How to Locate a Vet That Will Treat a Pet Llama

Llamas are generally hardy animals that will remain quite healthy as long as they have plenty of fresh hay and water. You will need to locate a vet, however, who is familiar with treating camelids such as llamas and alpacas in case a problem does occur. There are plenty of resources available that can help you to find the veterinarian that is the most convenient for you and your pet llama. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Health records
• First aid kit

Locate a Vet That Will Treat Your Pet Llama

1. Ask your current vet if she can recommend another vet who specializes in camelids if she does not. Have your vet contact the referral first to see if the other vet is currently accepting new clients.
2. Visit a local llama or alpaca farm in your area, and ask as many questions as you can about medical care for camelids. See if these owners can refer you to a vet who will be available to treat your llama.
3. Attend events and show competitions sponsored by the Alpaca and Llama Show Association (ALSA) in order to make contact with a vet who specializes in treating llamas. ALSA events usually contain several exhibits designed to familiarize people with the care and breeding of llamas.
4. Use online sources such as RockIsland.com to locate vets who specialize in treating camelids such as llamas and alpacas (see Resources below).
5. Keep diligent records on the health of your llama, including information about all vaccinations, de-worming treatments, blood tests, shearing and any injuries or sicknesses your pet llama might have experienced. A new vet will often ask to see these records before he agrees to treat your animal.

Tips & Warnings

• You should put together a medical first aid kit for your llama for the times when a vet is not immediately available. This kit should contain such items as a flashlight, syringes, needles, ointments, gauze, scissors and a stethoscope. For a complete list, check out the medical section of the Llamapaedia website.
• Llamas usually only lay down when they are extremely ill and close to death. If your llama goes down, get emergency medical treatment immediately. Don't let a veterinarian who is unfamiliar with camelids try to persuade you that the animal is okay.