Any ideas?

[kjay]

One of the female Dromedaries I work with has been coughing and it looks like she's trying to bring up cud, but nothing happens. It's a deep-down kind of cough. Also, she had a baby about three weeks ago, and is nursing normally. She's not been eating very much but did eat some carrots and celery that I gave to her yesterday. The owner says the vet checked her a couple of days ago, and her temperature and blood work are normal except for a slightly elevated white count that's still within normal range. I didn't see her chewing any cud all day yesterday. Toward the end of the day while in the cushed position, her breathing was heavy and audible. She also moved her head back and forth a few times while her head was resting on the ground, kind of like she was scratching her neck, but I don't think that was the reason.

I suppose this isn't enough information to go on, but just thought I'd check to see if anyone here has experienced much the same with a camel.

[kjay]

No need to reply here. She died, and I feel gutted. :-(

[ozcamelgirl]

I'm so sorry. How's her baby?

[Cmaentz]

Kjay, my heart goes out to you! I hope the baby's fine. Let us know if you have a necropsy done.

[CoO]

What an extremely sad story. I am so very, VERY sorry. Yes, how is the baby?

[kjay]

Thank you all for your caring comments and concern. These are not my camels but I have worked with them many hours a week for six years, and this particular female meant the world to me. I am looking for a very special way to commemorate her life. If you have thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them.

The baby is doing fine and is drinking warm goat's milk at intervals around the clock.

Thanks very much. It's comforting to have this forum to turn to.

[DMiller779]

Kjay, I am so terribly sorry to hear that you lost your girl. I felt like someone had kicked me in the gut when I read your second post. I lost my female llama, Angel, last week unexpectedly and I now worry about the health of the other animals I have, particularly my male bactrian F2 that I have been bottle feeding since he was only a few days old (and still am). He is now 6 months old. So many times they just don't display their stress. They aren't at all like us...who wah, wah at every little thing!

I hope you will post a picture of your sweet girl so that we can remember her. I think that eventually another wonderful camel will reach out to you and help ease your loss with its beautiful character. Maybe her little baby.

Doug

[kjay]

DMiller, did I ever appreciate reading your kind words. I am also very sorry for your loss. Do you know the cause of your llama's death? Your comment about camels being so quiet and uncomplaining in their suffering really resonates with me. I respect them so much; they're truly regal and in a class all their own. Where I volunteer there are about 15 more camels, and I have a very special relationship with all of them. They will ease my pain considerably, as will the 4-week-old youngster.

I will do my best in trying to upload of photo of "my gal." Thanks, again!

[DMiller779]

DMiller, did I ever appreciate reading your kind words. I am also very sorry for your loss. Do you know the cause of your llama's death? Your comment about camels being so quiet and uncomplaining in their suffering really resonates with me. I respect them so much; they're truly regal and in a class all their own. Where I volunteer there are about 15 more camels, and I have a very special relationship with all of them. They will ease my pain considerably, as will the 4-week-old youngster.

I will do my best in trying to upload of photo of "my gal." Thanks, again!

Thank you in return for your kind reply. I didn't have a necropsy done because I had a narrow window of opportunity from a friend that trailered his tractor to my property and dug her burial site. I very much suspect that she had parasites. I have been checking the stools of my other animals and communicating with a vet to prevent any further losses. Her mate still searches for her at night but he is healthy and is doing better. He really mourned over her. It was sad.

These camels are such wonderful creatures. They sure can engage you in a unique way. They seem needy and stately at the same time. I stare at Samson as I bottle feed him and realize that he will soon tower over me and my other animals will respectfully part for him as he approaches. I really enjoy blowing on his nose and looking into his eyes as I hold his head in my hands . Just when I think his eyes couldn't get any bigger, those long eyelashes (or is it eyebrows) open even wider. Never fails to make me laugh. I think he does it on purpose just to make me laugh. You are very lucky to be with so many camels and be able to note their similarities and differences. I can only guess at the myriad personalities that they have shown you! Take good care of that special baby.

Doug

[camelsinfrance]

OH Kjay - so terribly sorry to see of your sad loss, you must be devastated, did you find out the cause? That's such devastating news, and actually - words are far from expressing my sympathy to you.
Keep us all posted on the baby, sounds like he'll keep you busy.
Kindest regards