2. Look for the signs like seizures or being hunched over and unresponsive to anything. Also, chinchillas may spray urine to inform someone to back up, back off, or to let you know that they feel threatened. This occurs because your chinchilla cant stand comfortably on its feet. But if your chinchilla has to stand on solid or rough surfaces all the time, this callus can get bigger and bigger. This will require having a second or third cage to control these issues. (And How It Actually Works). You should also stop giving your chinchilla dust baths until the condition has healed. In order tomeet their energy requirements, the high fiberfood material moves through the system relatively quickly to make room for moreconsumed food. Jumping up and kicking off the walls is known as 'wallsurfing'. Being around them on a regular basis is equally important. This allows bacteria to enter the wound and infect it. The cause could be physical trauma from fighting or an accident, a nosebleed, or bloody stools. Chinchillas pee or urinate like any other animal. Take our quiz and find out! Vaginal skin peeling can be due to several causes. This is a common misconception! Keeping your chinchilla busy with a good cage setup will help them to stop chewing off clumps of fur. 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. It can be from being combed, touched, and simply being happy. These are patches of skin and tissue that have died due to being put under constant pressure. Malocclusion requires a vet's assistance. Chinchillas can release, or slip, patches of fur when theyre handled roughly or stressed. The cause could be physical trauma from fighting or an accident, a nosebleed, or bloody stools. This is certainly a sign that is showing you they are bored and need some attention. Chinchillas make great pets and are generally healthy. As the issue develops, it gets more painful. (difficult to gauge in a chinchilla because they are good at hiding pain). Chinchilla care is not always a walk in the park. In some cases, crying sounds like screaming as a chinchilla sound. Last Updated: March 12, 2020 Bumblefoot is also known by the term pododermatitis. Dried blood around the chinchilla cage. Metritis is a serious condition in female chinchillas because the kits may get the infection from the mother and the mother itself may die if untreated from severe bacterial infection. How much do chinchillas cost? Pregnancy & Babies Chinchillas have a long pregnancy and the gestation period is around 110 days. It can also point to husbandry issues like an inappropriate or dirty cage. Every chinchillas make a variety of different sounds use to communicate, and a good chinchilla owner needs to know what their chinchillas are trying to communicate to them. While its unlikely to do so, its best to preclude the possibility entirely. Why is there blood in my chinchillas cage? Can you use treats to make a chinchilla like you? Unfortunately, this may necessitate the removal of much or most of your chinchillas foot. If much of your chinchillas foot tissue is dead, surgery may be necessary. Stop the bleeding by applying light pressure over the wound. 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. Happy chinchilla behavior and body language, Behavior and body language of an unhappy chinchilla, Understanding chinchilla dominance behavior. Annual vet visits will help keep your chinchilla in the best health, but not all vets are trained in chinchilla care. At first it was perfectly healthy, but now it seems to not want to eat its pellets any more. 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). Chinchillas wont die if they dont bathe in dust. Eye Problems in Chinchillas Another possibility, albeit rare, is that your chinchilla had a seizure. The condition can get a lot worse than this. Lovely. To prevent dental issues, feed your chinchilla lots of grass hay, and provide wood and chew toys so your chinchilla can wear down its teeth. In most cases, they simply want to see whats going on. Once pressure sores develop, the skin can be further damaged by scrapes and cuts. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chinchillas have a wide range of behaviors and emotions that they communicate to owners and other chinchillas. 2 This defect is known as a corneal ulcer. It is not normal if they are racing and walking in circles. Look closely. ).Many owners also note that their chinchillas can be naughty and will let out a high-pitched scream like this when they want attention, so its once again important to read your chinchillas body language once you enter the room. If you check your chinchillas feet, you may see the slightest of swellings in its foot pads. Thats why UTIs and gut problems can either cause or hasten bumblefoot. 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. This imbalance of bacteriaor disruption of the microbiomeis referred to as dysbiosisandcan have numerousnegativeeffects, including alteration of fiber digestion. 