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Is my alpaca sick?

Alpaca Symptom Checker

Pick what you're seeing. Each guide lists likely causes, what to check, first aid and how urgent it is.

Updated 2026-10-02By the Dreamcatcher Alpacas editorial team

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36 shown

Cria Not NursingEmergency Fast or Heavy BreathingEmergency Feed Coming from the NoseEmergency Low TemperatureEmergency Rolling, Kicking at Belly (Colic Signs)Emergency Star-gazing or BlindnessEmergency Straining to UrinateEmergency Sudden Death in an AlpacaEmergency Swollen Face or NoseEmergency Alpaca Diarrhea (Loose Stool)Urgent Alpaca Not EatingUrgent Cloudy, Weepy or Closed EyeUrgent Constipation & StrainingUrgent Cria Not Gaining WeightUrgent Drooling & Green SlobberUrgent Fever (High Temperature)Urgent Head Tilt or CirclingUrgent Hind Leg Weakness & Wobbly WalkUrgent Lethargy & Lying Down a LotUrgent Pale Gums or Eyelids (Anemia)Urgent Problems During PregnancyUrgent Red or Dark UrineUrgent Swelling Under the Jaw (Bottle Jaw)Urgent Swollen ScrotumUrgent Crusty Nose, Eyes or EarsBook a vet visit soon Fleece Loss & ItchingBook a vet visit soon Hard Lump on the JawBook a vet visit soon Limping (Lameness)Book a vet visit soon Runny Nose & CoughingBook a vet visit soon Swollen Leg or JointBook a vet visit soon Teeth GrindingBook a vet visit soon Weight LossBook a vet visit soon Aggression Toward PeopleMonitor and manage Constant HummingMonitor and manage Dull, Faded or Brittle FleeceMonitor and manage Excessive SpittingMonitor and manage

Normal alpaca vital signs

Measure	Adult	Cria
Rectal temperature	99.5–101.8 °F (37.5–38.8 °C)	100–102.2 °F (37.8–39 °C)
Heart rate	60–90 /min	70–100 /min
Breathing rate	10–30 /min	20–40 /min
Gums & eyelids	Moist, pink	Moist, pink

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.