Camelids

Castle Veterinary Group provides an experienced, first opinion service for camelid owners. As active members of the British Veterinary Camelid Society (BVSC) we are current in our camelid knowledge and advice and can offer specialist services, tailored to your needs.

Herd Health Planning

Whether you are new to keeping camelids, or an experienced owner, our knowledge of these species is constantly evolving. We therefore advise having a Herd Health Plan, which we review on an annual basis.

This document is tailored to your herd and management and includes:

  • Health care (vaccinations, vitamin D and mineral supplementation)
  • Parasite control and treatment
  • Nutrition and pasture management
  • Infectious diseases and quarantine
  • Breeding and cria care (where necessary)
  • Husbandry calendar

Please contact us if you would like to discuss formulating a health plan.

Routine Health Procedures

Camelids require specialist care to support their general health, including:

  • Vaccinations, to protect against clostridial organisms in the soil
  • Vitamin ADE supplementation, to prevent rickets
  • Body condition scoring, to monitor weight and general health
  • Mucous membrane colour checks, to check for anaemia
  • Faecal testing, to monitor for worm burdens and determine treatment
  • Nail trimming; to maintain foot conformation
  • Teeth examination; to monitor eruption and wear

If you require more information or support regarding these procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Surgical Procedures

Our in-house haematology and biochemistry blood machines enable us to test and interpret clinical cases promptly.  We also have access to ultrasound scanners, x-ray machines and endoscopy for cases that require diagnostic imaging.

We are experienced at performing surgical castration in camelids. Our preference is to perform the procedure under sedation to minimise any stress to the animal and potential complications with the surgery. We do not recommend castration before 18 months of age, as this can result in growth issues. Animals that are displaying persistent dominant behaviour or any undesirable traits are best to be castrated as soon as possible before these become learnt behaviours.

We have a veterinary nurse dedicated to our farm team that can support our vets with surgical procedures both in, and out of the practice.

Breeding Examinations

Our vets are able to perform reproductive ultrasound scanning and can use this to determine pregnancy and to investigate reproductive issues. These may include:

  • Unusual breeding behaviours
  • Failing to get pregnant
  • Early pregnancy loss
  • Unpacking complications
  • Uterine infections
  • Male infertility

Due to the lengthy gestation period and short breeding window, it is important to conduct breeding examinations without delay – please call us if you have a case you would like to discuss.

Blood and Plasma Transfusions

Blood Transfusions

Alpacas are susceptible to parasites and diseases that can cause anaemia, which is a loss of red blood cells. Their ability to live at altitude means they can disguise blood loss until they are very sick. It is therefore essential to monitor the mucous membrane colour, which is a measure of blood volume, as part of the routine husbandry care.

Some animals will require a blood transfusion to replenish their levels when severe anaemia is diagnosed. We can perform this on-farm using a donor animal and conduct in-house faecal and blood testing to determine most causes of anaemia, offering the best chance of a successful outcome.

If you suspect your animal is anaemic, please contact the practice on 01566 772371.

Plasma Collection and Transfusions

If you are a breeding herd, we strongly recommend that you have blood collected that is spun into plasma and frozen for any cria that requires an emergency plasma transfusion. This is necessary if the colostrum (first milk) is not of sufficient quality, or the cria does not receive enough colostrum in the first 6 hours of life, resulting in Failure of Passive Transfer.

Cria care during this period is critical. If you would like some support or to discuss blood collection, please contact us.

Export and Insurance Certification

Insurance companies will often require a veterinary certificate. Castle vets can conduct a thorough clinical examination that will comply with the completion of these documents.

Animals being sold within the UK should undergo voluntary testing for infectious diseases. We offer Enferplex testing for Tuberculosis (TB) which we recommend performing at least 4 weeks prior to the movement date.

Quarantine testing of animals being introduced into your herd should be considered, to ensure they meet your health status.

If you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch.

Hospitalisation

Whilst we endeavour to treat sick animals on farm, Castle Vets have hospitalisation facilities that can accommodate alpacas of all ages, which may be necessary for individuals that require intravenous fluid therapy or transfusions.

There is always a vet and / or qualified nurse on the premises to provide monitoring of hospitalised patients.

Our in-house haematology and biochemistry blood machines enable us to test and interpret clinical cases and can be used for monitoring hospitalised patients.  We also have access to ultrasound scanners, x-ray machines and endoscopy for cases that require diagnostic imaging.