Chinchilla’s Common Diseases and Ailments

Chinchilla’s Common Diseases and Ailments

Chinchillas, although not as prone to sickness and ailments, still experience failings in their health. Signs that you may look for during these times are the following: watery eyes, missing fur patches (caused by constant fur biting due to stress), the underside of the chinchilla is discolored or wet, and inconsistency of your pet’s dropping. Do not forget to check their teeth regularly as these regularly grow within the year. They should also be yellow, and not white, as white teeth is a sure sign of your chin being calcium deficient.

Their diseases could be categorized into two sub-sections: the infectious and the non-infectious. Under infectious diseases, there are Enteritis, and Pneumonia. Out of these, enteritis, which is an infection of your pet’s digestive tract, is most common. Poor choice in breeding partner and management are frequent triggers of this problem. Signs of this illness include depression, diarrhea, appetite-loss, partial paralysis, and a painful stomach. It is advised that you consult you veterinarian at the first sign as this disease is often fatal regardless of having an aggressive therapy. Pneumonia is another common condition caused by damp, drafty housing. Signs that show your pet may have this include discharge from the eyes and nose, loss of appetite, and rough hair coat. Your treatment should involve more supportive care and antibiotics.

The other sub-category, non- infectious, include the following: Slobbers, Fur Slip, Fur Chewing, and finally, another common ailment especially during the summer, Heatstroke. Slobbers are characterized by the tendency to drool onto the fur under the chin. This is caused by mineral imbalance and poor dental alignment. Fur slip, in the meantime, is generally caused by rough handling of your pet. Fur chewing is almost similar to this if not for the fact that your chins are the ones doing the damage to themselves, not you to them. Some causes for this behavior include boredom, dirty fur, and imbalance in your dietary plans.

On to the last hurdle, we have heat stroke which chinchillas are quite sensitive to. Humidity and extreme heat can cause your pet to lie on its side and pant softly. This is one of the reasons why most pet-owners would not leave the cages in direct view of the sunlight. Treatments for this include applying rubbing alcohol on their feet, placing nearby some ice cubes, and misting. If this problem still insists, it is advised you contact your veterinarian as they will have more experience than you in animal care.