However, theyre unique animals with unique veterinary needs. If there is a vaginal discharge or swelling in the lower abdominal cavity, she may have developed a pyometra, a condition where the entire uterus is filled with pus. Causes Ear injuries in chinchillas may be due to a bite from another animal or a self-inflicted wound, or exposure to extreme temperatures. You must identify bumblefoot as early as you can. (And How It Actually Works). While the term bumblefoot sounds cute enough, its a health issue, and not one to be taken lightly. To take its temperature, lubricate a digital rectal thermometer designed for small animals. If it does have blood around its rear end, this is a sign of physical trauma or a medical condition and you should get your chinchilla checked by a vet. UTIs can similarly make bumblefoot worse. But if your chinchilla isn't displaying any other signs of ill health, it's probably fine. Infection and Inflammation of the Uterus in ChinchillasMetritis in Chinchillas Metritis, otherwise known as the infection and inflammation of the uterus, typically affects female chinchillas that have recently given birth. The microbiome refers to billions and billions of microscopic living organisms (e.g. Chinchillas can release, or slip, patches of fur when theyre handled roughly or stressed. This article has been viewed 12,540 times. Chinchillas can bite each other and create big, open wounds. Other signs of constipation include fewer fecal pellets, and any that are produced are thin and harder than usual. The purpose of surgery is to remove dead infected tissue. Many owners will simply trim their whiskers off to remove this aggressive nature. They have products specifically for pets. Soft chirping lets you know they are fine with something you are doing, while louder chirping can mean they are excited and want attention. It can be from an adult that is showing aggression through extreme Alpha males or overly aggressive females. WebMy wethers are a little aggressive especially with all my 6 does in heat. The actual delivery should be finished in under 30 minutes. The bacteria in a bumblefoot infection can be transmitted from one chinchilla to another. This can include bushes, grasses,leaves, twigs, roots, and stems. Anal sacs may become clogged (impacted), infected, abscessed, or cancerous. Are Chinchillas Dangerous? So should a wound that has pus or dirt in it. Simply take any bloody bedding and replace it with fresh. Anal sac disease is much less common in cats than in dogs. This occurs because your chinchilla cant stand comfortably on its feet. TheGIsystem of chinchillas is designed to process high levels of fiberwhichare not calorically dense nor highly digestible. When chinchillas have gastrointestinal issues, they may get diarrhea. Seizures are not common in chinchillas, even though they are in other small pets. Every one to two weeks, check its teeth, eyes, ears, nose, fur, and droppings for signs of illness. General condition of the animal, clinical signs of infection which include the surrounding skin condition (red, hot, fluctuant [squishy]), pus, lost fur, the wound itself (including colour of the wound, depth, size), any bleeding or fluid loss, position of the wound, and underlying cause. Barking is an aggressive sound telling you not to approach. Standing on the naked wire bars of the cage is the most common cause. The infection causes damage to the bladder and the pipes that connect it to the kidneys or the urethra, hence the blood. The earliest issue youll likely notice is that your chinchilla stops moving around so much. Monitor your chinchillas temperature while you cool it. Let's say you've had your chinchilla a while now. Also, chinchillas may spray urine to inform someone to back up, back off, or to let you know that they feel threatened. Theconstantintake of fiber is essential for thegastrointestinal (GI)tract of chinchillas and if dental disease negatively affectsthis,it can lead to alife-threateningissue known asGIstasis. % of people told us that this article helped them. 21. Check the temperature of the room, as it might be a sign they are too hot. If theres only a small amount, a deep clean wont be required. Treatment Early detection and treatment are essential because affected female chinchillas can develop a severe and fatal bacterial infection with sudden deterioration and death. The leading cause is physical trauma. Theyll likely recommend antibiotics to prevent infection. Dont try picking them up at this point. Getting bitten by a chinchilla is not a pleasant experience since they can bite hard enough to pierce the skin. This will be the basic first aid until you can get your chinchilla into a Vet with experience with small exotics. Some cases are more serious than others, so the cause of the blood should be ascertained. Thats why its so essential to catch bumblefoot before it gets too bad. If your chinchilla passed away and you found lots of blood around its cage, you could ask your vet for a necropsy. Not being able to properly eat pellets is a sign of malocclusion, which is where the teeth don't meet properly in the middle. