If the chinchilla looks paralyzed. Chinchilla diseases - we take care of the health of your furry pet. Why does a chinchilla shed, what to do?

The furry rodents that live in city houses are different good health. A To prevent the animal from getting sick, it should be properly cared for.

However, no one is immune from the disease and the body of even the most well-groomed chinchilla can succumb to the disease.

If the owner knows and understands his pet well, he will immediately determine that the animal is unwell. Initially, it is important to observe the fluffy, recognize the symptoms, identify the disease and begin treatment immediately.

Conjunctivitis

This disease affects the mucous membrane of the eye and is characterized by lacrimation and suppuration. The disease can be caused by infection, unsanitary conditions, or mechanical damage. Initially, it is worth determining the cause of the disease, and then starting treatment.

The first step towards fighting the disease is general cleaning. in a cage. The affected eye should be washed with tea leaves, chamomile decoction or boric acid (3% solution).

It is important to repeat this procedure 2-3 times per knock. Excessive lacrimation obliges the owner to wash the pet’s eyes every 2 hours. Strong recommendation: a mandatory visit to the veterinarian. Bacteriological conjunctivitis will require more serious treatment and antibiotic-based drops will be needed.

Keratitis

Symptoms of this sore: inflammation of the cornea, redness, clouding of the membrane, ulcers. The disease appears from mechanical damage. The fluffy, exhausted from illness, constantly scratches his eye and behaves extremely restlessly. Help to rid your pet of keratitis eye ointments based on antibiotics and Fluorescin in drops.

Catarrh of the nose

The off-season is the period when this disease appears.

Drafts and temperature changes contribute to the appearance of the disease. and increasing humidity levels.

Excess dust in the room also provokes the onset of this disease. Symptoms:

• mucus from the nose;
• lethargy of the animal;
• loss of appetite;
• excess tearfulness of the eyes;
• wet nose;
• ruffled fur;
• purulent accumulations in the corners of the eyes;
• an increase in the animal's body temperature.

At the first sign of catarrh It is important to immediately treat the chinchilla’s nose and eyes with a solution containing boric acid. Fluffy's diet should also change. It is important to give your pet foods high in vitamin C.

During treatment, the rodent is moved to a dry place with an air temperature of 17-18ºC. You should not postpone a visit to the veterinarian if the illness does not go away within a couple of days.

Otitis externa

The sore affects the ears and is accompanied by inflammation of the upper part of the organ. When this disease appears, the rodent scratches the damaged areas and rubs them against the cage. Often there is also pus flowing from the ears.

It is important to wipe off any foul-smelling liquid that is released. For this purpose, it is prohibited to use substances that contain alcohol. Ointments based on fish oil or zinc. To prevent otitis externa from spreading deep into the ear, it is worth using antibiotics.

Leg disease

Pododermatitis is one of the most common diseases which affects the chinchilla's paws.

These are peculiar stops that form on the feet. Their appearance is accompanied by flaking and flaking of the skin. The skin becomes crusty, often bleeds and festers.

This disease in its initial form does not cause discomfort to the rodent. However in a neglected state without surgical intervention not enough. Therefore, it is important to regularly examine your pet and the slightest appearance pododermatitis should be treated immediately.

The usual human ointment Dermazolone will help with this, which is applied to the affected areas a couple of times a day for about one to two weeks. If after half a month of treatment the disease does not leave the fluffy, then you should definitely contact a veterinarian.

Respiratory tract

Runny nose

The off-season often provokes not only nasal catarrh, but also various colds. It is not difficult to recognize a runny nose. The animal develops white or yellowish mucus in the corners of its eyes, and its nose is wet. and snotty. General state The animal is characterized by drowsiness. Boric acid (2% solution) will help cure the disease. It is important for them to wash the chinchilla's eyes. The solution is also replaced with a strong infusion of tea.

Bronchopneumonia

If the rodent begins to cough, and its breathing quickens and is accompanied by hoarseness, then it is important to be wary. These are signs that your cold is getting worse. In this case, you should contact a veterinarian, who will prescribe an expectorant and Biomycin. The course of treatment will last about a week.

Pneumonia

This disease occurs more often in newborn fur babies and in the autumn-winter period.

Pneumonia is a consequence of the animal’s incomplete recovery from a cold. The disease is accompanied by hanging normal temperature body of the animal, heavy breathing with noises and purulent discharge from the nose.

Treatment occurs exclusively with the participation of a veterinarian, who will prescribe antibiotics.

Hyperemia of the lungs

A common cause of this disease is improper maintenance. The animal inhales hot air or toxic substances. Signs of the disease include choking and rapid heartbeat, reddish foam from the nose and cough with wheezing.

It is important to start treatment by changing the room in which the pet is kept. The animal should be moved to a room whose air temperature is about 18ºC, with good ventilation. Since the true cause of hyperemia is extremely difficult to determine, It is important to find out the treatment regimen from your veterinarian.

