First Vaccination
October 22nd 2007 02:40
We did little Marco’s vaccination on the weekend. We do the crias (babies) at 4 weeks of age, then a booster at 8 weeks, then annually from then on. Some owners do them twice a year.
We use Ultra Vac 5 in 1. It includes vaccines for 5 diseases: pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia), tetanus, black disease, malignant oedema and black leg.
The vaccine is designed for sheep and goats but is used for alpacas too. I don’t think they’ve done enough testing on alpacas to include them on the label (or produce a specific vaccine for them).
The dose is the same as for sheep, 1ml subcutaneously. That means it goes under the skin, but not into the muscle. This can be a challenge with some alpacas as they jump when you put the needle in. The needles are quite long so it’s easy to have it go into the muscle. People have been known to put the needle right through the skin layer and out the other side and even into their own skin.
I use the trick of cutting off the end of the needle cap, and leaving the cap on the needle while I give the vaccination. It can't go in too far that way and it saves a lot of messing about. I feel a bit safer and more in control that way. I just lift the skin, pop and it’s done. Doesn’t give the paca enough time to buck or run off.
I guess it’s like everything, the more practice you have the better you get at it. Problem is you don’t want to use your poor alpacas as pin cushions so it’s better to get it right first go if possible. You don't want to be stuffing about all day doing needles either, especially on your weekend.
Alpaca vaccination
We use Ultra Vac 5 in 1. It includes vaccines for 5 diseases: pulpy kidney (enterotoxaemia), tetanus, black disease, malignant oedema and black leg.
The vaccine is designed for sheep and goats but is used for alpacas too. I don’t think they’ve done enough testing on alpacas to include them on the label (or produce a specific vaccine for them).
The dose is the same as for sheep, 1ml subcutaneously. That means it goes under the skin, but not into the muscle. This can be a challenge with some alpacas as they jump when you put the needle in. The needles are quite long so it’s easy to have it go into the muscle. People have been known to put the needle right through the skin layer and out the other side and even into their own skin.
I use the trick of cutting off the end of the needle cap, and leaving the cap on the needle while I give the vaccination. It can't go in too far that way and it saves a lot of messing about. I feel a bit safer and more in control that way. I just lift the skin, pop and it’s done. Doesn’t give the paca enough time to buck or run off.
Tip of needle cover cut off
I guess it’s like everything, the more practice you have the better you get at it. Problem is you don’t want to use your poor alpacas as pin cushions so it’s better to get it right first go if possible. You don't want to be stuffing about all day doing needles either, especially on your weekend.
All done, happy again now.
| 81 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by JoH
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
I did practice on an orange, nothing like the real deal though. If the orange were bouncing around on a spring it would come closer.
Feel sorry for people who have to do needles everyday though. I'm ok at the blood bank now though, so I guess its just about getting familiar with things.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
MS Paint Art
Comment by Krystal
feelings
Crystal
Comment by Catherine
Natural Animals
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
Good idea. You never know when you'll find yourself about to vaccinate an alpaca
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
They are dear, sweet alpacas (except when they all decide to be witchy poo's). I have done lots of needles now so no worries there.
Comment by Rosemary
Alpaca Notes - Tasmania
All depends on the humans. If you're nervous and squeamish, they will be too. If you're competent and confident, they relax and handle it really well.