As with humans, prevention is the key when it comes to chinchilla health issues so they can stay healthy and not get sick. Even though precautions are taken, sometimes steps are still missed.
Let’s dive right in.
Taking a look at Chinchilla Health Issues
When it comes to health issues it is crucial that your chinchillas cage have fresh food and water daily. Their cage should always be kept clean and their food should not contain fungus or insects.
Any violations of these guidelines can cause adverse effects and lead to chinchilla health issues.
Keep in mind your chinchilla has a sensitive digestive system. It cannot easily get rid of bad food from their system. This means they could get sick.
Please find below some health issues that could affect your pet and what you can do:
Constipation
You will know that your pet is constipated if their bowel movements are dry, small, strangely shaped and have a foul odor. Provide them with more fresh water and hay. Also, you can give them 1 – 2 raisins.
Bloating
With this health issue they will look like a balloon and their bowel movements will contain mucous. Their bowel movements will also be holey and sticky.
Give your chinchilla a longer time to exercise and give them a food culture.
Diarrhea
This chinchilla health issue is characterized by bowel movements that are sticky and look like grapes. The diarrhea in your pet could be caused by hay that is moldy or algae that has grown in their water.
Check the hay for mold and check the water for algae. It is imperative that their water is changed out everyday and that it’s fresh. Also check to see if their diarrhea is caused by an environmental change.
Seizures and Cramping
Chinchilla health issues like seizures and cramping are indicated if your pet does not move or starts to tremble, this may be a sign of a seizure. This can be caused by stress, injury to the head or lack of calcium.
You will know if your pet lacks calcium if their teeth turn white. This can happen more so with the female chinchillas. Don’t allow your pet to injure themselves. They should be kept warm. Since this is a more serious issue, see a veterinarian immediately.
In addition to the above chinchilla health issues, you should see a veterinarian immediately if your pet is experiencing any of the following:
Other Chinchilla Health Issues
Severe diarrhea or constipation, injury of the eye from a sharp object, pneumonia, weight loss, ingesting poison, or broken bones anywhere on their body. Any of these chinchilla health issues will require additional medical care from a specialized veterinarian.
You hope that you don’t have to experience any of these issues with your pet chinchilla. There are things you can do to make sure your pet stays healthy and not fall into any health dangers.
Prevention
Listed below are some of the tips for the prevention of chinchilla health issues:
Cage
Keep their cage cleaned on a regular basis.
Food
Don’t change their food too often; they have a sensitive digestive system.
Movement
Don’t move them around a lot; chinchillas can’t withstand changes too well, especially sudden ones. If you do have to move them, try to do it gradually.
Roughage
Make sure their roughage food is fresh.
Water
Make sure their water is fresh and constantly changed out.
Portions
Their food should be administered in small portions.
Rest
Since chinchillas are night owls, they should rest during the day.
Avoid Chinchilla Health Issues
Follow these tips and you should be able to avoid the chinchilla health issues listed above and your chinchilla will live a long and happy life.
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