Urgent — contact your vet today
Drooling or green regurgitated fluid can mean choke, poisoning or a mouth problem.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Choke | Repeated swallowing | Emergency |
| Rhododendron, pieris or laurel poisoning | Green regurgitation | Emergency |
| Slobbers (moldy clover) | Usually harmless | — |
| Dental problem | — | Urgent |
| Heat stress | — | Emergency |
| Mouth blisters | Reportable disease | Urgent |
What to check first
- Check the neck for a lump (choke).
- Look in the mouth for wounds or foreign bodies.
- Walk the paddock for chewed toxic plants or clippings.
What you can do now
- Remove feed if choke is suspected.
When to call the vet
- Immediately if choke or poisoning is possible.
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 drooling & green slobber in alpacas?
Common causes include choke, rhododendron, pieris or laurel poisoning, slobbers (moldy clover), dental problem and heat stress.
When should I call the vet?
Immediately if choke or poisoning is possible.
What should I check first?
Check the neck for a lump (choke). Look in the mouth for wounds or foreign bodies. Walk the paddock for chewed toxic plants or clippings.
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.