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NinaFaust
08-03-2009, 01:10 AM
Some strange bumps are showing up on some of the animals in our area of Alaska, and we don’t know what is causing them. The under-the-skin bumps are roundish or oblong, varying from fhumb-sized to pinky-nail sized. Thickness ranges from 1/8 inch to an inch. Most are not sensitive. Some have fiber growing at the same rate as the rest of the body. One has fiber on it but it is not growing like the fiber around it. One bump was open and when squeezed produced a very thick, yellow, mucus-like substance.

At one ranch there is an alpaca with eight bumps all over in various places on her body. One dog has a bump on her neck, bigger than on the alpacas. The other dog has one on her rib.

One animal at another ranch has had two bumps for more than a year.

Another alpaca at a third ranch has two bumps.

At a fourth ranch, one alpaca had two or three of the bumps.

My Gypsy has one of these bumps. On his, the fiber is not growing.

One llama from further away, brought down for shearing, had one or two bumps.

We are wondering if anyone has had unexplained bumps showing up on alpacas or llamas, and if you have discovered what is causing them. We are thinking it might be an insect, but why now all of a sudden? We have not had these bumps before. Appreciate any thoughts folks might have.

OHL
08-03-2009, 09:11 AM
Nina,
If you squeeze the bump and get a large grub-looking thing, you could be dealing with an insect called a cattle grub. They are about 1/2-3/4" long and look like fat white/grey grubs. They enter the skin on the heel of the animal and migrate toward the spine, where they emerge and fly off to start the cycle over again. I believe injectable Ivermectin works to get rid of them.

If you aren't finding grubs, it's possible that you are dealing with something else entirely. If you are getting pus I would have it tested to find a causative organism and sensativity and treat accordingly.

Good luck!

Sara

Marty McGee Bennett
08-03-2009, 11:13 AM
is it possible that they are impacted oil glands or something of that nature?

NinaFaust
08-03-2009, 08:19 PM
Do not think they are grubs. We are going to talk to our vet and see about getting one tested to see what is inside. Will keep you posted.
Nina