Urgent — contact your vet today
Straining at the dung pile can mean constipation — but in males it is often urinary blockage, a life-threatening emergency.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary stones | Males: little or no urine | Emergency |
| Impaction | Small hard pellets | Urgent |
| Colic | Other signs of pain | Emergency |
| Labor | Pregnant females near term | Emergency |
| Coccidiosis | Straining with mucus | Urgent |
What to check first
- Watch closely: is it trying to pass urine or feces?
- Look for urine dribbling or blood.
- Check for droppings in the last 12 hours.
What you can do now
- Provide fresh (lukewarm in winter) water.
- Do not give oils or laxatives without vet advice.
When to call the vet
- Immediately if a male strains to urinate with little or no urine.
- If no droppings for 12 hours or the animal shows colic.
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 beats/min | 70–100 beats/min |
| Breathing rate | 10–30 breaths/min | 20–40 breaths/min |
| Gum / eyelid color | Moist and pink; pale, white, yellow, brick-red or brown is abnormal | |
| Cud chewing | Several hours per day; stopping is an early sign of illness (adults) | |
Frequently asked questions
What causes constipation & straining in alpacas?
Common causes include urinary stones, impaction, colic, labor and coccidiosis.
When should I call the vet?
Immediately if a male strains to urinate with little or no urine. If no droppings for 12 hours or the animal shows colic.
What should I check first?
Watch closely: is it trying to pass urine or feces? Look for urine dribbling or blood. Check for droppings in the last 12 hours.
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.