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Try not to confuse fur slip with uneven bald patches. You just put a little bit on the foot, massage it in, and wipe off any excess with a tissue (so he doesn't get poop stuck to his feet). will affect them all. I am passionate about exotic pets and I dedicate my time doing research, meeting, and interviewing people working with animals. It's best to feed your chinchilla hay and hay pellets, and dry snacks, rather than watery foods. Have Questions About Any Chinchilla Sounds Or Chinchillas? Chinchillas arent going to get sick from viruses that other animals usually suffer from. It is common in small rodents. You can! Overeating and becoming overweight will also be a problem that leads to a lack of exercise. You can use a hay rack instead of a food bowl. And not in a normal way, but hopping really high, and bouncing off the cage walls. A scream means theyre either in distress, in pain, or have been scared by something (a nightmare, loud noise sudden outside, a fire alarm, etc. Identify the cause if possible and take your chinchilla to the vet. So you are in need of help of a vet urgently. Chinchilla feet can also be injured in the cage bars, or by splinters. This will stop your chinchilla from jumping up or down from them, which can make bumblefoot worse. Wire bars are uncomfortable to stand on, but most importantly provideuneven pressureacross the feet. It seems to chew them up and spit them out, leaving them in tiny piles on the floor of the cage that look a little like sick. Once your chinchillas feet have recovered, you have to take thereverseapproach, and encourage it to exercise as much as possible. Certain antibiotics only work against certain bacteria, so your vet will need to diagnose the kind of bacteria thats infecting your chinchillas feet before they prescribe more. Low, Gentle Squeaking. Youll know when your chinchilla is responding to you by giving winks or blinks. The cause could be physical trauma from fighting or an accident, a nosebleed, or bloody stools. The problem might be a health issue called bumblefoot. Most chinchilla owners use Bag Balm, a brand that specializes in intense moisturizers. And Milk Production Are Normal. This can include running around their cage, up and down their stairs, or hopping happily and playfully. Listen to how they are breathing and if it is difficult for them. The worst that will happen is that your pet becomes stressed. Direct trauma to the nose causes nosebleeds. It's completely safe if he licks at it, and it is an antiseptic so it'll keep infections out. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12,540 times. Damage to the ears is most common, followed by the tail, face and feet. Once pressure sores develop, the skin can be further damaged by scrapes and cuts. Poop throwing is surely a sign that you should not approach your chinchilla, as something is agitating or stressing them. If you'd like to chat about chinchillas, contact me through our contact form! If theres lots of blood, deep clean the cage. Keeping your chinchilla busy with a good cage setup will help them to stop chewing off clumps of fur. Chinchillas need a diet that mirrors what they eat in the wild, otherwise they get sick with gastrointestinal stasis (GI/constipation), diarrhea, or overweight. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As such, its not normal for a female to have blood around its rear end, whether in heat or otherwise. In normal circumstances, these form useful calluses. Its also something that males will do around females who are ready for mating as a part of a mating ritual. Thats because the dry dust will further dry out your chinchillas feet, making the bumblefoot worse. LoveMyChinchilla is reader-supported. This is part of their bonding that allows you to know when theyre listening to your voice. Chinchillas with delicate ears are more prone to these type of injuries. Last Updated: March 12, 2020 The wrong type of dust bath powder can cause this to happen. This quiz features questions on every topic of chinchilla care, from behavior to nutrition. They are exciting and happy, but some experts believe this is a dominance being shown. Odor wound smells bad. Lovely. Female chinchillas do not go in heat like dogs. The causes of vaginal skin peeling ranges from ordinary vaginal skin irritation to allergic reaction to certain personal hygiene products. That means that they come into heat again right after delivery. What Do You Need for a New Chinchilla? Lack of fibrous foods andappropriateenrichmentchewitemsmayresultin abnormal growth of teeth,malocclusion (imperfect positioning of the teeth),and potentially other types of dental diseases. They also might not be mature or have not reached full maturity just yet. Where should you put a chinchilla's hay rack? Required fields are marked *. They do test your skin from time to time, but not on purpose unless they are telling you to not keep touching them. Your chinchilla will therefore move around even less than it did before (if thats possible). Pine and apple wood are good choices. Your dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian unless she is known to be in heat and there are no other issues. Place the chinchillas in a safe place. Chinchillas pee or urinate like any other animal. What was formerly only a blister now becomes an infected ulcer, a.k.a. If you spot any causes for concern, work with the vet to accurately diagnose and treat an illness or emergency condition. Replace whatever was there before with a solid piece of wood wrapped in fleece. (Get More Info) Is it a good idea to keep a chinchilla's cage in your bedroom? The second cause is a heart attack. This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Identify the cause if possible and take your chinchilla to the vet. The most