new born cria

[Kotare]

A new cria born this morning.....11 hours ago.

He seems very weak on back legs... up and moving straight away and nursing but back legs not straight and he seems unable to support himself for long..... attempting to run about but very 'wobbly' and sitting after a minute or two.

Mother is very attentive.... her second cria Birth was very easy and afterbirth expelled promptly.

I'm worried that it may be his hips.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Amanda

[OHL]

Amanda,
Are you in a selenium deficient area? If so, has the dam been provided with adequate selenium supplementation in her diet?

I would suspect a selenium deficiency first and would give BoSe SQ (1cc for a llama cria or 1/2cc for an alpaca cria) and 1000IU of Vitamin E (you can get the liquid Vitamin E capsules for people in a pharmacy and those work fine) orally if it was my cria.

Is there any indication that he might be a little early? Examples are teeth that aren't erupted yet, persistent "slippers" on the toenails, slightly floppy ears, low birth weight, etc.

If he is nursing well and mom is attentive, I would give him some time to get stronger before undergoing any extensive testing.

Good luck and let us know how he does.

Sara

[rose@almapark.com]

Amanda - I had a baby who was early, about 10 days, and very low birth weight (8.6 lbs) to a maiden, (Sept 2007), and his back hips were kind of pushed out and he could not stand, even to nurse. He would just kush and sit there. We would keep trying to make him stand and walk holding him by his cria coat. After two days, he was able to stand by himself and walk, albeit funny. His hips straightened out after a few weeks. Now he is 16 months old and he has perfect confirmation, so I would give him some time before panicking. Sara mentions in her post how to identify a preemie, and even if he was full term (calendar wise), he could still exhibit those signs and be immature or dismature.

Please post on his progress these first few days.

Rose

[Marty McGee Bennett]

What is going on now is the baby doing better? You might try a folded towel under his belly to help him stand... being careful of the umbilicus.

[Kotare]

Thanks for prompt reply. He doesn't show signs of being prem and is very alert and trying to get around and explore.... still quite wobbly this morning.Birth weight 7.4 kilos so a good wieght.

Could be a selenium deficiency as NZ does have a problem with this.
Dam had AD&E shot 6 weeks prior to unpacking and I have been supplementing with mineral/vitamin chaff formulated by one of our most experienced breeders.

I'll wait and see and maybe give a dose of A,D & E.

He is a very pretty boy... sire is one of NZ best black studs.

Amanda

[Pepperina]

So long as the cria is drinking well I wouldn't be too worried. That is your primary worry at the moment. Weigh daily to ensure it is getting enough milk. If it continues to lose weight I would consider offering supplementary milk. I would limit the area the Mother is in so the cria doesnt get exhausted trying to keep up with her. Make sure she has companions too so she doesnt fret.

We give cria with this problem Vitamin D capsules (human ones) squeezed (or suck out oil with syringe - then take off needle) and give orally direct into the mouth. We give 2x capsules 25mcg cholecalciferol(equivalent to Vitamin D3 1000iu).

I have heard of people tying the back legs above the knees to let the cria stand. I have also attached a picture of a fancy outfit that does the same thing (holds the back legs together). I would give credit to them but picture was taken from another website and their profile is private.

Just keep an eye on the cria's temperature as sometimes the constant movement causes "joint-ill" or septic joint which will need treatment by a vet probably with anitbiotics. This is rare however but watch nevertheless.

Regards Barbara - Pepperina Alpacas QLD Australia email pamas@bigpond.com

[Pepperina]

Sorry forgot to attach photo.

[OHL]

Just keep an eye on the cria's temperature as sometimes the constant movement causes "joint-ill" or septic joint which will need treatment by a vet probably with anitbiotics. This is rare however but watch nevertheless.

Just to clarify, movement doesn't cause joint/naval ill. Naval ill is caused by pathogens getting into the umbilicus before it closes up and circulating through the blood stream to the joints.

Sara

[Kotare]

My cria... who we have called Marco... seems to be doing very well now.

I gave him a shot of A.D.& E and he is no longer wobbly and has gained over a kilo.

He is a fine looking boy.... rich mahogany brown with black markings.

Thank you to everyone for help and suggestions.

Amanda

[rose@almapark.com]

Amanda - great to hear!

-Rose