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Malocclusion

This disease affects many chinchillas. Malocclusion is a hereditary disease.

Animals with this pathology are not suitable for breeding. A fluffy dog ​​with this defect is characterized by poor appetite, long eating times, and lack of weight. The flaw causes the pet to prefer small pieces of soft food. It is important to visit regularly veterinarian, otherwise an advanced form of pathology will make the chinchilla yawn, provoke drooling and scratching of the face.

Abnormal tooth color

These organs of a healthy animal are distinguished by a dark yellow tint. If the color scheme of the teeth approaches white, then the animal’s body is exhausted from a lack of potassium and phosphorus.

It is important to add foods rich in these microelements to your fluffy’s diet. Often the wrong color is a genetic feature. Chinchillas with this defect are not bred.

Hooks on teeth

Sometimes the root organs in a rodent's mouth are positioned incorrectly. Because of this, hooks form on the teeth, which grow inward and injure the tongue. The defect is accompanied by regular drooling. It is impossible to cure an animal at home, veterinarian intervention is required.

Skin diseases

Dermatophytoses: ringworm, fungus

Varieties of the disease are accompanied by partial pain, especially in the area of ​​the nose, tail and ears. It is not difficult to cure the disease in the initial stages.

If an unhealthy animal does not live alone in the apartment, then it is important to move it away from others, since dermatophytoses are a contagious disease. It is worth lubricating the affected areas with Vakderm, Mycodermit or Grisiofulvin. The enclosure must be disinfected. For effective treatment, it is important to consult a veterinarian.

Gnawing fur

An animal can spoil not only its own fur, but also but also to other relatives. A bald spot appears at the site of the bite, the skin on which cracks and bleeds. The reason for this behavior is due to a metabolic failure. The disorder occurs as a result of a lack of phosphorus, vitamin D, fatty acids, calcium.

It won't hurt to add a little lard to your pet's diet. To prevent the animal from getting dirty while eating, fatty pieces should be hung in the cage.

Alopecia - hair loss

It is impossible to name the exact cause of the disease. It is believed that this the disease is not caused balanced diet and unsuitable conditions of detention. A consultation with a veterinarian will help heal your pet.

Gastrointestinal tract

Diarrhea

This disease is extremely easy to identify. If the animal's stool is regularly liquid and soft, then the chinchilla suffers from diarrhea. The reasons are poor quality and stale feed, bad water or overexcitement. Charcoal can rid a rodent of illness. Regular drinks should be replaced with herbal infusions. If treatment does not help after a few days, it is important to see a veterinarian.

Constipation

Difficult defecation is extremely dangerous for the life of the animal. In order to detect this problem in time, it is worth regularly monitoring the animal. The exhausted creature does not go to the toilet for a couple of days, hides in the corner of the cage, and squeaks quietly.

Feeling the chinchilla's belly will also help identify constipation. Upon palpation, feces in the intestines are easily felt. Difficult bowel movements detected in a timely manner can be easily cured by drinking plenty of fluids and adding succulent foods to the diet.

From neglected cases A laxative will help you get rid of it, cooked yourself. In 100 g of water, dilute 1 ml of castor oil and a couple of drops of Regulax. The product is given to the chinchilla through a pipette.

Rectal prolapse

This disease occurs in a pet that has been suffering from gastroenteritis or constipation for a long time. It is important to moisten a cotton pad in a solution that has disinfectant properties and wipe the prolapsed part of the intestine. Another swab should be soaked in paraffin and, lifting the rodent by the tail, it is necessary to insert the organ inside. Hold your pet in this position for about a minute, and the intestine will return to its place.

Gastroenteritis

Inflammatory processes in the intestines and stomach occur due to improper feeding. The disease can be caused by poor-quality and rotten hay and spoiled water. or replacing the usual food.

It is easy to recognize the disease: the furry one suffers from diarrhea, he is lethargic and timid, and refuses to eat. Diet - effective medicine in this case. It is important to give the rodent fresh hay, carrot roots, apple fruits and cereals. The water should be replaced with rosehip decoction.

Tympany

It is not difficult to determine gas formation. The chinchilla is in a depressed state, the body temperature is significantly reduced, the body is constantly tense, and breathing differs in surface and frequency. By palpating the abdomen, it is easy to feel movements that are similar to drumming. Initially It is important to massage the belly and protect the animal from food for a day. The next day, it is worth giving hay little by little, always fresh and of high quality. The veterinarian will prescribe the necessary medications.

Genital organs and mammary glands

Ailments of males

Penile prolapse

The disease strikes a male animal after numerous attempts to mate with a female, who doesn't want it. It is not difficult to eliminate the loss yourself. An antibiotic-based ointment is applied to the finger and the boy’s chinchilla’s genitals are returned to their place. If swelling is severe, it is important to apply a cooling compress. A sick male should be protected from intimate life for a couple of weeks.