easily damaged part of the chinchillas body is the visible part of the ear (the pinna). This allows bacteria to enter the wound and infect it. When it comes to products they get used to, it takes gradual changes that are not such a shock for them to handle. Blood on chinchilla feet can result from cracked and bleeding skin. Corneal Ulcers: Sometimes chinchillas' eyes get scratched or irritated by hay, hair, dust, or even after a struggle with another chinchilla. Its true: a simple infection because of dry feet can kill your chinchilla. Its eyes are half closed. WebThe anal sacs are glands located on each side of the anus. If you arent feeding your chinchilla a diet of hay, and avoiding almost all snacks, you should change what you feed your pet. (I'm the one on the left). Afterwards, well look at each point in more depth. This is fatal. This is a sure sign that your chinchilla is stressed and has some anxiety issues. [PICK TWO] Your chinchilla is sitting with its ears pointing back towards its back, rather than sticking up. If it isnt, add in a small amount of corn starch. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. But if your chinchilla has to stand on solid or rough surfaces all the time, this callus can get bigger and bigger. This can stop you wondering about any lingering what ifs, and can help you improve your level of care for any other chinchillas you own. Can you train a chinchilla to come to you when you call its name? Your chinchilla will get lonely if they dont have at least 2 or 3 hours of physical contact every day. Theres no good reason for there to be blood in your chinchillas cage. 2 This defect is known as a corneal ulcer. Take our quiz and find out! Bacterial infections such as Salmonella, and infectious diseases such as Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) can cause blood in the poo. This is why naked wire bars are so bad: not only do they cause uneven pressure, but they absorb nothing. They arent supposed to be. If you see bald patches along with sores, flakes, or skin irritation, your chinchilla could have a fungal infection, such as ringworm. You dont see much difference when a female chinchilla is pregnant since they are naturally larger than males. Sepsis can kill. Chinchillas are social animals and can enjoy living with others. Respiratory infection is often caused by overcrowding, poor ventilation, drafts, high humidity or excess moisture in the cage. It therefore collects in your chinchilla's guts and forms a blockagea condition known as gastrointestinal stasis. When they bark they usually make up to 5 rhythmic vocal sounds. So, yes, water bottles are necessary. You should also take your chinchilla to the vet to determine if there was any further damage, and in case it needs antibiotics. This occurs during a UTI (a urinary tract infection). Gastrointestinal problems can occur in chinchillas, especially if they are not fed the correct diet. Many times older chinchillas will exhibit a sudden change in eating habits, especially if they are nearing the end of their life span. Chinchillas make loud bark calls to warn others of danger. Its best therefore to get rid of it and recover what tissue is still alive. Bring your pet to vet immediately if it cant breathe, drools excessively, is in obvious pain, or has a swollen stomach. New owner, don't know where to start? Start using it when you notice the early signs of bumblefoot, alongside correcting whatever problems caused it in the first place. They will pee in their cage and or on the shavings and bedding. How can you stop a chinchilla chewing wires when it's outside its cage? This book teaches you everything you need to know for your chinchilla to live a long, healthy, happy lifeand for you to build a strong, loving bond with them. Schedule a vet appointment if symptoms dont improve or worsen. in the household, moving to another city or state, getting rehomed. The problem can start with a cage that is too small for them to move around. Take any cage accessory that has blood on it and wash it in hot soapy water. Bumblefoot is a where the natural calluses on your chinchillas feet become too thick. Any change in routine ingestion patterns or behavior even as short asone day can be detrimental. But is cheese suitable for chinchillas? Vaginal skin peeling can be due to several causes. Localized heat, pain. Chinchillas make great pets and are generally healthy. This can be because they are excited to play, eat, or come out of their cage. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Sometimes the female can become aggressive and attack the male. This could be a sign that they dont have anything good for gnawing. It can mean that your chinchilla is severely injured. They are related to the scent glands in skunks and produce small amount of dark, foul-smelling liquid which is normally squeezed out during defecation. This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. The problem is that pet chinchillas aren't used to eating lots of watery foods, which besides causing diarrhea from containing too much water, can also cause bloat. In addition, isolating your sick pet can help keep it from getting stressed, which could interfere with its recovery. Among some of the rare things that will let you know that your chinchilla is very happy is giving a smile. In order tomeet their energy requirements, the high fiberfood material moves through the system relatively quickly to make room for moreconsumed food. Theories