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A firm swelling along the jawbone usually points to a tooth root abscess.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth root abscess | Most common | Urgent |
| Plant awn injury | Awned hay | — |
| Lymph node abscess | — | — |
What to check first
- Feel both sides of the jaw.
- Look for draining pus.
- Watch for dropped feed.
What you can do now
- Feed soft, leafy hay.
When to call the vet
- Within a few days; sooner if not eating.
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 hard lump on the jaw in alpacas?
Common causes include tooth root abscess, plant awn injury and lymph node abscess.
When should I call the vet?
Within a few days; sooner if not eating.
What should I check first?
Feel both sides of the jaw. Look for draining pus. Watch for dropped feed.
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.