Hair rings

This phenomenon forms around the male's penis.

Rings are formed during vigorous mating from wool, which gets lost in the process.

It is better to send your pet to a veterinarian for treatment, because self-removal can lead to damage to the genital organ.

Diseases of females

Vaginitis and endometritis

Infectious diseases of female chinchillas are carried by males. If a female produces purulent mucus from the vagina, and the genitals have changed color to brown, then it is important to begin treatment for all partners at once. Be sure to visit a specialist and take antibiotics.

Ovarian cyst

Given The disease is extremely difficult to detect. Launched form accompanied by loss of fur on the sides. The female should be taken to the veterinarian regularly for examination. Sometimes you can get rid of a cyst drug treatment, but often surgery cannot be avoided.

Uterine prolapse

The disease occurs in females after active mating. At the first sign of illness, it is important to see a veterinarian.

Pathology of pregnancy

A chinchilla that is expecting babies should be monitored regularly, and at the first changes in behavior, rush to visit a doctor.

Only a specialist can correctly diagnose, prescribe treatment and save expectant mother and her offspring.

Inflammation of the mammary glands

The disease is accompanied by lethargy of the rodent, refusal to feed, increased temperature and redness/blueness of the nipples. Treatment should begin with Penicillin. The medicine is administered intramuscularly (the dosage and period are prescribed by the veterinarian). The inflamed glands are treated with tetracycline or penicillin ointment.

Diseases of other organs and systems

Jaundice

This is a sign of liver inflammation or problems with its functioning. The body cannot cope with the processing of vitamin A and carotene, which is why the animal’s fat takes on a yellow tint. It is impossible to completely cure a sick rodent. For prevention, B vitamins are regularly added to the fluffy’s diet.

Cystitis

Due to hypothermia, the rodent begins to behave extremely restlessly and go to the toilet more often"in small ways." Sometimes the urine is stained with blood. In the first stages of the disease, Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim will help (dosages will be prescribed by a specialist). If the disease has acquired chronic nature, then you should rush to see a veterinarian.

Injuries

Every chinchilla is at risk of injury. This happens both during a fight with a relative and in ordinary everyday life. Wounds and abrasions appear all over the animal’s body. It is important to immediately treat them with Levomekol ointment or simple hydrogen peroxide. Sometimes fractures happen. In this case, a trip to the veterinarian cannot be avoided, because only a specialist can accurately determine the location of the damage and its severity.

Closed fracture

With such an injury, it is worth applying a splint. It is not difficult to build it yourself. You will need a piece of rubber hose, which is cut in two lengthwise and secured to the broken limb with threads. In one and a half to two weeks the hand will grow together. It is important to know that the animal will try to chew off the damaged paw. It is worth not forgetting about this feature of the rodent during treatment.

Open fracture

This the injury leads to amputation of the limb. This procedure can only be performed by a veterinarian. After surgery, the wound is treated with hydrogen peroxide and anesthetized using Lidocaine. You will also have to use antibiotics to help prevent infection.

Heatstroke

Temperature changes have a very negative effect on the condition and health of the chinchilla. While long time In a room whose temperature is above 26ºС, the animal runs the risk of heatstroke. It is easy to recognize the disease:

Exclusively severe cases are accompanied by fainting. In this state, the chinchilla will not even show signs of life. If you find an overheated rodent, it is important to move it to a dark room where the air temperature is about 18ºC.

The immobilized body should be wrapped in a towel moistened cool water. The fabric should be moistened regularly. After first aid is provided, the animal is taken to a veterinarian.

Specific diseases depending on breeds

Animals of different species are at risk of contracting diseases. The breed has no influence on this process. In order for the animal to remain healthy and unharmed, it is important to regularly take it to the veterinarian and comply with all the conditions necessary for proper care.

Is it possible to treat a chinchilla at home?

People are accustomed to getting rid of their primitive diseases with their own hands. Of course It is not prohibited to treat your pet at home. However, do not forget that a chinchilla cannot tell what, how and where it hurts. Often symptoms indicate various diseases. Correctly diagnose and prescribe effective treatment Only a qualified doctor can do this. At the first signs of illness, it is recommended to take your pet to the veterinarian.

How to care for a sick chinchilla?

The rules for caring for an exhausted animal are the same for all diseases.

Disease Prevention

Most chinchilla illnesses are caused by inappropriate care and incorrect content. Stick to it preventive measures, and the likelihood of illness will decrease significantly.

The main rule is a clean cage. Don’t forget to clean your pet’s apartment on time, change the litter, disinfect toys and wash his dishes.

Do not neglect proper and balanced nutrition. The food must be different high quality and freshness. Make sure you have clean and good water.

