On May 30, 2005 Annie the alpaca gave birth to her first baby, a boy. The baby alpaca, which is called a cria was born prematurely after about 320 days of pregnancy. The average term of pregnancy is about 335 days.

The baby was warmed and helped to nurse by his owner but was unable to stand and was soon presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Washington State University.
 

The cria weighed 12 pounds and he was slightly dehydrated. Blood tests were performed which showed septicemia which is an infection carried through the body in the blood. Radiographs (X-rays) of the cria’s chest showed under development of the lungs which is common in premature babies.

The cria was placed in intensive care; warmed and given oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, goat colostrum, vitamins and a plasma transfusion from a llama. Later he was fed with his mother’s milk by stomach tube and bottle and was re united with his mother to nurse every few hours.

When the cria gained strength he was returned to the stall with Annie where he was assisted with nursing when needed, and was taken outside for exercise with his mom.

The cria gained weight and strength and was discharged with his mom from the hospital on June 10.

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