Urgent — contact your vet today
An alpaca that separates from the herd, lies down when others graze, or stays kushed (lying sternal) when you approach is usually unwell.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Heat stress | Hot humid weather | Emergency |
| Anemia from parasites | Pale gums | Urgent |
| Meningeal worm | Weak hind legs, wobbly | Urgent |
| Colic | Rolling, getting up and down | Emergency |
| Fatty liver | Not eating | Emergency |
| Pneumonia | Fast breathing, fever | Urgent |
| Urinary blockage | Males straining | Emergency |
| Rickets | Young animal, stiff, winter | See vet soon |
What to check first
- 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).
- Ask it to stand — can it rise normally? Does it walk evenly?
- Check gum color and look for diarrhea on the tail.
- Observe from a distance for 10 minutes: grazing, chewing cud, urinating?
What you can do now
- Keep it with a companion in a quiet, shaded or sheltered area.
- Provide water and hay within reach.
When to call the vet
- Same day if it won't get up, is not eating, or has abnormal temperature.
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 lethargy & lying down a lot in alpacas?
Common causes include heat stress, anemia from parasites, meningeal worm, colic and fatty liver.
When should I call the vet?
Same day if it won't get up, is not eating, or has abnormal temperature.
What should I check first?
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). Ask it to stand — can it rise normally? Does it walk evenly? Check gum color and look for diarrhea on the tail.
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.