Provide your chinchilla with entertainment. If the owner does not have enough free time for frequent and long games with the pet, then it is important to equip the cage with all kinds of shelves, toys, tunnels, etc.

Don't forget to check your teeth. These organs grow continuously and it is vital for the animal to grind them down regularly. The presence of stones and pieces of wood in the fluffy's cage is mandatory.

Observe the temperature of the room in which the chinchilla lives. This animal is extremely picky about the level of air heating. It is important to locate the cage away from direct sunlight and drafts.

By following simple rules of prevention, it is not difficult to protect your pet from the disease. However none Living being It is not 100% protected from the disease. If your pet has even slightly changed its behavior and habitual rhythm of life, it is important to immediately take it to a veterinarian for examination. Incorrect and untimely treatment is worse than the disease itself.

In contact with

The chinchilla has fairly good health. The most common cause of disease in chinchillas is improper care or poor nutrition. You can avoid the occurrence of diseases only if you carefully monitor the cleanliness of the cage, choose the right food and follow the animal’s diet. But even all the precautions and good maintenance sometimes cannot eliminate the possibility of diseases one hundred percent.

The appearance of the first health problems in a chinchilla can be noticed by the following signs: loss of appetite, unusual behavior, diarrhea, hard belly, weight loss, nasal discharge, redness of the skin, hair loss or baldness, discoloration of teeth, bad breath. As a rule, all these symptoms may indicate various diseases, but in most cases chinchillas are more susceptible gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, of cardio-vascular system, colds, dental diseases and diseases related to intimate hygiene.

Chinchilla diseases and their treatment

Diseases gastrointestinal tract in chinchillas

It is quite easy to recognize that an animal has stomach problems. The first signs are bloating, a hard stomach, diarrhea, flatulence or constipation. If at least one of the signs of problems with the gastrointestinal tract appears, it is better to contact a veterinarian. Only if it is impossible to see a doctor, you can try to help the pet yourself.

Appearance constipation in a chinchilla it can be determined by its feces. If it becomes hard and small, or even crumbles into powder, it is constipation. When a chinchilla is constipated, its behavior changes; it sits in the corner of the cage and moans quietly, swings along the bottom of the cage or jumps on the walls. Noticing this strange behavior in the animal, feel its belly, if it is hard, give 3-4 drops Vaseline oil using a pipette. You will need to repeat the procedure every 2 hours. Daily norm Vaseline oil no more than 10 milliliters. In addition to Vaseline oil, give 2-3 drops of a laxative. The following foods will help with constipation: prunes, raw apples, hibiscus tea leaves. If constipation persists, give the animal an enema with warm water and Vaseline oil.

Chinchillas suffer stomach upsets, which in most cases are due to poor nutrition, sudden changes in feed, poorly dried or moldy hay, and poor-quality drinking water. An upset stomach is accompanied by the accompanying symptom of diarrhea. In case of diarrhea, the following measures must be taken: transfer the animal to feeding only hay and water, give half of activated charcoal, and temporarily turn off all treats from the diet. If the diarrhea does not go away within 24 hours, make a decoction of oak bark and feed the chinchilla from a syringe. In addition to oak bark, give the animal “Smecta”. Dilute the medicine according to the instructions on the package. Drink Smecta 2 times a day, 4 drops. If your chinchilla does not improve within 3 days, contact your veterinarian. The animal may need antibiotic treatment.

Chinchillas often suffer from bloating (flatulence). Flatulence occurs from a sudden change in food or consumption large quantity grass and greenery. When bloated, the chinchilla becomes less mobile, the stomach becomes very rounded, and the temperature drops to 34-35°C. When you see such symptoms, give the animal a abdominal massage, release it from the cage and make it move a little. Then give activated charcoal or Espumisan 2-3 drops 2 times a day. If after the procedures the animal does not feel better, contact a specialist.

Quite often chinchillas experience poisoning. They happen when toxic chemicals get into the feed: pesticides, nitrates and nitrites. Animals that eat large portions of salt can become poisoned. Poisoning can be determined by the following symptoms: lack of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, excessive foamy salivation, thirst, bluish color mucous membrane, depressed state, dilated pupils. When the first signs appear, rinse the stomach and give activated charcoal. After graduating necessary procedures, go to the vet for further treatment.

Dental disease in chinchillas

Dental disease in a chinchilla it is determined quite simply. Healthy teeth The animal has a bright orange color. In a sick chinchilla they are pale yellow. Teeth that have changed color indicate a deficiency in the animal’s body. important microelements phosphorus and potassium. As a result of the lack of these vital important elements one of the dangerous diseases “drooling” develops. The secretion of excess saliva occurs due to abnormal growth teeth. Drooling is a very unpleasant disease for an animal and is not always curable. To prevent the onset of disease or to detect it early stage, carefully monitor his behavior and, if possible, examine his jaw. During the period of development of drooling, the chinchilla behaves quite strangely, often makes movements like when washing, scatters food and becomes very affectionate towards the owner. To prevent dental disease, choose foods rich in vitamins A, D, E.