1. Corneal Ulcers: Sometimes chinchillas' eyes get scratched or irritated by hay, hair, dust, or even after a struggle with another chinchilla. When chinchillas have gastrointestinal issues, they may get diarrhea. Even if the infection can be killed, the tissue would still be dead. When dietsdeviate from high fiber and lean towardsmoresimplecarbohydrates(sugars and starches),severalhealthissuescanarise.Dental IssuesChinchillasteeth areall open rooted which means they arecontinuously growing and need substrate to wearthem down. The Complete Bearded Dragon Diet: What Can They Eat? They tend to hide signs of illness, so examining your pet regularly is the best way to catch an issue before it becomes serious. Hi, my name is Jamie. Chinchilla Chinchillas dont have periods, so you should never see blood around or coming from your female chinchillas rear end. This is an adaptation thats the same as how our skin forms calluses. Any chinchilla that has bitten you before may not learn to stop biting which can lead to an ongoing aggressive problem. This means that only small areas of the foot have to bear the whole of your chinchillas weight. If you have the hay rack at floor level, it might get peed on. They can get into trouble very easily if they start chewing wires or doing other things they shouldnt be doing, which might result in a potentially costly trip to the vet. Chinchilla Treats That WONT Kill Your Pet, What Do You Need for a New Chinchilla? Hi, my name is Jamie. Wet or dried blood on your pets feet is always a bad sign. This is actually a surprisingly interesting topic. During the earliest stage, your chinchillas feet wont be obviously hurt. However, you would notice a hematoma on its ears if you spend any time with your pet. [Full List], Chinchillas make noise like any other small pet, Respiratory Infection in Chinchillas: Causes/Symptoms/Cure, Are Chinchillas Dangerous? Why is there blood in my chinchillas cage? Living and Management The chinchilla undergoing treatment for metritis should be given proper care, including rest in a quiet and calm environment and a well-balanced diet. Free Shipping on orders over $49.95 to USA. The female has a slit in the underside of the cone and a slit between the urethral cone and the anus. (Get More Info) Rarely, two dominant chinchillas will not get along no matter what. Required fields are marked *. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Keep in mind that for the 12 hours they are awake, they need to be kept plenty busy. If you want to learn to be a chin-whisperer, this guide will give you plenty of behaviors that you can learn to decypher. If you dont have access to it, thick moisturizers made of things like beeswax may work in the same way. While your chinchilla is recovering, you should make its cage floor comfortable. Its true: a simple infection because of dry feet can kill your chinchilla. Here is a table of every common cause of blood in a chinchillas cage. Begin by removing everything and cleaning it. Chinchilla Breeding If enough tissue dies, it cant be replaced. If you use a cable tidy, your chinchilla will just switch to chewing that instead. As infection develops, it causes open wounds. What was formerly only a blister now becomes an infected ulcer, a.k.a. Chinchilla Sleep Explained, Chinchilla Cage Setup 101 | A Complete Guide, 100+ Fun and Unique Owl Names You Will Love, 100+ Unique Axolotl Names You Will Surely Like. Squeaking loudly is another warning there is danger or to not approach them. Its easier to crush a tablet, mix the powder with flavored Sustacal or Ensure, then administer the mixture with an eyedropper. It is always best to start with a slow introduction process when planing to cage two or more Its unmistakable how they curl their cheeks upward in contentment. As such, its not normal for a female to have blood around its rear end, whether in heat or otherwise. Chinchillas use their teeth to attack. You should also clean your chinchillas cage to prevent further infection. bacteria, protozoa, fungi, etc.) This article has been viewed 12,540 times. Sometimes this can result in bleeding. Because chinchillas cannot vomit or eructate(belch),any gas that builds up inthe GI system mustcontinue tomovethroughout theentiresystemtobealleviatedat the rectum. But what is the cause of bumblefoot in chinchilla? In addition, isolating your sick pet can help keep it from getting stressed, which could interfere with its recovery. A chinchilla could theoretically live its whole life without bathing. We've published an eBook: Chinchilla Care 101. Your email address will not be published. Fighting can also cause open wounds elsewhere in the body, but this is less likely. Dogs have been kept for thousands upon thousands of years, and successive generations have been bred to be more loyal, more trusting, and able to wear a collar and leash. Bumblefoot is a where the natural calluses on your chinchillas feet become too thick. This will require having a second or third cage to control these issues. Poop