Chinchillas are generally energetic creatures. When they are ill, their energy level drops so it is important to watch for this sign. A change in the amount of water and food consumed can also be a sign of illness. Whenever you suspect there may be problems, examine your chinchilla's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for clues as to the underlying ailment.
Eyes
Healthy chinchilla eyes are clear and lively looking. However, since chinchillas spend time in wood shavings and in dust baths, they sometimes suffer eye irritation. Signs of such irritation include an eye being held shut, constant pawing, and excessive tearing. A vet will be able to determine if there is something physical causing the irritation or if there is an infection that will require eye ointment.
Ears
Chinchillas don't often have problems with their ears. However, if you notice fluid coming from their ears, if there is repeated scratching, or issues with balance, you should seek the advice of a vet. Also watch out for ears that are unusually warm and red. This can be a sign of a fever and may be the beginning of pneumonia.
Nose
Believe it or not, chinchillas can get a cold just like people. Signs of a cold include a runny nose. The treatment for a cold is one of patience and ensuring that the chinchilla has enough water and is kept warm. Make sure to keep the chinchilla warm and that it is drinking well. Monitor the situation to make sure it doesn't get worse. One other thing, while a chinchilla's nose is runny, you should avoid giving it a dust bath.
Mouth
Chinchillas need to be constantly chewing on hard objects like wood or pumice stones to keep their teeth trimmed. If a chinchilla's teeth grow too long, there can be some serious health complications. Symptoms of teeth problems include:
- Repeating pawing of the mouth.
- Dribbling or drooling when eating.
- A dramatic reduction in food consumption.
- Significant weight loss.
- Watery eyes that can be caused by excessively long molars.
A chinchilla's teeth should be yellow and not white. White teeth could mean calcium deficiency. This condition usually only affects nursing female chinchillas. You can read more on the importance of tooth health.
Sources:
Bettina's
A New Owner's Guide to Chinchillas by Audrey Pavia
Entries (RSS)
February 15th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Morgan,
We've been lucky enough to not have had our chinchillas experience the problem you've described. Going to a vet seems like the best possible action, but as you've learned the hard way, it really helps to find a vet that deals with chinchillas or the more general category of exotic pets. Those that work with dogs and cats just don't have the experience or knowledge. We once went in to a place where they didn't even know what a chinchilla was. We of course turned around and walked away.
We hope things turn out well for you and your chinchilla. Please let us know what the diagnosis is.
February 14th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I'm worried about my chin!! Approximately a month and a half ago Chuck had gunk flowing out of his ear. I took him to the vet and she prescribed an antibiotic. Chuck took it twice daily and has been healthy for about three weeks. His ear is completely back to normal and has been eating and drinking again. HOwever, about an hour ago he started twirling. He has his head cocked to the left side (the same side as the infection) and is spinning in circles. I can't get him to stop! I've been holding him for most of the time trying to comfort him but I'm worried. I'm going to try and make a vet appointment for tomorrow, but I don't trust our last vet. She didn't seem to understand chins very well and had to look everything up in the book. Have your chins ever had this problem?? Do you know of anything I can do for him? Thanks!
February 12th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Daniele,
We're sorry to hear about the troubles your chinchilla is having. You've moved in to a realm that is out of our league. We're no vets and our chinchillas have been healthy. We wish we could be of more help!
February 12th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
I took my chinchilla to the vet today because he has seemed lethargic and has had a lack of appetite. The vet thinks he has tooth eruptions on his bottom jaw. He has to go back in the morning to be sedated and have x-rays to confirm this, but my chinchilla is possibly facing tooth extraction! Have you had any experience with this? How much am I looking at for this procedure and what can I expect to do for him during his recovery? Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.
November 8th, 2006 at 7:59 am
Simon,
We think there's still hope for your two chinchillas to get along especially since you say that things are getting better. Did you introduce them slowly like we describe here: http://www.chinchillaplanet.com/introducing-two-chinchillas/. If you went straight to having them play together, that might be the problem.
As for the eye problem, we're hesitant to try and diagnose a chinchilla over the web. Although what you describe might be caused by some external irritant e.g. dust bath, it might turn out to be contagious. All the more reason to check in with a vet as soon as you can. You wouldn't want your new chinchilla to develop the same problem.