In addition to drooling, chinchillas suffer from hooks on their teeth (bad bite). Signs of malocclusion: wet fur on the face and neck, loss of weight and appetite, washing frequently, choosing only soft food or powdered food. Over time, discharge from the nose and eyes appears. If you see this behavior or symptoms of drooling, examine your chinchilla. Pay special attention to the lower incisors, which should be longer than the upper ones. If you find otherwise, contact your veterinarian. This is the first sign of the development of drooling. The defect can only be dealt with by removing growing hooks. The removal procedure will need to be repeated every 6-8 months.

Chinchilla has a cold

Chinchillas often get colds. Colds often occur due to a decrease in the usual temperature regime, drafts or high humidity. The first sign of the disease is elevated temperature, a healthy chinchilla has a temperature of 36-37.8°C, and a sick chinchilla has a temperature of 38-39°C. Along with the temperature, the animal develops a runny nose. This disease poses a great danger to animals with reduced immunity and children.

The first thing to do when symptoms of a cold appear is to remove all drafts, insulate the cage, and improve nutrition. Then undergo a course of treatment with antibiotics and immunostimulating agents. Before starting antibiotics, consult a specialist.

A cold that goes undetected in time can develop into a more complex form - bronchopneumonia. The onset of bronchopneumonia is accompanied by the following symptoms: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty and rapid breathing, wheezing. If signs of bronchopneumonia appear, contact your veterinarian; it is better not to take any medications on your own, as this can significantly harm the chinchilla. Start treatment only after examination and prescription of medications by a veterinarian.

Eye diseases in chinchillas

One of the most common eye diseases in chinchillas is conjunctivitis. When a chinchilla contracts conjunctivitis, the eyes become watery, festered and sour. Conjunctivitis occurs most often due to poor hygiene, litter that is not removed on time, or a very dirty cage. If you suspect that your pet has conjunctivitis, contact a specialist, only he will be able to prescribe the correct treatment. All you can do to help your pet is to wipe its eyes with a warm infusion of chamomile or calendula.

Skin diseases in chinchillas

The most dangerous disease Chinchillas, which can also infect humans, are dermatophytoses, or in other words, fungal diseases, or lichen. The disease affects the skin and hair, very severe cases are affected and internal organs. The causes of dermatophytosis may be different, lack of vitamins, reduced immunity, high humidity, stress. It is quite easy to notice the appearance of the disease. Peeling appears on the area of ​​damaged skin, then bald patches with a crust-like cover and sparse hair become visible. Sometimes a chinchilla does not have alternating signs, but immediately begins the stage of baldness. In case of the first signs, you should immediately contact a veterinarian and take necessary measures precautions. If lichen or fungus appears, you should stop swimming to avoid spreading the disease throughout the body. Disinfect and remove the cage and bathing suit. Thoroughly sprinkle the feeder and drinking bowl with fungistop. This procedure can be carried out for prevention. In food for a sick chinchilla to speed up treatment and in for preventive purposes give special purified medical sulfur. If you have other chinchillas or pets, carry out the same procedures with them.

You want to do an autopsy to find out the cause.
After reading this article, your desire may change.

P The reason for writing this article was, as you might guess, a sad event that happened to us the other day. To date, more than 40 healthy and well-grown chinchillas have passed through our hands, and now, for the first time, a chinchilla purchased from us died in its new home within the first few days.
N It is difficult to imagine what feelings this event caused both for the new owners of this chinchilla and for us. Probably in his new family a name was given to him, a cozy house was built for him, and on his later life joyful hopes were pinned... With us, in his old house, his brother remained to live, who even now misses the one who is no longer there; It’s not worth even talking about our feelings - after all, we raised him from birth. However, no, it is still worth talking about one of our feelings, because it is precisely this that prompts us to write this article - our feeling of guilt before a small living creature, from which only time can heal. What did we, people, do wrong? How can we avoid this in the future?
U we have no definite answer to these questions. Below we will try to understand the facts that we have, in order, perhaps, to help some of the readers avoid such sad events.
N We will have to briefly talk about some details that can serve as material for analysis:

