South East Alpaca Group

In this article, we’ll walk through common ways to spot signs of dental disease in alpacas, what types of treatment options are usually available, and what steps you can take as a alpaca owner to reduce the risk of problems developing in the first place.

Before diving into disease, it’s worth understanding a bit about the dental anatomy of these animals. Alpacas are pseudo-ruminants, meaning they have a complex three-compartment stomach but rely heavily on their cheek teeth (molars and premolars) to grind fibrous forage.

An adult alpaca typically has:

• Six incisors in the lower front jaw (none in the upper front, just a hard dental pad)
• Canine teeth (particularly in males, which may erupt as fighting teeth)
• Two premolars and three molars on each side of both upper and lower jaws

Importantly, alpaca teeth continue to erupt throughout life, and the way they wear depends on diet, bite alignment, and jaw structure.

While dental disease can affect animals of any age, many problems become more apparent from age 3 and up. Frequently encountered issues include:

1. Malocclusion (Misalignment) – Types: Overbite, underbite, lateral deviation, offset molars. This results in poor chewing efficiency, uneven tooth wear, and overgrowths.
   
2. Molar Spurs and Overgrowths – Sharp enamel points or elongated molars can lacerate the cheek or tongue, causing pain and reluctance to eat. This is more common in older alpacas or those fed mainly soft forage.

3. Tooth Root Abscesses – Bacterial infections that affect the base of a tooth, often seen as swelling of the lower jaw or facial asymmetry. This is often associated with molar disease or trauma, and can lead to chronic infection, weight loss, or drainage tracts.

4. Periodontal Disease – Inflammation and infection of the gums and ligaments supporting the teeth. This is less common in alpacas than in other species but still significant, especially where feed gets trapped between teeth.

5. Retained or Impacted Teeth – Typically a congenital issue seen in crias or young adults. This can result in an abnormal bite, discomfort, and early onset of wear problems.

Alpacas don’t yelp in pain or stop eating altogether at the first sign of dental discomfort. Instead, the signs are subtle and build over time. Key things to watch for include:

• Slow or prolonged chewing
• Dropping feed from the mouth
• Refusal of hard feed (e.g., pellets) but still grazing
• Favouring one side when chewing
• Cheek or jaw swelling (firm or soft)
• Foul-smelling breath or drool
• Weight loss despite good appetite
• Head shaking or rubbing face on objects

If you see any of the above, especially in combination, it’s time to involve a vet for further investigation.

A dental examination in an alpaca should always be carried out by a vet or veterinary dentist experienced with camelids. Sedation is usually required to do a thorough job safely and comfortably, but may not always be required.

The check-up might include:

• Sedated oral examination and use of a speculum to open the mouth.
• Visual and manual inspection of all teeth and soft tissues.
• Head Palpation, checking for asymmetry, swelling, or signs of discomfort.
• Radiographs (X-rays) – essential in cases of suspected tooth root abscesses, and may reveal hidden infections, fractures, or bone involvement.
• Ultrasound – occasionally used to assess soft tissue changes in the jaw or face.
• Culture and Sensitivity Testing, if pus or a draining tract is present, identifying the causative bacteria can help tailor treatment.

Treatment depends on the specific dental condition and how advanced it is. Common treatments include:

1. Dental Floating (Tooth Filing) – Used to smooth sharp enamel points, correct overgrowths, and improve bite contact. Performed under sedation with specialised equipment, and usually requires follow-up every 1–3 years depending on progression.
2. Tooth Extraction – necessary for severely infected, damaged, or loose teeth, especially those with abscesses. Can be done intra-orally (through the mouth) or extra-orally (through the skin), depending on the case. Post-op care includes antibiotics, wound management, and pain relief.
3. Antibiotics and Anti-inflammatories – often prescribed alongside other treatments to manage infection and discomfort. Long-acting injectables (e.g., oxytetracycline) are frequently used.
4. Nutritional Support – in cases where weight loss is significant, soft feed, soaked hay cubes, or specially formulated camelid recovery diets may be advised until normal chewing resumes.

As with humans, and many alpaca conditions, prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure. Here are some steps you might consider:

1. Annual Sedated Dental Checks – from age 3 onwards, include a proper oral exam in your routine health plan, as catching and correcting overgrowths early prevents complications later.
2. Monitor Body Condition and Eating Behaviour – sudden changes often indicate something deeper than fussiness. Record weights monthly, especially in winter and post-weaning.
3. Feed Appropriately – Balance long fibre (e.g., hay or grass) with moderate pellet or hard feed, and avoid overly soft, sugary, or powdery diets that reduce chewing effort.
4. Avoid Group Overcrowding at Feed Time – give every alpaca space and time to eat undisturbed—those pushed away often end up hiding problems.
5. Handle Jaw Swellings Early – don’t assume it’s “just a knock.” Vet checks can distinguish between trauma, abscess, or even neoplasia (tumours).

Alpacas may not show pain like other animals, but that doesn’t mean they’re not suffering. Dental problems develop quietly, often over months or years, and their impact on feeding, digestion, and quality of life can be profound.

Routine dental care, owner vigilance, and prompt veterinary intervention are the cornerstones of good oral health in alpacas. With the right tools and proactive management, most dental disease is entirely treatable, and much of it preventable.

So, the next time you lift a feed bowl or observe your herd at grazing, look a little closer at what they’re doing with their mouths. That subtle hesitation or tilted chew might just be your earliest clue.

Important notice: The content provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. These articles are not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the guidance of a qualified veterinary surgeon who is familiar with your animal’s individual circumstances before acting upon any information contained herein. Neither SEAG, its authors, contributors, nor any associated persons accept any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or injury (whether direct, indirect, or consequential) arising from reliance on the information published on this website. If you have concerns about the health or welfare of your animals, we strongly encourage you to consult your own veterinary professional without delay.