Urgent — contact your vet today
Normal alpaca droppings are firm pellets ('beans'). Clumped, pudding-like or watery feces mean something is upsetting the gut.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Coccidiosis | Crias and weanlings | Urgent |
| Worm burdens | Check fecal egg count | Urgent |
| Nematodirus | Crias in spring | Urgent |
| Cria scours | Crias under 1 month | Emergency |
| Grain overload | Got into feed | Emergency |
| Johne's disease | Chronic, weight loss | See vet soon |
| BVDV | Poor-doing crias | See vet soon |
| Diet change | Lush pasture, new hay, too much fruit | — |
| Plant poisoning | Access to toxic plants | Emergency |
What to check first
- Note consistency: clumped, soft-serve or watery.
- Take a rectal temperature (normal adult 99.5-101.8°F / 37.5-38.8°C) and count breaths per minute (normal 10-30 at rest).
- Check for dehydration: skin tent on the eyelid, sunken eyes, tacky gums.
- Collect a fresh fecal sample for your vet in a sealed bag (keep cool).
What you can do now
- Keep water and electrolytes available.
- Feed good grass hay only; remove grain, treats and lush grass for now.
- Isolate crias with diarrhea and keep them warm.
When to call the vet
- Immediately for crias, for watery diarrhea, blood, fever, or a dull animal.
- Within a day or two for mild clumping in a bright adult, with a fecal sample.
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
Why is my alpaca diarrhea (loose stool)?
Common causes include coccidiosis, worm burdens, nematodirus, cria scours and grain overload.
When should I call the vet?
Immediately for crias, for watery diarrhea, blood, fever, or a dull animal. Within a day or two for mild clumping in a bright adult, with a fecal sample.
What should I check first?
Note consistency: clumped, soft-serve or watery. Take a rectal temperature (normal adult 99.5-101.8°F / 37.5-38.8°C) and count breaths per minute (normal 10-30 at rest). Check for dehydration: skin tent on the eyelid, sunken eyes, tacky gums.
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.