D you are a chinchilla boy, born last summer to our couple Paprika and Caesar. The birth weight of each chinchilla is more than 50 grams, the date of birth is 06/19/2010.
M The alchugans gained weight well and by 6 months they both grew larger than their father, and many other adult males.
IN Due to the “overpopulation” that has developed in our country and the sluggish reconstruction of the nursery, they were separated from their mother late, having lived for more than 4 months together, the three of them, and then together, when the opportunity arose to remove the mother for a break from the noisy offspring.
B The chinchilla rats lived in a cage with shelves on three levels for jumping, ate the same food as the rest of our nursery, had good fur, their daily routine coincided with the general one for our entire nursery, in which noise and activity begins from 18-19 hours, and ends by 4-5 o'clock in the morning.
TO At the time of sale, both animals had a good exterior and were absolutely healthy and cheerful. The new owners were offered both, or rather, any of the two, to choose from.
IN mine new house The chinchilla left in the first days of the new year. They took him away at about 21:00, i.e. during “activity” according to the established daily routine. For the first time, a chinchilla was taken from us without being carried - in our arms, under clothes, he had to be carried to the car in which the cage was prepared. The journey home in the car should have taken from 30 minutes to an hour.
WITH An hour or two later, the chinchilla's new owners called us, concerned about his lethargy and passivity. We assumed that the chinchilla was bored, experiencing the journey and the new place, and that this would pass over time.
WITH 3 days later we learned that our chinchilla had died. Probably, during his lifetime, and perhaps even after his death, he was examined by a veterinarian. doctor who reported the following:
1. The chinchilla is not 6 months old, but more than a year old.
2. The animal was obese.
3. Death was caused by trauma that caused a rupture of the stomach.

N I would like to start from the end. From the conclusion of a veterinarian.
N and at the time of writing this article there is not a single indication on our website of any particular vet. doctor or clinic. And the point here is not at all due to some commercial motive, but, first of all, to the fact that we still do not know a specialist whom we could recommend to our reader. Although, there is also a commercial motive - we will not, for any money, give our recommendations to a specialist in whom we ourselves are not confident, and having met such a specialist, we will tell about him with his consent, and completely free of charge.
IN Let's return to the causes of death of our chinchilla.
P Why doesn’t the veterinarian’s conclusion inspire confidence in us? First of all, because we see a very simple picture as too plausible: Any veterinary services cost money. And this money must be earned. Meanwhile, in fact, we know of only one or two cases where a dying chinchilla in a clinic was saved. And after the death of a chinchilla, the veterinarian needs an explanation for this very death, regardless of whether he himself understood this reason. This explanation is even more necessary if it was the autopsy that was ordered and paid for. What could be more banal than “opening the eyes” of the animal owner to the “unscrupulous seller” from whom this animal was purchased? Only bad luck - the chinchilla was not bought just anywhere, and no fables, excuse the slang, will work here. But these are all hypotheses. Let's get back to the facts:

Version 1 - veterinary conclusion. doctor:
N We know for certain the following - our animal was 6 months old, this time; and he wasn't obese, that's two.
N Let’s not insult the veterinarian - let’s say that his conclusion about the age of our chinchilla is not an irresponsible and groundless statement, and he knows how to distinguish the fur of a six-month-old chinchilla from the fur of a one-and-a-half-year-old chinchilla.
IN In this case, the statement is a medical error. There is no third option here, and the chinchilla’s brother, who remains with us, is the best confirmation of this.
H the same applies to obesity - if our chinchilla suffered from this (and at the age of 6 months!), then our entire nursery suffers from this, and all the 40 strong, healthy and active chinchillas that passed through our hands, and over the past years we ourselves have experienced nothing didn't learn.
G It is much more logical, in our opinion, to assume that the veterinarian has seen in his life much more sick and emaciated chinchillas than healthy and strong ones, moreover, large ones relative to the general population.
M we won't insist on medical error on this point simply because the word “obesity” may be followed by discussions about the “degree of obesity”, and then a play on words will follow, which could easily end with the phrase “normal obesity”, for example. So let's leave the point about obesity as a bold question.
T Now the third and most important point for us is injury, rupture of the stomach.
P Let's put it bluntly, it's too complicated for a quack doctor; it would be much simpler to have a “brain contusion,” for example, but who knows?
E If we assume that this is so, then where and when could the animal receive such a serious injury?
ABOUT Having already had considerable experience in dealing with chinchillas, we cannot imagine how an animal can get such an injury on its own while in a cage, but with us it never fell anywhere, and we are convinced that the new owners will too - otherwise, following the logic , they simply would not tell us about this diagnosis.
M One can assume, of course, that the perforation of the stomach was caused by some kind of disease, but what kind, and why is this happening all of a sudden? In addition, the words about the trauma were conveyed to us clearly and clearly.
P Moreover, as it turned out later, it was about an injury that occurred 3 days ago. Let's say a chinchilla can live 3 days after such an injury, from which a person's life, for example, can be measured in hours. But what served as the basis for an accurate conclusion about the timing of this injury? For us, the answer to this question lies in another question - Was the veterinarian informed about the date of purchase of the chinchilla?
D For us the answer is obvious. But, again, let's return to the facts.
R to summarize - an error on the first point, a big question on the second, big doubts on the third - all this forces us to look for other, more understandable and plausible reasons. However, we do not deny the first version. But we consider it unlikely, just on the verge of fantasy and a fatal combination of circumstances.