throwing is surely a sign that you should not approach your chinchilla, as something is agitating or stressing them. It is also a sign of tolerance when it comes to sharing snacks. If both of its feet hurt, it wont want to move at all. You can only tell that something is wrong if you check them properly. You must identify bumblefoot as early as you can. And not in a normal way, but hopping really high, and bouncing off the cage walls. Chinchillas need a diet that mirrors what they eat in the wild, otherwise they get sick with gastrointestinal stasis (GI/constipation), diarrhea, or overweight. Take the chin out, and lay it back on your thighs. WebFemale chinchillas that are having a vaginal discharge need attention right away. Spayed Female Dog Bleeding From Private Area WebMy wethers are a little aggressive especially with all my 6 does in heat. Listen to how they are breathing and if it is difficult for them. Injuries can affect: There may not be a large amount of blood if this is the cause, as the break may not poke through the skin. It sometimes means that they are perceiving some danger or something threatening, but not always. Its also something that males will do around females who are ready for mating as a part of a mating ritual. Only in this case, this means your chinchilla is not very happy to be bothered. Dont keep going until the bottoms of your chinchillas feet are perfectly soft. Almost as if theyre telling you they agree or saying yes. They will squeak loudly or softly but the unmistakable wall surfing action is part of their pure excitement of being out of their cage. Respiratory Infection. Anal sac disease is much less common in cats than in dogs. WebMultiple quick matings may occur over a period of time. Do chinchillas need vitamins and minerals? A complete cost breakdown, Chinchilla grooming tips How to groom a chinchilla like a pro, Chinchilla husbandry: an overview of correct care, Adrenal activity and anxiety-like behavior in fur-chewing chinchillas (, Are Chinchillas Nocturnal? WebA wet oozing or bleeding wound should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. One interesting friendly mood is a chinchilla that has its whiskers spread out and poking everywhere. Anorexia and loss of appetite can also indicate respiratory infection and other health issues. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. A) it might chew through and access the wires anyway, and B) these are made of plastic, which your chinchilla shouldn't ingest. 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. But is cheese suitable for chinchillas? But its best for the safety of both chinchillas to keep them apart, for now at least. PLUS, chinchillas have very delicate bodies and easily broken bones. WebThe first sign of your dog starting her heat cycle is a swollen vulva and bloody discharge from the vulva. There are other factors that play a part, but wont cause bumblefoot on their own. Tablets are difficult to give to chinchillas. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. an abscess. The vet can find latent heart conditions, find any injuries, and make their best guess at why your chinchilla died. Again, if fighting caused the nosebleed, you should separate your pets. Most chinchilla owners use Bag Balm, a brand that specializes in intense moisturizers. Chinchillas with delicate ears are more prone to these type of injuries. Is My Dogs Vagina Swollen? This is a bad sign that can be from dental issues or perhaps from a respiratory problem. Dry chinchilla feet are normal; even a small amount of cracking is to be expected, as are calluses. Compared to their native diet, the most nutritionallyakinfoodwe canand shouldprovide isa diversityofgrass hays,which should always be the stapleofa chinchillas diet. Boredom and aggressive natures can be controlled as long as you carefully curb your chinchilla behavior slowly. TheGIsystem of chinchillas is designed to process high levels of fiberwhichare not calorically dense nor highly digestible. The female has no space between the anus and the base of the urethral cone. Morgan has been a professional copywriter for over five years. Disorders of the Rectum and The second cause is a heart attack. Fluid develops underneath them and can rupture the skin, or the skin can crack when dry. Treatment Plans. