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Clear discharge may be dust; thick or one-sided discharge suggests infection or a foreign body.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory infection | Fever, fast breathing | Urgent |
| Nasal bots | Sneezing | Monitor |
| Dusty hay | Clear discharge | — |
| Choke | Feed from nose | Emergency |
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).
- Note color and whether it is one or both nostrils.
What you can do now
- Feed dust-free hay; improve barn ventilation.
When to call the vet
- If fever, fast breathing or feed from the nose.
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 runny nose & coughing in alpacas?
Common causes include respiratory infection, nasal bots, dusty hay and choke.
When should I call the vet?
If fever, fast breathing or feed from the nose.
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). Note color and whether it is one or both nostrils.
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.