08/14/2026
Today was a lot. We had our wonderful vets out from Tufts Field Service out for the herd to do the annual wellness checks, rabies, CDT and usual body scores and then to look at Celias wound. Once again Celia has everyone stumped. Shes had high fevers for days, has a bizarre “wound” on her leg but it could be some kind of growth. Her lymph nodes are very swollen - signaling to us her body is reaponding hard to something but we cant see what. I did a great job with the wound - its not infected. So whats causing the fevers, the lymphs, and as we got her on her belly for a biopsy and had a team holding her, we could see she has some weird skin lesions? Bizarre. This is indicative of one auto immune disease - but we took everything we could today to get a better answer to make a strong plan of treatment. We did an ultrasound - thankfully her heart and kidneys are looking normal for an alpaca that survived a hellish ordeal in her past. Biopsies, blood, f***l, and scrapes were taken. If its going to show itself - we will find it. They are bringing everything back to the lab and we will know more in the morning. I am to take her temp at 10 am. and we will make another plan with the information we know. Right now she has pain meds on board to lower that fever, and address the biopsies that were done today. We couldnt sedate her because of the fever, so we just cuddled her hard and the amazing, all female team of doctors and students got it done without sedation. She got a heavy dose of a bad-ass antibiotic that ia kidney friendly and now we just await the dawn. Celia was so good, I am so proud of her; she speaks volumes silently about how much she is loved and that she puts her trust in me and it is the biggest compliment a farmer could ask for. She is resting comfortably now in the barn. She even got up and was present for the yoga the farm hosted tonight (which hey- when are you comin to a session?!). So. We dont have answers. But we will. Until then - thanks for hanging in there with us. I myself have a fever and am on antibiotics, but I am sipping a martini as I write this because jeeze-louise, today was a day. Playdates, vets and hosting an farm event - and Im also sick ✌️ This is the gig tho, its not for the weak. My primary care sat with me yesterday and said “Emily. Its not season yet.” And I just shrugged. Moming. Farming. Just one of those jobs means you come last - in most cases anyway- and Im both jobs so 🤷🏻♀️ Its the deal I think.
The Good news: Everyone else checked out ridiculously healthy. Rabies shots, ivermectin, cdt (tetnus) and body scores all went well except for one. Hudson Michael. He is apparently unm, overly rotund and needs to be excused from the alpacas protein rich hay and start on some cow hay (first cut). He also needs to start an exercise routine so you can look forward to whatever wild s**t thats gunna look like. You guys think they make yoga pants in his size? Guess we shall find out!
*I feel its important to note the CDT vaccine. The cdt vaccine in camelids is usually one plus booster and then done for life vaccine. However. Our farm used to be a personal dump - and even to this day the animals will unearth glass, nails, screws and Gosh knows what else - and alpacas rememeber, dont have hooves, they have pads on their feet - so I chose to do it yearly so I dont have to worry about it but its certainly not required by law or anything. Rabies we do because my girls do live on a farm thats borded by woods. We do have wild animals come on the farm daily and we do have documented rabies in the area - sooooo I go ahead and vaccinate because I love my animals and realize the risk they face outside and will not leave them to risk it alone. It is an farm expense that I chose, but it is a luxuy I can afford because of you guys. Whether its a pair of socks, a soap, a yoga class, a dozen eggs, a scarf or all the things I can afford this kind of care because of your support. I never forget that and I thank you for giving me the ability to insure the girls receive the top tier of care. The vet asked at every test if it was okay, meaning the money, and I just nodded and said whatever you need to do - we will do. Thank you for giving me those words today. I look forward to another beautiful season with you, the farm and Celia.
