PREVENTIVE CARE
EquidDoc collaborates with you to ensure your alpacas and llamas are in good health. Preventative health exams and herd health evaluations provide early identification of abnormalities before they lead to major problems. These evaluations include annual vaccinations for tetanus and rabies, targeted deworming, and body condition and anemia scoring, and on-the-farm bloodwork as needed.
PARASITE MANAGEMENT
Parasite management involves a comprehensive approach to targeted deworming by determining fecal egg counts and practicing pasture management. EquidDoc recommends twice yearly fecal egg counts (early fall and early spring) to determine if your alpaca or llama needs to be dewormed. If deworming is warranted, EquidDoc will recommend the most appropriate dewormer based on the parasites detected. Additionally, because gastrointestinal parasites have developed (and are continuing to build) resistance to deworming drugs, camelid owners should utilize other options for parasite control—for example, pasture management.
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DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY & ULTRASOUND
Our EquidDoc veterinarians have the latest in digital radiography and ultrasound equipment. Digital radiography uses x-rays to instantly visualize bone. This is helpful for assessing fractures, evidence of laminitis, arthritis, and bone spurs on the farm. Digital ultrasound is used for visualizing soft tissue, including tendons and ligaments to assess areas of inflammation, sprains, or strains. Chests and abdomens may be scanned with ultrasound to evaluate heart, lungs, abdominal organs, and fetal assessment in pregnant hembra. In cria, umbilical abnormalities and lungs may also be evaluated using ultrasound.
HEMBRA REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES
At EquidDoc, we are here for you every step of the way from breeding to cria care. We offer breeding soundness examinations, recommendations for cycle manipulation, and hormone and ultrasound pregnancy monitoring. EquidDoc recommends newborn cria examinations and IgG measurement to ensure your cria gets the best start in life.
INTERNAL MEDICINE DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
At EquidDoc we have the expertise and tools to address more complex medical cases on the farm. We perform specialty bloodwork, thoracic ultrasound, and abdominal ultrasound. We routinely consult with renowned camelid internal medical specialists on complex cases and have excellent working relationships with local hospitals should your alpaca or llama require hospitalization. If hospitalized, we work with the specialists in charge of your animal to provide seamless transition from hospital management to aftercare required back home on the farm.
HEALTH CERTIFICATES
Health certificates are a necessity when traveling across state lines and required by many showgrounds and fairgrounds. This practice also protects your alpaca and llama and the rest of your herd from unknowingly transmitting disease. Most health certificates are good for 30 days after examination for travel. At EquidDoc, in Worcester County, MA, we can provide health certificates to fit your travel and show needs. For more information
MICROCHIPS & INSERTION
Microchips are a permanent form of identification. Microchips contain a unique number sequence that is far more accurate than pictures, drawings, or tattoos alone. Microchips are now required for many show and breed organizations. At EquidDoc, located in central MA, microchip insertion is a minimally invasive procedure and the grain-of-rice sized microchip is inserted behind the left ear of your llama or alpaca.
LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS
At EquidDoc, located in Massachusetts, we work with a variety of laboratories to provide you with the most accurate information in the timeliest manner. From basic health care screening to infectious disease testing, to hormone testing, we use the laboratory that provides you the best and most timely results.
