Question: Uncomfortable pregnant female

I have one alpaca that is expecting her first cria in July of 2004.  She seems to have a cramp or some sort of pain when ever she runs and plays, she will lay down and rock back and forth on her side for about 15 Min's or so.  Than she seems fine, is this normal?  I have 3 others expecting and they never do it.  This alpaca is very active and loves to play and seem to feel great until she gets running and jumping around.  Would you have any advice for us?  Is there something we should be doing?

Answer:

My bet is that she is normal. I do see gestational discomfort in alpacas once in a while. So long as attitude, appetite, activity, defecation, urination, etc are all normal - she should be fine. If this behavior is accompanied by any other abnormalities, then I would check her for a uterine torsion (your vet would need to do this by rectal palpation). If she is depressed, not eating well, etc then run some labs to be sure she does not have pregnancy toxemia or an ulcer.