Signs of Colic in Llamas

Colic is a type of illness that affects the abdomen and causes pain and discomfort. It is commonly seen in horses, but it is also a risk for llamas. Colic can cause severe pain to a llama and can even be fatal if not treated quickly. It is important to know your llama well and to seek veterinary attention if you notice any of the signs of colic developing.

  1. Groaning

    • Llamas are known for being very vocal animals. If your llama starts grunting and groaning more than is usual, this is often a sign of discomfort. It may be a sign of colic or other illness, so if your llama starts making a lot of noise, it is a good idea to watch for other symptoms.

    Arched Back

    • A llama's back is normally straight. If you notice that they are walking with a slightly arched back or appear hump-backed, that is a good indicator that they might have colic. Because of the pain colic causes, it causes the llama to adjust its posture to try and compensate for the pain.

    Discomfort

    • General discomfort can also be a sign of colic in llamas. If you see that your llama is continually getting up and down or can't seem to find a comfortable position to lie in, there may be something wrong.

    Looking at Belly

    • Llamas are smart animals, and if something doesn't feel right to them, they will know it. You may see your llama frequently looking at its belly. This is because of the abdominal pain the llama is experiencing, and it is mostly likely looking at its belly to try to figure out what is causing the pain.