Alpaca and Llama Veterinary Care
Our Services
Equiheart® Veterinary Services is proud to provide mobile camelid care throughout northern New Jersey. Dr. Wilson is passionate about delivering personalized service to her clients and the best available care to her patients. For emergencies, we are available to our established clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Husbandry and Wellness Care
There are a number of simple husbandry practices that camelid owners should employ to keep their herd as healthy as possible. Whether it’s toenail trimming, soft-pad care, de-worming recommendations, or nutrition consulting, Dr. Wilson is there for your herd’s basic wellness needs. She will provide you guidance about disease prevention and health maintenance — and even offer camelid wellness plans tailored to your animal’s individual needs. This type of routine care can help prevent more serious issues down the road!
24/7 Emergency Care
Although alpacas and llamas are resilient, they are prone to some health care issues. It is believed that because camelids are prey in the wild, they have developed compensatory behaviors to avoid being recognized as ill or vulnerable. Often they will show minimal outward signs of illness until their condition has become very serious. It is important to call a veterinarian at the first sign of failing health. Dr. Wilson is an expert in camelid care and is available to provide 24/7 emergency care for established clients.
Vaccinations
Vaccination recommendations can vary from animal to animal, so Dr. Wilson is happy to design a custom vaccination regimen to address the individual needs of each llama and alpaca. Vaccinations that are recommended in northern New Jersey are clostridium perfringens types C & D, clostridium tetani, and rabies.
Biosecurity
When introducing a new camelid to your herd, be sure to keep your existing and new members healthy by following the recommended biosecurity protocol. Depending on the size of your existing herd and the accommodations available at your farm, it may not be possible to adhere to all of the suggested biosecurity protocols. Dr. Wilson understands that each client has it’s own resources and challenges. She is happy to help develop a revised protocol or address any concerns following the integration of your new camelids.
Dentistry
Camelids such as alpacas and llamas require regular dental care to keep them healthy and comfortable. A camelid’s teeth grow continuously for the first 8 years of life. In their natural habitat, camelids graze on short grasses, and the sand and grit that enters the mouth while eating helps to grinds down their teeth. When camelids are raised locally in New Jersey, however, this natural grinding does not often occur — but is still vital to the dental health of the animal. Dr. Wilson is happy to provide dental evaluation and trimming for her clients.
Sunburn Prevention
Llamas and alpacas must be shorn to avoid heat stress. Sunburn after shearing is a common injury to domesticated llamas and alpacas that can prove serious when not addressed properly. Insect bites and the introduction of bacteria to the affected area can be of particular concern. To avoid these issues, it is recommended that shearing is completed in late spring when the sun is less intense. Should shearing be required in the heat of the summer, be sure to provide adequate shelter and protection from the sun.