday, every two hours, but this morning it's not good - his eyeball
> itself is cloudy - using a flashlight i can't see anything embedded anywhere
> or any ulceration - i got through to the vet yesterday and we had our fourth
> conversation this morning - thank goodness he will be here just after 12
> noon. This is not his regularly timed visit to the valley and i appreciate
> him making the trip, especially in this awful (snow, rain, ice) weather.
>
> this cria is the one i almost lost at birth - it was really touch-and-go
> for a whle - he is still small for his age (4 1/2 months) but eats like a
> horse, nurses well and has seemed pretty feisty (read bossy) with the other
> crias - now i'm wondering if his immune system was compromised at birth - we
> have been blessed so far not to have any medical problems, except with this
> one little boy - and of course now he is the family favourite.
>
> I appreciate all of the advice and support i've received - it is a relief
> to be able to talk about alpaca problems with other alpaca people.
> thanks
> Wendy
> DreamWeaver Alpacas
> Port Alberni, BC
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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posted by Chaddo at 5:53 AM
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