Book a vet visit soon
Fleece hides weight loss. By the time you can see an alpaca is thin, it has usually lost a lot. Feel along the backbone every few weeks.
Possible causes
| Possible cause | Clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Internal parasites | Most common cause | Urgent |
| Liver fluke | Wet pastures | Urgent |
| Johne's disease | Chronic, good appetite | See vet soon |
| Dental problems | Dropping feed, jaw lumps | Urgent |
| Malocclusion | Overgrown incisors | Monitor |
| Inadequate feed or bullying | Low-ranking animals | — |
| Severe mange | Crusty legs | See vet soon |
| Cancer | Older or any age | See vet soon |
What to check first
- Body-condition score and weigh the animal.
- Run a fecal egg count.
- Check teeth and chewing.
- Watch feeding — is it pushed off the hay?
What you can do now
- Separate feeding for low-ranking animals.
- Offer good-quality hay and a balanced camelid ration.
When to call the vet
- Book a vet visit with a fecal sample; bloodwork may be needed.
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 weight loss in alpacas?
Common causes include internal parasites, liver fluke, johne's disease, dental problems and malocclusion.
When should I call the vet?
Book a vet visit with a fecal sample; bloodwork may be needed.
What should I check first?
Body-condition score and weigh the animal. Run a fecal egg count. Check teeth and chewing.
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.