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Author Topic: New to the Forum!  (Read 2262 times)

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LeapingLechuga

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New to the Forum!
« on: January 25, 2015, 02:05:47 PM »

I just wanted to say hello to everyone! I am not only new to the forum but also new to chinchillas. I recently took in a female chinchilla who was dropped off at the clinic where I work because she sustained a tourniquet injury to her back leg and her owner was not willing to pay to have her treated. She was left with no name or possessions (not even a carrier). So we have no idea how old she is but she seems to be a young fully grown adult. We have named her Scarlett (and we just adore her) and since I am a vet tech I am thankfully able to keep up with her bandage changes. Hopefully she will not have to have it amputated. But I wanted to introduce myself since I see lots of questions in my future   :)
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GrayRodent

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    • Chris Hamilton
Re: New to the Forum!
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2015, 06:40:52 AM »

Welcome to the boards and congrats on your new pet. I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have. There are also experienced breeders and owners who frequent the boards. I am curious what caused the injury. Was it something in the cage?


I just want to give you a little advice going in. You may already know this but this is a good place to post this information since it's been a while since I've posted this information:

- Chinchilla cages must be of all metal construction. No plastic trays or accessories.
- Cages must NEVER contain wire ramps or shelves. (even solid ramps should not be used in chin cages)
- Never use wire hay balls with chinchillas.
- Your pet's diet should be loose timothy hay and alfalfa-based pellets that do not have treats or contain a mixture of different shapes, colors, or doo-dads. (Other diets can be used only if you know what you are doing)
- Treats should be given sparingly if at all.
- Chinchillas must have constant access to wooden chew toys and wooden shelves.
- Chinchillas should be dust bathed no more than once every other day for a maximum of 15 minutes per session.
- Never let your pet roam outside of chinchilla-safe area where there are electrical cords, poisons, or substances that can be ingested and cause mechanical damage to their insides.
- Chinchillas should be weighed once a week, their fecal output must be monitored once a day. If there is not ample output your pet is in trouble.
- Room temperature should not exceed 73 degrees F for a chinchillas. (You can take it higher only if you know what you are doing)
- Chinchilla cages should never be put where is direct sunlight.
- Cages should be out of reach of dogs or noisy pets and should be in an environment with 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness *if there is no natural light in the room.

If you follow these rules you will avoid many common mistakes that have caused many chinchilla deaths and complications. Some of the rules can be bent but if you don't know what you are doing you can end up in big trouble.

I would also like to mention, just in case you might not realize this that chinchillas are highly susceptible to GI stasis. I recommend supplementing with syringe feeding (baytril) if for any reason it is eating less than normal. Antibiotics such as baytril are notorious for causing this as well and deaths related to stasis are common with sick animals. Chinchillas should never be given treats or anything with sugars in them unless they are eating normally or they can get bloat and bowel obstruction from gas. A couple of drops of simethecone are recommended with each feeding to reduce the potential for this. There is debate over the effectiveness of probiotics. If probiotics are given they should be given some time after the administration of the antibiotics.

I hope all goes well for you.
« Last Edit: January 26, 2015, 09:51:06 PM by GrayRodent »
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LeapingLechuga

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Re: New to the Forum!
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2015, 07:38:15 PM »

Thanks so much for the overview! I'm not sure how she was injured. They lady didn't leave any information when she surrendered her nor did she leave a phone number that I could call. It isn't looking good today. If it doesn't improve in 24-48 hours she will lose the leg :(
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GrayRodent

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Re: New to the Forum!
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2015, 09:48:26 PM »

That's rough. I know chinchillas can do well with three legs. Your biggest challenge is probably going to be to prevent GI stasis until the pain and meds wear off. Your second biggest challenge is going to be the chinchilla's psychology which can be quite delicate depending on the animal's history and makeup. They are very similar to parrots behaviorally and stress is a big factor.
« Last Edit: January 26, 2015, 09:54:14 PM by GrayRodent »
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LeapingLechuga

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Re: New to the Forum!
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2015, 05:35:59 PM »

We had the leg removed today, it was not healing and becoming a health risk. She is on a very extensive regimen of pain control, antibiotics and Cisapride to keep her GI tract moving along with syringe feedings throughout the day to keep her hydrated and adequately fed. She also has a mild sedative to use in the event of her trying to pick her incision open. She's a trooper and seems to be adjusting just fine. Being a vet tech I was allowed to take her home and do her treatments here. Since returning home she seems to have calmed down, she's not jumpy or listless like she was at the clinic. We have a long recovery road ahead but we will make it through, she deserves the best after being abandoned like that  :)
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GrayRodent

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Re: New to the Forum!
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2015, 07:22:47 PM »

Wow that sounds like a lot of work. I hope everything goes well. Sounds like she'll have the best chance of surviving possible.
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