Timberlane's Piper's Faun
baby......Mary Poppins
Our maiden llama, 3 years of age, was bred
at the age of 2 years. She had a healthy pregnancy with very little
personality change. She was given her 8-way CD&T and Dectomax on 4/11 with
her due date being April 24th. She showed no adverse effects from the shot.
On May 13th, 19 days past her due date,
she was observed to be rolling and humming at 6:30 a.m. Her labor progressed
while she grazed at times. At around 12:30 p.m. she presented her intact bag
with front feet showing. We broke the bag and assisted in the delivery. It
was a 23 1/2 pound, all black female that appeared healthy, except for the
gasping of air which we thought would soon stop. As we continued to work with
her, her breathing continued thru her mouth. Again, we made sure her nose was
clear and gave her extra stimulation. Extra stimulation had no affect and we
started noticing a white sticky substance coming from her mouth. We called
our vet, but it was their lunch hour and only got the machine. We left a
message. She continued having difficulty breathing, but was attempting to
lift her head, move around, and ears were up. About 20 minutes after birth we
rushed her to our local vet when she appeared to be weakening. They were
waiting for her when she arrived. She was immediately put in oxygen and
sedated. Their exam revealed clear breath sounds with no presence of
aspiration. They felt she may have a narrow airway. She was transported to
OSU with breathing assisted with an ambu bag. At OSU they put an indwelling
tube thru her nostril to provide continuous oxygen. At that time the exam
revealed no narrowing or airway obstruction. Her lungs were x-rayed and
appeared clear and normal. Blood gases revealed a very high level of CO2 and
low level of O2. She was non responsive even after a reversal from the
sedative that was given. Her mother Faun was there and also provided
stimulation thru nuzzling and humming but the baby did not react. Prognosis
was grave and she was euthanized. No necropsy was done. On exam Dr. Anderson
did feel that her feet may indicate some prematurity, but she did have teeth.
No anomalies were found. Placental analysis pending.
Faun's behavior was normal right up to
delivery and she continued to run during her pregnancy. Her appetite was
always excellent. She gained 38 pounds during her pregnancy. At no time was
she observed to have diarrhea or be ill. A few days before delivery we
observed her yawning frequently, which is different from the norm for her.
Her udder was full after delivery.
Jeff and Jane Sauer
Creekside Llama Farm
2950 Carroll Eastern Road
Pleasantville, Ohio 43148
(740) 468-1008 phone and fax