Emergency — call your vet now
Unexpected deaths need a necropsy to protect the rest of the herd.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Plant poisoning | Yew, oleander, cherry | Emergency |
| Clostridial disease | Unvaccinated | Emergency |
| Severe anemia | — | Urgent |
| Heat stroke | — | Emergency |
| Ionophore toxicity | — | Emergency |
| Predator attack | — | Emergency |
What to check first
- Check the paddock for toxic plants or clippings and the feed room for spills.
What you can do now
- Keep the body cool and contact your vet about necropsy.
When to call the vet
- Immediately.
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 sudden death in an alpaca?
Common causes include plant poisoning, clostridial disease, severe anemia, heat stroke and ionophore toxicity.
When should I call the vet?
Immediately.
What should I check first?
Check the paddock for toxic plants or clippings and the feed room for spills.
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.