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Twin Heart Animal Sanctuary Society hasn't added a story.
Alfie and his buddy, Princess, came to us a year ago, from a kind
woman who'd done a wonderful job looking after them.
But their leader, a llama, had died and the woman felt that
these two were lost without him. She knew that I was on the lookout
for an alpaca to be a companion for ours, who'd recently lost her
elderly friend.
But,as soon as they arrived, I knew something was wrong with
Alfie, and so began many months of medical tests and trying everything
imaginable as he continued to lose weight.
His blood glucose was high but I was told that was typical of
alpacas, especially when stressed (vet visits) and that they rarely
got diabetes mellitus; in fact, there was only one written up in the
literature.
So, we continued trying everything we could think of, while his
weight continued falling. Finally, 2 different vets encouraged
euthanasia.
But, my gut was telling me that the answer was there-- I just
needed to find it. Besides, Alfie wanted to live and it was my
responsibility to help him do just that.
Finally, I went to the drugstore and bought a package of
Ketostix (urine dipsticks). Sure enough, his ketone levels were
moderate. Diabetes Mellitus.
We then had a blood test to test his insulin levels. No
measurable insulin.
No wonder he was having problems!
He was started on Lantus, a once daily shot of insulin.
Immediately, he started getting better. Within 3 days, his ketone
levels were negative.
Since then, Alfie has been gaining weight and feeling much
better. However, because of the weight gain (which is wonderful!),
his insulin dose needs to be increased. In order to do this
appropriately, and to keep up with his vitals he needs to be weighed
properly and not just guesstimated.
A scale would also help immensely with the other animals-- for
dosing medications, especially for being accurate (so important!) for
those times that sedation is required.
The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have affected us and our
supporters, like everyone else. Our costs have skyrocketed and our
donations have plummeted.
Unfortunately, Alfie cannot be put in stasis-- his well-being
depends on the right level of insulin. Weighing, along with occasional
blood insulin curves, are essential.
As well, we are in need of a good set of livestock clippers.
Shearers for the alpacas and the sheep are rare, and the last guy who
was here, will never be allowed on my property again!
But, for the sake of their health and comfort, it is essential
that these animals are rid of their hot costs during the summer. So, I
need to do it myself and clippers are much safer than shears. I have
had experience with doing this-- I just hoped that I could find a
gentle person to take over at least one of my chores!
We're so grateful that Alfie's disease was finally diagnosed and
that there is a treatment. But, we need help to continue his care.
This campaign will go for 30 days. If we are blessed enough to bring in extra funds, please be assured that they will go to very good use. Hay costs are at a premium (if you can even get it!), And other feed costs are through the roof.
All funds go directly to the animals. We do not take a salary of any kind-- my 14 hour days, 7 days a week are strictly voluntary.
We very much appreciate your interest. If you cannot donate, we
totally understand. But if you could share, we would be so grateful.
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