Help save Dougal the alpaca

Littleborough-based Calderbrook Alpacas needs your help to cover unexpected medical costs for one of its youngest animals after being taken ill.

After several months of illness, Dougal, a 15-month-old alpaca, took a turn for the worst on Wednesday 23 September. Falling over repeatedly, Dougal was unable to stand or walk.

Joanne Schembri, who runs Calderbrook Alpacas, said: “Dougal didn’t seem to know where his legs were. We have had our vet out numerous times and they’ve been unable to fully diagnose him and provide the correct treatment because little is known about alpacas in the medical world.”

Dougal made it through the night with the help of the emergency vet – with Joanne admitting it “was a very close call of him being put to sleep.”

“I wanted to see if anyone could diagnose him; I couldn’t give up on him,” she added.

 

 

Joanne was put in touch with the UK’s only specialist alpaca vet, with Dougal undergoing a remote video examination in conjunction with their local vet.

She says the specialist believes Dougal is showing signs of a vertebral abscess and discospondylitis – an infection in his spine.

Dougal has been prescribed several high-strength antibiotic injections twice a day for six weeks, adding additional expenses to already mounting medical costs. So far, just over £1,000 has been raised of Joanne’s initial £1,500 target.

Joanne continued: “His medication, vet call out fees and specialist consultations have so far cost upwards of £800. On top of this Dougal may still require a CT scan at the Royal Veterinary College in Liverpool, plus surgery if the antibiotics don't work.

“This is a massive expense that I never in a million years expected to happen with such a young alpaca. If we can’t get him correctly treated, our other option is for him to be put to sleep. He’s well in himself, eating and drinking and even getting grumpy with the other alpacas, so I know he’s not in any pain.”

She added: “I have to try and save him so he can grow up to be a beautiful alpaca helping people with their troubles, and making them smile.”

To donate towards Dougal’s medical bills, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-dougal-the-alpaca