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Bring your chinchilla to the vet immediately if you see mucus-covered droppings or air bubbles, which are both signs of serious illness. Respiratory infection is often caused by overcrowding, poor ventilation, drafts, high humidity or excess moisture in the cage. Breeding Chinchillas - Mating and Pregnancy Whenever you walk next to your chinchilla's cage, it starts Hopping around. WebIf your female dog is experiencing a swollen and bleeding vagina, its often caused by a bacterial infection, anatomical abnormalities, cancer, or a hormonal imbalance. Bark Call. Believe it or not, but bumblefoot can get worse still. You can start giving it dust baths again once the wound has healed and you have corrected the issues with its cage. The safest thing to do is pick a room like the bathroom which doesn't have accessible cables. PetMD If you dont already have one, search online for a local exotic small animal vet who has experience treating chinchillas. This is a characteristic single jump in the air with a jerking motion at the very end. LoveMyChinchilla is reader-supported. You will see signs she is pregnant with mood swings and more attitude-behavior changes. Ear Injuries in Chinchillas Or, they can injure themselves when running on exercise wheels. This can occur either in a fight, or because the chinchilla fell from a height. This is also a common sound between a baby chinchillas and their mother, though many chinchillas are capable of retaining this sound into adulthood. When it comes to products they get used to, it takes gradual changes that are not such a shock for them to handle. Blood in cat poo Take any cage accessory that has blood on it and wash it in hot soapy water. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Wire bars are uncomfortable to stand on, but most importantly provideuneven pressureacross the feet. You may also notice your chinchillas feet pads splayed apart. Otherwise, keep them in a playpen in the room while you clean the cage. My Chinchilla Seizures are not common in chinchillas, even though they are in other small pets. WebInflammation of the colon (large intestine) can cause diarrhoea containing fresh blood and mucus. This can be due to illness or possibly failing organs. If you arent feeding your chinchilla a diet of hay, and avoiding almost all snacks, you should change what you feed your pet. Localized heat, pain. Chinchillas can have nosebleeds, although not for what seems like no reason, as can happen to people. So these younger and less experienced males will take the Beta position. Bag Balm can be found in large drug stores, but is a U.S. product that isnt found abroad. These scratches or irritations can cause a defect on the clear surface of the eye called the cornea. This can cause damage to the nose, head, or any other part of the body. This is characteristic of late stage bumblefoot. Chinchilla Mansion Chinchilla Cage - Handmade in the USA! Generally speaking, the reason your chinchilla may cry out is that they are scared or in pain. After youve figured out whats wrong and taken your pet to the vet, you should clean any blood from your chinchillas cage. Standing on their hind legs is a sign they are curious and excited to see what is happening. Having it slightly above the level of the floor means it won't sit in a pool of pee, and that your chinchilla can't easily spray it by accident if it ever sprays urine. You have to clean the wounds with antibacterial, and then gently rub on some Vaseline or natural aloe (they will eat/chew, so must be nontoxic, and thick enough for no bandage). Web up to 15% cash back if there is no chance that your goat is pregnant, then the most common cause of vaginal bleeding is a uterine growth or mass. This can even happen to your hand since he is in hot hostile pursuit of mating action. WebFemale Chinchillas can become quite aggressive towards one another at times. As a veterinarian, I have seen cases of chinchillas with injured and even broken ears. Males Vs. Females Some of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which you can click and open in a New Tab. Worldwide shipping quotes available at checkout! Chinchillas have very long whiskers that will extend outwards as they pull them inward. Its best therefore to get rid of it and recover what tissue is still alive. To take its temperature, lubricate a digital rectal thermometer designed for small animals. Alternatively the vaginal secretions may be collected and grown in suitable culture medium for the identification of the causative bacteria so that suitable antibiotics can be administered to treat the condition effectively. Drooling, discharges, difficulty eating, reduced appetite, and bald patches around the eyes and mouth are also signs of dental issues. Bear in mind, though, that some chinchillas stand like this even if they dont have bumblefoot; so its only an issue if your pet displays other symptoms, too. 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 orange-red color of a healthy chinchilla's teeth indicate that it is getting the right amounts of iron and calcium. 