Monitor and manage
Usually manageable with good husbandry; involve your vet if it worsens.
Male alpacas grow sharp fighting teeth at around 2-3 years that can seriously injure herd mates.
- Category
- Feet, legs & teeth
- Urgency
- Monitor and manage
- Also called
- Canine teeth
Signs & symptoms
- Torn ears, cuts on the neck and legs
- Testicular injuries in other males
Related symptom guides: Swollen Scrotum.
What causes it?
Upper and lower canines plus a pair of upper vestigial incisors erupt in males (and less prominently in females).
Risk factors
- Intact males housed together
How vets diagnose it
Oral examination.
Treatment
Trimming fighting teeth to the gum line with obstetric wire, usually by a vet.
Prevention
- Check males from 2 years of age and trim as needed
Frequently asked questions
What is fighting Teeth Injuries in alpacas?
Male alpacas grow sharp fighting teeth at around 2-3 years that can seriously injure herd mates.
What are the signs of fighting Teeth Injuries?
Torn ears, cuts on the neck and legs and testicular injuries in other males.
How do you prevent fighting Teeth Injuries?
Check males from 2 years of age and trim as needed.
Is fighting Teeth Injuries an emergency?
Monitor and manage. Usually manageable with good husbandry; involve your vet if it worsens.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.