Colic in Llamas

Colic is a painful condition for your llama.

Llamas weigh in from 250 to 425 lbs. and are anywhere from 5 feet to 6 1/2 feet tall. These animals are part of the camelid family, originating from the central part of the United States more than 12,000 years ago. Today, many ranchers have started raising llamas to guard livestock, shear them for wool or to drive carts. Though llamas are relatively hardy animals, they are susceptible to many of the same diseases and illnesses as sheep and cows, including colic.

What is Colic?

Colic is a general discomfort in the abdomen and is quite painful. Typically, colic is caused by overactive intestines, resulting from a change in food habits, such as diet or irregular feeding. Changes in exercise habits can also contribute to colic.

Signs and Symptoms

A llama suffering from colic will often arch his back, then lie on the ground and stand up again, trying to find a position that will ease the pain. When your llama stands, he may arch his back or even kick at his stomach. Also, some llamas will groan or grind their teeth. If your llama has exhibited any of these signs for more than an hour, you should contact your veterinarian for treatment options.

Treatment

If colic is diagnosed, you must remove all food and water from the llama's area. Colic symptoms should improve on their own, but monitor your llama and contact your vet with any worsening symptoms or behavior. Some owners believe a natural medicine of herbs will help with colic symptoms.

Residual Effects

Some colic episodes in your llama may last only a short time with no lasting effects. However, some llamas may continue to suffer with displaced intestines or even intestines that are twisted. When this occurs, the llama will usually require surgery to repair the damage.

Prevention

Llamas should drink from 2 to 5 gallons of water each day, and some llama owners believe that if a llama's water intake drops below this amount they have a greater chance of having abdominal discomfort.

Other Diseases and Illnesses

In addition to colic, llamas are susceptible to other diseases as well. One of the most common is enterotoxemia which occurs from overeating. Other diseases include tuberculosis and tetanus. Parasites such as lungworms, tapeworms, and flukes can also infect llamas.

References

• North Dakota University Agriculture Extension: Llama
• Shagbark Ridge Llamas: Health, Care and Management for Llamas and Alpacas
• Pearson Pond Llamas: Warning Signs of Ilness - Know Your Llamas
• Washington State University Extension: 4H -- Llamas
• Holistic Animal Medicines: Colic

Resources

• Llama.org