Urgent — contact your vet today
Healthy alpacas have pink mucous membranes. Pale pink, white or yellowish membranes suggest anemia or jaundice.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Barber pole worm | Most common cause | Urgent |
| Liver fluke | Wet pastures | Urgent |
| Mycoplasma haemolamae | Stress, other disease | See vet soon |
| Heavy sucking lice | Crias | See vet soon |
| Copper deficiency | Rare | Monitor |
| Red maple / onion poisoning | Dark urine | — |
What to check first
- Pull down the lower eyelid and compare with herd mates.
- Check gums.
- Run a fecal egg count and ask your vet for a PCV blood test.
What you can do now
- Minimize stress and exertion; keep it in shade.
When to call the vet
- Same day — severe anemia can be fatal, and dewormer choice needs testing.
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 pale gums or eyelids (anemia) in alpacas?
Common causes include barber pole worm, liver fluke, mycoplasma haemolamae, heavy sucking lice and copper deficiency.
When should I call the vet?
Same day — severe anemia can be fatal, and dewormer choice needs testing.
What should I check first?
Pull down the lower eyelid and compare with herd mates. Check gums. Run a fecal egg count and ask your vet for a PCV blood test.
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.