dropped ankles

[Anonymous]

Hi--
*
I have a quick question for you...I hope.* We have noticed our llama's ankles are dropped ankles.* I honestly can't say that they are different than 2 yrs. ago when we got him.* But...I've read in Caring for Llamas and Alpacas - A Health and Management Guide by Claire Hoffman about these ankles.* We do not put a pack on him or obviously, show him.* Is there something we should be doing??* I don't know much more about it.* Can you help???
*
Thanks in advance.* Always value your thoughts.

[Marty McGee Bennett]

HI, Dropped pasturns are not that unusual and there is nothing you can really do for them other than make sure that he is on a good diet and not load him up with weight. But I don't think he needs to be retired. He can go for walks and carry light loads as long as he doesn't seem to be struggling. As long as his ankles aren't touching the ground creating sores I think you will be fine for some time.
Cheers,
Marty