Alpaca Dental Services

07/08/2025

As many of you know I have had some time off from work to have my knee replaced! I'm recovering very well and will be returning to work in September.

I will start from home with any urgent cases that will travel to me. I will then build up with local clients before venturing 'through the tunnel' as those days tend to be very long!

I already have lots of bookings so if you wish to be added to my list, for this side of Christmas, please get in touch.

06/08/2025

Rach was one of my book production team members 🦙🦷

02/07/2025

Great information for all owners and everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a member of the AAA

ALPACA DENTISTRY WORKSHOP

Date: Sunday 20th July
Time 10-12MD
Venue: Auravale Alpacas, Belgrave South, 3160.
Presenter: Alpaca Dentist - Allison Quagliani
Cost: $50 per stud or family
RSVP: Wednesday 9th July, please rsvp to the VER secretary- [email protected]
The workshop is open to members and non members.

Summary of Workshop

An overview of dental anatomy.
Discussion about some of the problems that I see and how they affect the alpaca’s ability to live, eat and chew its food.
I’ll show some examples and give tips to help you to recognise any animals in your care that might have a problem. Allison Quagliani

04/05/2025

Wow. Mother Nature has put on a show this morning

26/03/2025

I feel the need to dispel a few myths.....

1. Firstly there is a belief that fighting teeth do not have nerves!
They absolutely DO have nerves, along with a blood supply and that is why you cannot trim them to the gumline when they are three years old. Alpacas are very sensitive to having their FT trimmed.

2. You trim incisors so they meet the pad!
No, incisors don't always meet the dental pad for many reasons- that is why they need trimming in the first place. Trimming them too short will expose the sensitive part of the tooth! See photo

3. Alpacas need their teeth trimming annually!
Again this is not true. Checking them annually is a good idea but trimming is not an annual husbandry task! Some alpacas do need their incisors trimmed annually but the majority do not. In fact most alpacas never need their incisors trimming.

Would you like more information?
Check out my website and buy my book. www.alpacadentist.com.au

14/03/2025

Does your alpaca have a lump on the side of its jaw?
Your alpaca could be quidding- holding a cud or wad of food, in its cheek, which it later spits out. It is serious!! They are not storing it for later.
This ball of food protects the cheeks and gums from the pain of overgrown or very sharp molars.
My book has lots of information about quidding www.alpacadentist.com.au

13/03/2025

Alpacas don't just graze, they also spend time browsing on trees and shrubs.
There is a lot more information on my website www.alpacadentist.com.au

12/03/2025

Cheek Teeth
At the back of the mouth in both the upper and lower jaws are the premolars and molars, usually referred to as the cheek teeth. These teeth do all the hard work grinding the food to a consistency suitable for swallowing

05/03/2025

Call me direct if you’d like a place 😉
0423547768

04/03/2025

Do you enjoy my posts?
Are they interesting?
Are they relevant and educational?

Do you want to know more?
Have a look at my website www.alpacadentist.com.au
There is more information there and you are able to purchase my book!! It's easy to read and full of colour photos and diagrams.

03/03/2025

Following on from my last post about Fighting teeth. The two photos are what 'safe' fighting teeth should look like. The sharp points are removed and the teeth are shortened to prevent the male from getting a good grip.
Warning-All teeth have a nerve and blood supply and teeth trimming should only be carried out by appropriately trained operators. Check the regulations where you live.

For more information www.alpacadentist.com.au

26/02/2025

Fighting Teeth
Adult males have 6 fighting teeth. 2 in the top jaw and one in the bottom jaw on each side of the mouth. They are very sharp. You can see from these photos that they point towards the rear of the mouth and they interlock so once they have hold of flesh they don't let go easily!! They cause a lot of damage. Do you want to know more? Have a look at my website www.alpacadentist.com.au There is a lot of info there.