Urgent — contact your vet today
Normal adult temperature is 99.5-101.8°F (37.5-38.8°C), slightly higher on hot afternoons.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Heat stress | If hot weather | Emergency |
| Pneumonia | — | Urgent |
| Infection in crias | — | Urgent |
| Listeriosis | — | Emergency |
| Mycoplasma | — | See vet soon |
What to check first
- Retake temperature after the alpaca has rested in shade for 30 minutes.
- Look for other signs.
What you can do now
- Cool if hot weather; shade.
When to call the vet
- If above 103°F (39.4°C) at rest, or any fever in crias.
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 fever (high temperature) in alpacas?
Common causes include heat stress, pneumonia, infection in crias, listeriosis and mycoplasma.
When should I call the vet?
If above 103°F (39.4°C) at rest, or any fever in crias.
What should I check first?
Retake temperature after the alpaca has rested in shade for 30 minutes. Look for other signs.
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.