Normal Llama and Alpaca Vital Signs and Physical Examination Parameters
– Heart rate: 60-90 BPM, found by listening (auscultating) with stethoscope in the fleece-free area below the elbow. Heart rate may increase due to exercise/exertion/excitement, stress, fever, or pain. Arrhythmias are common in SAC, usually not a big deal.
-Temperature: Varies from 99.5 to 102F. Newborns cannot thermoregulate and have a wider temperature range. Environmental temperatures can greatly influence body climate. SACs are prone to heat stress and care must be taken to ensure that cooling systems (shade, sprinklers and fans) are used.
– Respiratory rate at rest: Varies from 10 to 30 BPM, can 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 to feel warm breath.
Respiratory rates may increase due to exercise/exertion/excitement, stress, fever, illness (eg, pneumonia), obstruction, or pain
– Mucous membranes and capillary refill time: 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 “normal” behaviors for both individuals and the pack. Watch for isolation, lack of feeding competition, 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 body palpation (especially the bony parts) should be performed as soon as possible.
– Gait: Does the animal move all limbs normally when walking, walking, trotting and galloping? Failure to bear weight on a particular limb likely indicates pain or injury.
-Conformation: When assessing health, pay close attention to the bearing of the head and neck. A weak, diseased, or depressed SAC will hold the head lower (extended) or arch it back over the chest.
– Eyes, ears and mouth: The eyes should 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 stimulation. A droopy ear (especially with a tilted head) or bad odor indicates a potential problem. The mouth must be symmetrical and functional. Observe animals during feeding to ensure normal chewing and swallowing behavior.
– NOTE: Everyone (!) should have a thermometer dedicated to animal use. 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, discuss the common medications you may want with your vet.