Small Ruminants: Camelid Health and Welfare Flashcards
What should be assessed about the group?
Bright, alert and responsive
With group, same rank
Cudding, feeding, drinking
- How is BCS measured?
- What should be done if there is a reduction in BW by 1/2, 1 and 2?
- Same as sheep- ideal 2.5/3
- 1/5- observe, 1- vet, 2- urgent
Assume animal sicker then appears
What are common signs of abnormality in camelids?
Response to you/environment
Colic- less violent then horse
How is blood taken from a camelid?
- C5/C6 lateral protrusion (spinous process)
- Thumb slips medially to raise jugular for sampling
- Needle to follow cranially and parallel to the neck
How can IV be injected IV?
- If that sick that needs IV- clip
- Clipped higher up where the jugular is seen raising
- Do not enter carotid- pumps
How should camelids be treated with fluids?
Do not go above maintencance- 2ml/kg/hr
* Care with glucose- only if can monitor- can cause hypoglycaemia
* Shock rates- prone to pulmonary effusions
Youngsters and adults use alkaline fluids
What side should a jugular cathether be placed in?
Right it right
Avoids vagus and oesophagus
What is the goal of plasma treatment of albumin and TP?
FPT
Albumin >20 g/l
TP >40 g/l
What does this animal show?
Stress fold below the eye
Mouth breathing
Leave alone for 15 mins if possible
What does abdominal distention in camelids suggest more then other ruminants?
Ascites, SI obstruction, pregnancy
Vs
Bloat
What does colic suggest in camelids opposed to other ruminants?
Phytobezoar, enteritis, spiral colon torsion
Vs
Gaseous distension
How can oral medication be given to camelids?
Small size foal tube
Lamb feeding tube for young
Where can a microchip be placed in camelids?
Upper left neck- care with angle
30-45 degrees
What vaccination can be given to camelids?
Clostridial- a must
Others:
* Blue tongue
* Orf
* Leptospirosis
* Salmonellosis
* Rota
* Coronavirus
* E.coli
* Abortion agents
Immunity last unknown- reccomend 3-6 months
Orf- live- only if must
- What endoparasites can affect camelids?
- What are the clinical signs?
- Same as cattle and sheep- fluke, haemonchus
- Soft faeces, ill thrift, anaemia, malasie and death
What are the cut offs for the following endoparasites?
1. Trichostrongyle
2. Fluke, nematodirus
3. Haemonchus, lungworm
- 300-400
- 1
- Any note worthy
Dung piles and poo pciking aid in pasture contamination
What can be used to worm camelids?
Benzimidazoles- albendazole (never pregnant, never >10mg/kg)
Levamisol- only if able to weigh
MCLs- moxidectin for haemonchus
Montepantel- 3x sheep dose
- If there is a high forecast when should camelids be fluked?
- What are the typical high forecast months?
- What are the drugs used?
- Dose 6 weeks later
- Oct and Jan
- Triclabendazole, closantel, albendazole, clorsulon