Normal llama and alpaca vital signs and physical examination parameters
– Heart rate: 60-90 BPM, detected by listening (auscultating) with a stethoscope in the area without fleece below the elbow. The heart rate may increase due to exercise / exertion / excitement, stress, fever, or pain. Arrhythmias are common in SACs, they are generally not a big problem.
-Temperature: Varies from 99.5 to 102F. Newborns cannot thermoregulate and have a wider temperature range. Ambient temperatures can greatly influence body temperatures. SACs are prone to heat stress and care must be taken to ensure cooling systems (shade, foggers, and fans) are used.
– Resting respiratory rate: ranges from 10-30 BPM, may be difficult to hear with the stethoscope due to the fleece. Watch for the rise and fall of the chest / flank area or place your hand in front of your nostrils for warm breath.
Respiratory rate may increase due to exercise / exertion / excitement, stress, fever, illness (eg, pneumonia), obstruction, or pain.
– Fill time of mucous and capillary membranes: Check the non-pigmented areas of the gums, they should be light pink, moist and when pressed with the fingertip the color should return in 1-2 seconds. The vulva can also be examined if the pigment covers the entire oral cavity.
– Temperament / attitude: Each animal will be different so your observations are vital! Be aware of the “normal” behaviors of both individuals and the herd. Be on the lookout for isolation, lack of competence in feeding, excessively quiet animals, sudden aggression … anything unusual
– Body condition: The ideal is to weigh the animals throughout the year. The fleece can hide even a severely emaciated condition, so a full palpation of the body (especially the bony parts) should be performed when possible.
– Gait: Does the animal move all the limbs normally when walking, walking, trotting and galloping? Not bearing the weight of a particular limb probably indicates pain or injury.
-Conformation: When assessing health, pay close attention to the transport of the head and neck. A weak, sick, or depressed SAC will keep the head lower (extended) or arch it back over the chest.
– Eyes, ears and mouth: the eyes must be wide open and clear. The balloon must be smooth. Squinting and tearing are signs of a problem. The ears should be in a normal position and move according to the stimulation. A drooping ear (especially with a tilted head) or a bad smell indicates a potential problem. The mouth must be symmetrical and functional. Observe animals during feeding to ensure normal chewing and swallowing behaviors.
– NOTE: Everyone (!) Must have a thermometer dedicated to the use of animals. Also, know where it is and feel comfortable using it. An inexpensive stethoscope can also be helpful. Always have basic wound care supplies on site (betadine or novalsan scrub, triple antibiotic ointment, vet wrap, non-stick pads, saline eye irrigation, clean washcloths or towels …) if you have multiple animals, talk about the common medications you may want from your vet.