Health & Illness
Chin Health & Illness
We will be adding information that we find important on health and illness of chinchillas. Please click any of the following links and it will bring you to the specific paragraph regarding that topic. Hope this helps!
Gastro-intestinal Stasis
Malocclusion
Fungus & Ringworm
Heat Stroke
Fur Chewing
Giardia
Hair Rings
Bumblefoot
Watery Eye
Hunchback
- Gastro-intestinal (GI) Stasis: (Constipation, Diarrhea and Bloat) A very useful web-source can be viewed here at http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html
- Malocclusion:
- Fungus & Ringworm:
- Heat Stroke: Since chinchillas have a lot of fur per each follicle, it is necessary to make sure that your chinchilla is always in optimal temperature. Your chinchilla should not be in direct sunlight. The room that your chin is in should be no higher than 72-75 degrees. We generally say that once a room hits 70 degrees and there is no chance in immediate climate decrease, to turn on your air conditioner. Heat stroke can cause the chin’s blood to coagulate in the blood stream therefore can easily clot. The symptoms of heat stroke are, but are not limited to, fatigue, bright, red-hot ears and lethargy. If your chinchilla is overheated for over an hours period of time, the chin may be dehydrated which you will then want to seek medical veterinarian assistance. (Pedialyte/Gatoraide watered down can be given in small moderations on your way to the vet’s office to help gain some electrolytes.) If you notice your chin overheated, please cool him or her down slowly as to not put the chin into shock.
- Fur Chewing:
- Giardia: Giardia is an intestinal parasite often transmitted from infected water. The symptoms are usually diarrhea, really soft poops that has an odor to it. Giardia is contagious to other animals and if it goes untreated can cause numerous other problems.
- Hair Rings:
- Bumblefoot: Bumblefoot is caused by a sanitation issue in your chinchillas cage which can be very painful. If bumblefoot is left untreated, it can result in amputation or even death. It is very similar to a staph infection. Bumblefoot is when your chinchillas feet become very dry and cracked, leading to cuts and bloody sores. Your chin with bumblefoot should be on oral antibiotics, chlorhexadine foot soaks and BluKote topical treatment should be applied daily until healed. A vet visit is definitely recommended. Here is a photo of bumblefoot.
