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The clinical signs of an alpaca suffering from rickets can vary markedly but can include depression, sore limbs, a hunched stance, ill thrift, reluctance to stand or move, and occasionally angular limb deformities. It is generally a disease of young growing animals where growth plates in bones have not yet fused shut. The owner will often have noticed the animal hanging back and being the last through the gate, moving quite slowly.

Signs are highly suggestive of the diagnosis, together with age of the cria and weather patterns in the area over the previous few weeks. Low serum vitamin D levels or low blood phosphorus levels can confirm a diagnosis of rickets.

Treatment of rickets should be approached with caution; excessive vitamin D can be toxic. Some cases seen may also be too far along to permit treatment; in severe cases euthanasia is the only option. If treatment is elected, this is best done when the alpaca is still able to move and it has not progressed to full time recumbency. Standard treatment is to administer a small depot injection of vitamin D and repeat this in 10-14days. There are oral supplements available also but injectable products ensure adequate levels are received. An injection of phosphorus at the same time as Vitamin D is given also seems to aid in recovery.

As this is most commonly a disease of young, growing animals up to the age of around 18 months - 2 years, this is therefore the best time to supplement them. A standard regimen would be to start supplementation at around 8 weeks of age using injectable vitamin D and give three injections over the winter/spring period with a further injection over summer if the alpaca is in full fleece. This is then repeated the following year until the alpaca is 2 years old. The only other time vitamin D supplementation may be required would be prior to unpacking. Given 4-8 weeks out from the due date this can lift vitamin D levels in the cria over the first few weeks of life. Milk does not naturally contain vitamin D. For further information on vitamin D supplementation owners should contact their veterinary surgeon.

Dr Tim Potter BVetMed PhD MRCVS