about why chinchillas chew on their hair include stress, hormone imbalances, dietary deficiencies, underlying dental problems, boredom, the presence of other (parasitic or fungal) skin infections, and a genetic predisposition. Prevention After giving birth, chinchillas should be monitored for the expulsion of the placenta. Chinchillas are mainly nocturnal, but if your pet is not being very active due to lack of exercise, it can lead to acute shock and seizures. Dust bathing may be enough to get slight blood stains from a chinchillas fur. If they are throwing poop, do not try picking them up. Fluid develops underneath them and can rupture the skin, or the skin can crack when dry. When you enter the room and your chinchilla sees you, if they are jumping it means that they are excited to see you. Morgan has been a professional copywriter for over five years. The infection can spread, and can kill, so take your chinchilla to the vet. What are the symptoms of a dying chinchilla? Below, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new posts for further reading, and a signup for our Chinchilla Newsletter! The cause could be physical trauma from fighting or an accident, a nosebleed, or bloody stools. We've published an eBook: Chinchilla Care 101. In some cases, it may also be from behavior thats a neurotic problem. Bumblefoot isnt a problem for wild chinchillas because they have a variety of surfaces to walk on: soil, rock, and light grass. Temperature too hot and/or humid. Uneven bald patches could be a sign of fur biting due to bacterial infection, stress, or fungus. Some of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which you can click and open in a New Tab. When a chinchilla squeaks gently, they are letting you or your other chinchillas know they are safe and happy. Wild chins eat watery foods on rare occasions, storing tiny bits of succulent plants in their burrows for when water is scarce. What Is Gastrointestinal Stasis in Chinchillas? The fur forms a physical barrier which makes it hard for another chinchilla to bite the skin. They can be aggressive towards other females and also their baby kits at times. This is simple enough to do. Can you let a chinchilla roam around the house? New owner, don't know where to start? I write about chinchillas as a full-time jobsomething I never thought I'd do. The infection can even reach deeper into the foot, affecting muscle, tendon and bone. As a veterinarian, I have seen cases of chinchillas with injured and even broken ears. A veterinarian can give medicine that causes uterine contractions and forces out the infected debris. Chinchillas have a wide range of behaviors and emotions that they communicate to owners and other chinchillas. Only apply bag balm until your chinchillas feet arent inflamed and uncomfortable any more. If there is blood in your chinchillas cage, you must determine the cause and talk to a vet. What creates these pressure sores, or these scrapes and cuts, in the first place? Constipation is more common than diarrhea, although both can occur. Thats why UTIs and gut problems can either cause or hasten bumblefoot. Tablets are difficult to give to chinchillas. If you dont already have one, search online for a local exotic small animal vet who has experience treating chinchillas. Chinchillas should have fleece bedding, as this provides just the right level of comfort, firmness and absorbency. So, if you put a healthy chinchilla next to one that has bumblefoot, it wont catch the condition. Fighting can also cause open wounds elsewhere in the body, but this is less likely. 2. Dont expose your chinchilla to temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) or higher. Pregnancy & Babies Chinchillas have a long pregnancy and the gestation period is around 110 days. Gently set it on the scale and, without touching it, hold your hands around it so it stays in place until you get a good reading. Bark Call. This can be due to illness or possibly failing organs. Fluid develops underneath them and can rupture the skin, or the skin can crack when dry. This results in lots of blood and your chinchilla will need medical attention, although if treated correctly, will live. Happy chinchilla behavior and body language, Behavior and body language of an unhappy chinchilla, Understanding chinchilla dominance behavior. Before we dive in, lets celebrate by learning some fun facts about these incredible animals:There are two species of chinchillas: short-tailed and long-tailedChinchillas hailfrom South America and arecommonly found in the Andes Mountains at altitudes 12,000 feet and aboveThey arepart of therodentfamilyThey arehindgutfermentersand produce two different types ofstool,one of which they ingest!Chinchillas were named after theChinchapeopleof the AndesWild chinchillas are listed as an endangered species due to hunting andhabitatdegradationChinchillas have the thickest fur of any land mammal with 60-70 hairs per follicle (humans only have 1 per follicle)They can jump 5-6 feet verticallyChinchillas should not get wet but bathe in fine dust/ash to clear away dirt and distribute their natural oilsA domestic chinchillas lifespan can be 15-20 yearsThey are scientifically the cutest exotic companion mammal (okay, this one is subjective but just look at them)Common ChinchillaProblemsOne characteristic that can set chinchillas up for a plethora of health issues is their highly sensitive digestive tracts.

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