Inoculations for Llamas
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Inoculations
* * * Important * * *
Like dewormers and external parasitides, no specific vaccines have been tested in llamas. As such, administration of any of the following drugs falls under the category of "extra-label use" and must be done only by or on the direct order of your veterinarian.
It is also unknown how effective, if at all, each vaccine may be in llamas. Most llama owners assume that their llamas derive some protection from being inoculated.
Please consult with your veterinarian to formulate a vaccination program that is appropriate for your own llamas. If you want to learn how to give injections yourself, ask your veterinarian to show you how, and see injections, below.
Clostridial diseases -- We use a vaccine against Clostridium C & D and Tetanus (sometimes called "CD/T" or "three-way"). Other llama owners use "7-way" and "8-way" vaccines. Just because a vaccine is effective against many things does not mean that it includes tetanus -- you need to check to be sure. It is not known how long protection is conferred; we now give boosters every two years based on limited evidence that titers are still very adequate after one year.
Leptospirosis -- We use a "5-way" vaccine against five common strains of leptospirosis. It is not known if or how long protection is conferred; we currently give a single booster one year after initial vaccination.
Other vaccines -- Depending on your situation, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines. In some states, rabies vaccination is required by law.
* * * Note * * *
We do not inoculate with any vaccine against clostridial diseases on the same day that we deworm a llama with an ivermectin product. Most llamas are fine, but a few show definite discomfort (moderate to severe) for about 24 hours after receiving the two in combination.
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