In recent years, alpacas and llamas have become popular pets not only in Oklahoma but across the United States. Llamas have evolved to survive on protein sources between 2-4% in volume, making them perfectly suited for a variety of terrains within the United States. While some regions of the country may not provide adequate support for these camelids, Oklahoma is the perfect place for year-round pasture grazing. However, while alpacas and llamas may be suited for this region, they may still need regular medical care to thrive.
As a full-service veterinary services clinic, Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital can provide wellness, sick care, and husbandry services for the alpaca and llama populations in Green Country and the surrounding areas. Our staff is trained and ready to provide the services needed to help make your experience with alpacas and llamas great through helping you with vaccines or nutritional advice as well as nail care and parasite control programs to eliminate the spread of unwanted organisms throughout the herd. Although Advanced Care Animal Hospital does not make farm calls for alpacas or llamas, these camelids can be brought to the office by the owner to be seen.
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Comprehensive Alpaca and Llama Veterinary Medicine
The pack mentality of animals like alpacas and llamas make the spread of disease or sickness very likely among the herd as a whole. When new camelids are added to the pack, the need for veterinary services becomes even more apparent to keep the alpacas or llamas healthy and happy. Routine preventative care can help ensure that your camelids retain optimal health and continue to provide enjoyment for years to come.
As with any other pet or farm animal, early detection of disease or medical issues can help ensure that your alpaca or llama receives the attention needed to hinder the spread to other members of the herd. Taking the time to observe your herd regularly and identify any potential problems that may exist. Looking for changes and behavior and bringing your alpacas or llamas for a check-up with a veterinarian can help identify what the potential underlying cause may be.
Some service for camelids that we provide include:
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Vaccinations
As with any animal, providing them with the vaccines they need can help ensure they remain healthy and protected from a variety of common medical conditions including tetanus or Clostridium perfringens type C and D. Speak with your veterinarian to determine the right vaccinations for your llamas or alpacas to maintain herd health.
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Wellness Exams and Preventative Care
Maintaining a proper preventative care plan requires a semi-annual wellness exam to identify emerging health issues and remedy them before they cause a more severe problem. We also recommend annual bloodwork to screen for any underlying health issues, and semi-annual intestinal parasite exams.
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Dental Development and Care
Llamas and alpacas have a similar dental pad to that of a cow and often require veterinary intervention at some point throughout their development. While affected areas usually aren’t painful upon palpation, tooth extraction may be required to avoid mandibular fracture. Prolonged antibiotic therapy is palliative but rarely will cure the problem.
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Nail Trimming
While some llamas and alpacas may never need nail care, some may need nail trimming services every 2 to 3 months depending on their genetics, diet or the environment they live in. “Quickening” may be a problem occasionally on overgrown toes, it is generally considered inconsequential. Nails should always be trimmed flush with the bottom of the pad.
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Deworming
As with other animals, deworming may be necessary for alpacas and llamas to maintain optimal health. Proper deworming can help control internal parasites that may be spread to other members of the herd; however, choosing the proper dewormer is critical for ensuring that the common species of internal parasites are treated for.
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Grooming
Alpacas and llamas are wool-bearing animals and require grooming to ensure they maintain a clean, healthy coat at all times. However, some species of llama may have detrimental consequences if they are shorn. Speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure if your llama or alpaca needs grooming services before any are performed.
An Alpaca and Llama Friendly Hospital
It is important to know what options you have available whenever services may be needed to keep your herd healthy and happy. Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital uses specialized equipment and extensive employee training to ensure your camelid is in the best hands possible from the moment you arrive. Our goal is to minimize the stress your pet faces and give them the time needed to adjust to new surroundings.
Although we may not be able to make every alpaca or llama feel like they are at home, we strive to ensure that they feel safe throughout their time in our facilities. From preventative services to disease intervention or surgery when necessary, we want to create a positive experience for both you and your camelid through compassion, transparency, respect, and care.
Why Choose Advanced Care for Camelid Animal Veterinary Services?
Advanced Care is more than just a primary care hospital. Our patients and clients are special to us and are the reason why we always treat everyone who comes to visit as another member of our family each and every time they walk in our doors. We do not treat every patient the same because we understand that each one requires individualized care and attention.
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