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Patchy fleece loss, crusts and rubbing usually point to external parasites or skin disease.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Mange mites | Legs, belly, face | See vet soon |
| Lice | Back and neck | See vet soon |
| Zinc-responsive dermatosis | Face crusts | See vet soon |
| Ringworm | Round patches | See vet soon |
| Photosensitization | Light skin | See vet soon |
What to check first
- Part the fleece and look for lice.
- Inspect legs, belly, face and ears for crusts.
What you can do now
- Separate itchy animals pending diagnosis.
When to call the vet
- Within a week; sooner if spreading.
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 fleece loss & itching in alpacas?
Common causes include mange mites, lice, zinc-responsive dermatosis, ringworm and photosensitization.
When should I call the vet?
Within a week; sooner if spreading.
What should I check first?
Part the fleece and look for lice. Inspect legs, belly, face and ears for crusts.
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.