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In their natural environment, alpacas use their incisors to ‘rasp’ away moss and lichens growing on rocky surfaces and this keeps a check on the rapidly growing incisors.
In New Zealand, the diet offered may not cause enough wear of the teeth, so regular dental checks are essential to alpaca health
Excessively long lower incisors are commonly noticed, while caudal premolars and molars can develop severe abnormalities, which are invisible without a thorough oral exam and knowledge of the normal dentition.
Male alpacas can develop fighting teeth which need to be ground-off to prevent injuries. Also, remember to always consider teeth in any animal “not doing well”.
For more information on our dental service, please give us a ring.
Tararua Vets offers a comprehensive on-farm and in-clinic veterinary service. Our branches in Pahiatua and Dannevirke complement this service with carefully chosen animal health products and merchandise with up-to-date advice on their use.
© Tararua Veterinary Services, 2021