Version 2 - cold:
P Let's be honest, we don't know how chinchillas die from hypothermia. But we know how they die from overheating - they slowly fade away within 2-3 days, as, apparently, was the case in our case. Let us remember here that the call and message that the chinchilla was lethargic came almost immediately upon her arrival at her new home. What could happen during an hour's drive?
M We pulled up the weather archive - the temperature outside at that moment was 10 degrees below zero. What was the temperature inside the car? How different was she in different points salon? Was air blowing on the chinchilla, and if so, what temperature was it?
U At the time of writing this article, some details became known. The chinchilla was found dead with foam-like discharge or vomit around its face. Was it not this fact that determined the result of the autopsy? Well, by at least, now it’s clear why the stomach, and not the brain, for example - since vomiting, then the first is more logical for the client.
A Was this foam not vomit, but a runny nose? And did the people in the chinchilla’s new home know that drafts and colds are fatal to him?
M We don’t know this for sure, and we see this as our omission.
A We consider this version more plausible than the previous one.

Version 3 - stress:
AND From site to site, from article to article, the same phrase is rewritten: “A chinchilla can even die from stress.” Does anyone really know what this is and how it happens? We couldn’t help but think about it now and realized that we don’t really know. Therefore, we cannot exclude this version when we're talking about about the chinchilla, for a long time the three of them lived with their brother and mother, then without their mother, but with their brother alone. And then, suddenly - alone, a road, a car, a strange cage, strange people, a strange house.
AND, which is important, this version easily combines with the previous version.
AND again our omission. From now on, we will put the animal in “quarantine” in advance so that it has time to get at least a little used to being alone in a familiar environment.

Version 4 - no one died at all.
M You are used to trusting people. We believe that it is better to make mistakes in people better side than the other way around.
P Therefore, in this case, we do not take this version into account, but we present it here - simply so as not to lead anyone into temptation. And, bringing it here, we remind you of the saying - “trust, but verify.” The rest will become clear from the epilogue.

Epilogue.
U Knowing what happened, we immediately offered to return the money for the chinchilla, and have now already done so.
F This act does not mean that we admit any dishonesty or our own guilt in what happened. On the contrary, this is the only and most effective way to brush aside any doubts about our reputation that were allegedly expressed towards us by a certain veterinary clinic.
A This principle of ours nullifies our commercial success, provided we are unscrupulous. Unlike some veterinary clinics, where you can often get

Healthy chinchillas are mobile, active, have clear eyes, lush fur and a good appetite. Sick animals are lethargic, their fur is dull and matted, and their appetite is either completely or partially absent.

Let’s immediately make a reservation that this article will discuss chinchilla diseases that you can cope with yourself at home.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in chinchillas

Diarrhea

Diarrhea manifests itself as frequent passage of liquid stool with a large amount of water. This may be due to contaminated or stale drinking water, moldy food, as well as severe agitation. If, apart from diarrhea, there are no other signs of the disease, the animal is given phthalazole or charcoal (they willingly chew it). Instead of water, strong tea and an infusion of herbs (calamus and wild rosemary) are poured into the drinking bowl. If the disease does not go away after a day, you can give antibiotics - tetracycline or biomycin.

Constipation

With constipation, animal droppings become small and hard. In this case, give a laxative: 1 ml castor oil or 3 drops of Regulax per 0.5 glass of water. The medicine is given using a syringe or pipette. IN difficult case It is advised to give an enema with salted water.

Constipation can result in rectal prolapse. In this case, the part of the rectum that has been pushed out is first cleaned with a swab moistened disinfectant solution, and then carefully lift the chinchilla up by the tail and insert the intestine inside with another swab soaked in paraffin. As a result of the procedure, the intestine is pressed into place, and the animal must be kept in a “suspended” state for about a minute.

Bloating

Bloating occurs as a result of eating poor quality food, legumes and fresh clover. This disease is treated activated carbon in tablets or smecta. In some cases they are used disinfectants, antibiotics - etazol, norsulfazole at a dosage of 40-50 mg, biomycin at 15-20 mg. It is recommended to massage the tummy and make the animal move more. Good effect Gives plenty of water. Water quickly penetrates deep into the intestines and strengthens it peristalsis.

Gastroenteritis

Chinchillas often have a disease such as gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and intestines that occurs when feeding dry, dusty or moldy hay, when abruptly switching from one food to another, as well as when the animal consumes poor quality water. This non-contagious disease has the following symptoms: loss of appetite, lethargy, fearfulness, often softening of stool and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis is treated with diet. The diet should include oatmeal, high-quality hay, and succulent foods such as apples and carrots. Instead of water, it is recommended to give rosehip infusion.

