Ideal for: Routine checks every 3-4 months
The Mini MOT
Focused maintenance for the tricky elements. We take care of the toenail trimming and physical checks that are easy to put off but vital to get right.
Includes:
-
The Service
-
Halter & Restraint
-
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
-
Fleece & Skin Check
-
Eye Membrane Check
-
Dental Check
-
Oral Vitamin Supplementation
-
-
Toenail Trim
-
Basic Limb & Gait Check
per alpaca
£40
Your alpaca will be calmly restrained using a halter and a gentle head hold to allow us to carry out checks safely and with minimal stress.
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is assessed by feeling fat and muscle coverage along an alpaca’s spine and ribs. This is a vital indicator of overall health, as issues can easily be hidden beneath thick fleece. Sudden changes in body condition may signal underlying problems, so it’s good to check regularly. We can also support you with long-term nutritional adjustments for animals that are underweight or overweight.
One of the first things we notice on an alpaca is whether overgrown fleece is affecting their vision. We have a bit of a catchphrase: “Let them see!” Where needed, we’ll trim excess fleece so your alpaca can see clearly, feel comfortable, and move with confidence - plus a fresh trim never hurts their looks!
We then carry out a general check of the skin and fleece, looking for irritation, parasites, or small injuries that can be hidden within the fibre. We also assess fleece condition and hygiene, noting any matting, discolouration, or abnormal fleece loss, which may point to underlying issues such as mite activity or nutritional imbalance. Catching these early helps you adjust their care before small problems have the chance to develop.
Eye membrane checks are carried out as they can be an early indicator of internal parasites, even in otherwise bright and healthy-looking animals. Because eye membranes can change quickly, it’s always worthwhile to check while animals are held. If we notice paleness, we can take an on-the-spot faecal sample for same-day parasite testing, giving you peace of mind and fast answers.
Dental checks are an important part of routine care, as good dental health is crucial for proper ruminant digestion. Occasionally, teeth can overgrow and interfere with normal eating behaviour. Older alpaca may naturally lose teeth over time and require an adapted diet to support their nutrition. During checks, we could also detect signs of dental infection or damage, which will require veterinary attention to prevent further complications.
Vitamin paste is a combined oral supplement containing vitamins A, D, E, B12, and K, which supports healthy development and maintenance. Alpaca in the UK require vitamin supplementation as our limited sunlight and diet alone often don't meet their needs. We administer the paste using a specialist dosing gun, ensuring accurate delivery in a quick, gentle manner. It’s placed towards the back of the mouth for safe and easy delivery - we find that some alpaca really enjoy the taste! If you have previously used an injectable vitamin, we are more than happy to assist with administering the injection; however, the suspension must be provided by yourselves and the service will be upgraded to the Full MOT to cover injectables.
For the limb and gait check, we observe your animal’s movement and examine limbs for any signs of stiffness, swelling, or injury. While checking legs, we often detect early signs of mites or other external parasites around their toes or hidden in armpits - we will be able to discuss this on a case-by-case basis. Early detection of complications allows us to give guidance on care or recommend veterinary support if necessary.
Regular toenail trimming helps an alpaca maintain healthy feet, proper gait, and overall comfort. Overgrown nails can lead to pain and mobility problems, making this a vital step in your alpaca’s care regimen. Cutting toenails can involve a lot of handling and patience, so the time can vary from 3 minutes to 20!
Please ensure there is a clean and dry working area for us to safely handle your alpaca. Mud doesn't hurt, but it can impede our work as we check for any abnormalities and rely on our balance. We don’t, however, expect you to control the weather!
We ask that you have your animals pre-sectioned either in a hurdled pen or shelter. We do not request the alpaca to be haltered before we arrive, as it can influence their responses and prevent them from presenting their most natural behaviour.
Please let us know in advance if any animal has known handling difficulties or health concerns we should be aware of.
If an animal becomes distressed or a concern is identified that requires more time, we’ll discuss the next best steps with you. This may include upgrading a package or arranging a follow-up visit, whichever is best for yourselves and your alpaca.
We reserve the right to pause a handling session at any point for the welfare or safety of both your animals and ourselves. We will never push through if we believe anyone is at risk. This may include relocating the session to a safer space or stopping completely if any dangers arise.
We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt our techniques and calm anxious animals, but please be aware that some individuals may require a slower approach, with breaks or split visits. In these cases, attempting the “all-in-one” package may be detrimental to the animal’s welfare, and a staged approach could be safer and more effective.
This will be openly discussed and prioritises the safety and welfare of your animals.
We are always happy to discuss our findings with you as we go.
Any findings or recommendations will be noted and included in your follow-up email, along with guidance and ongoing care if needed.