Skin diseases in chinchillas

Gnawing fur

The animals usually chew off their fur on the sides of the body. The exact reason for this behavior is unknown, but it is assumed that this is due to a lack of methionine in the feed or poor absorption of it. The cause may also be a lack of unsaturated fatty acids. Positive result observed when methionine and pieces are added to the feed lard. The lard is cut into rectangular slices and hung from a net so that the animals can bite them freely without dirtying the fur.

Ringworm

It's contagious fungal disease, causing change in the skin, which leads to hair loss. Most often it starts around the nose, on the ears, and at the base of the tail. From the moment the first signs are detected, the chinchilla needs to be moved to another room, the affected areas should be lubricated with a mycodermin preparation, and the same drug should be added to the sand for bathing. The cage should be disinfected. The drugs Vacderm and Grisiofulvin give good results in the treatment of lichen. It should be remembered that lichen is much easier to treat in the initial stage.

Respiratory diseases in chinchillas

With these diseases, the chinchilla becomes lethargic, breathing is shallow and rapid, wheezing is sometimes heard, and the animal loses its appetite. The reasons may be drafts, low temperature or high indoor humidity. Among medications, bicillin is used intramuscularly, 10-15 thousand units once every 5 days. You can give water solution ampicillin. To do this, dissolve 1 tablet in 100 ml of water and pour it into the mouth using a syringe or pipette 3 times a day for two to three days (the solution is prepared fresh each time).

Runny nose

A runny nose usually occurs in late autumn or spring as a result of a cold in drafts or dusty rooms. The nostrils of sick animals are wet and mucus flows from them. First white, then yellow mucus also collects in the corners of the eyes. The animals are sleepy, wag their tails, and have rapid breathing. NIt is necessary to eliminate the cause of the cold. Treatment consists of washing the eyes with a two percent solution boric acid, tea or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Animals are given an increased dose of vitamin C (rose hip syrup: 1 tablespoon per 100 ml of water). Read more about colds in chinchillas you can read.

Hyperemia of the lungs in chinchillas

This disease occurs as a result of keeping animals in the summer in stuffy rooms with poor ventilation, as well as when inhaling hot air or poisonous gases. Symptoms of pulmonary congestion are as follows: rapid heartbeat, increasing shortness of breath, attacks of suffocation, sometimes hoarse cough. Foam with a reddish tint may be discharged from the nasal passages.

Animals should be kept in a cool, ventilated area during treatment. If the cause of the disease is overheating, the animals are doused with cool water and bloodletting is immediately performed (it facilitates the work of the heart, lowers blood pressure in the lungs, resulting in improved ventilation). In addition, cardiac medications (cordiamin, caffeine), as well as laxatives and diuretics are used. If complications occur, antibiotics and sulfonamides are prescribed.

Inflammation of the mammary gland

This disease occurs in females when the nipples are damaged. The gland is red or bluish, swollen and painful. The animal is lethargic, refuses food, and its body temperature is elevated. For treatment, penicillin is used intramuscularly in the amount of 100 thousand units per day for three days, or oxytetracycline is given with water (a teaspoon per 100 ml of water). The mammary glands are lubricated with tetracycline, penicillin or levomekol ointment. Abscesses are treated surgically, cutting the gland to remove pus and washing the wounds with a solution of penicillin.

Heatstroke

Chinchillas are very sensitive to temperatures above 26 ° C at the same time high air humidity. Under such conditions, heat stroke often occurs. The animals lie motionless, stretched out; breathing is short and fast, ears are red, and body temperature rises to 38 ° C. If measures are not taken, the chinchilla may die. The animal must be immediately moved to a cool, shaded place and placed on its head. cold compress from a bag of frozen vegetables or a cloth soaked in cold water. The bandage should be soaked in cold water as often as possible. If this happened in transport, the cage must be lowered down, where the air is cooler, put an ice pack or a bottle with cold water, shade the cage. After providing first aid, it is best to show the animal to a veterinarian.

When leaving home, make sure that the cage is in a place where there will not be constant direct light. Sun rays, the animal should have a shaded corner where it can hide as needed.

Lack of vitamins

Some ailments, similar to the symptoms of the disease, can occur due to a lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Thus, a lack of vitamin A causes inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. It is necessary to increase the dose of this vitamin in the diet. With a lack of vitamin B1, attacks occur in which the animal trembles, drags its hind legs, movements are difficult, and coordination is impaired. In severe cases, there is a high probability that the animal will die. It is necessary to inject a five percent vitamin solution into the thigh muscle with an insulin syringe. The dose is no more than two small divisions on the syringe markings.

If it is impossible to diagnose the disease or cause of the illness on your own, you must call a veterinarian or take the animal to a hospital.

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