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. A necropsy is where the vet performs exploratory surgery to check what killed your pet. This hastens the death of skin and tissue and the formation of blisters. It therefore collects in your chinchilla's guts and forms a blockagea condition known as gastrointestinal stasis. Thats because the same issues (rough flooring, nothing to soak up urine, etc.) You can use a hay rack instead of a food bowl. If you spot any causes for concern, work with the vet to accurately diagnose and treat an illness or emergency condition. From cuddly rabbits to energetic hamsters, on The Pet Savvy you can learn about the different types of small pets and how to care for them. Chinchillas A huge wound will need stitches or skin glue applied by a vet, where as a small dry wound can be monitored at home by you. The primary cause of bumblefoot is pressure sores. Chinchilla WebWhen a chinchilla has bad diarrhea or constipation its rectum may become red, swollen, and protrude. This is a behavior called 'popcorning', and wild chinchillas display it when they play with each other. Vitamins and minerals are vital for organ function, muscle function and brain function in all animals. Since a chinchilla's ears so delicate, they need special veterinary care. They are stressed and dont want you to touch them or pick them up. The skin can get dry and crack open, and pressure on the feet can cause the blisters to rupture. This is part of their bonding that allows you to know when theyre listening to your voice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. References. Chinchillas can be affected by many of the health conditions that people can, and while theyre uncommon or even exceptionally uncommon, they can happen. Hormonal changes is another possible culprit, or it can be due to a condition called lichen sclerosus. If it is not shed within the recommended time, contact a veterinarian. Its a sign of affection that is traded back and forth between chinchillas. These can also occur after heart attacks. Typically when a chinchilla screams, it sounds like a high-pitched squeakingsoundsthat can sometimes frighten a chinchilla owner the first time they may hear it. Keep them busy by playing with them or giving them the right toys. So, if you put a healthy chinchilla next to one that has bumblefoot, it wont catch the condition. Wild chinchillas get most of their water from food, but pet chins don't. While most male chinchillas make wonderful dads it's best to separate the male if it's time for mom to get a break. This is why naked wire bars are so bad: not only do they cause uneven pressure, but they absorb nothing. 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. Your chins may talk to each other, bark, run on their wheels or anything else to keep themselves entertained. As chinchillas jump around their cages a lot, these splinters can get caught in their feet and cause a small amount of bleeding. Lack of fibrous foods andappropriateenrichmentchewitemsmayresultin abnormal growth of teeth,malocclusion (imperfect positioning of the teeth),and potentially other types of dental diseases. And if you take it again, it will come up with new questions each time! We've published an eBook: Chinchilla Care 101. Take about 1-2 teaspoons of feces and put them in a clean container to bring with you to the vet. (I'm the one on the left). What better way to honor these unique little creatures than to discuss common chinchilla health concerns? This can cause: Believe it or not, but bumblefoot can get worse still. Pairingfreechoiceamounts ofgrasshayswithcontrolledamounts of appropriatepellets as well as limited amounts ofgreens/veggiesisthe best way to ensure a balanced dietand a happy, healthy fur baby. It may be impossible to get rid of deeply dried blood stains, particularly in wood, so dont worry if you cant. If the wound becomes infected, it becomes a painful open abscess. This will be the basic first aid until you can get your chinchilla into a Vet with experience with small exotics. These shouldnt create big pools of blood or blood stains, but rather small amounts of blood that may transfer from the pellet to the cage flooring or platform. WebThe anal sacs are glands located on each side of the anus. Causes Ear injuries in chinchillas may be due to a bite from another animal or a self-inflicted wound, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Bacterial infections such as Salmonella, and infectious diseases such as Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) can cause blood in the poo. It can be mistaken for blood even if there is none. Chinchillas If you have a partner or friend who can, have them supervise the chinchillas. But if a healthy chinchilla has no open wounds on its feet, then it wont catch them. Or do you need a handy chinchilla reference guide? Your email address will not be published. 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. New owner, don't know where to start? Train it by offering it a treat and calling its name. They are also doing this from boredom and wanting attention. This constantmovement of the GI tract and the cycle of ingestion and defecation is key to chinchilla health. Chinchilla Sounds and Their Meanings Why Your veterinarian will advise you as to the antibiotic therapy needed. My Pal said to separate her because possibly she is bred and the Buck is too Randy and caused her vagina to bleed. Uneven bald patches could be a sign of fur biting due to bacterial infection, stress, or fungus. The best thing you can do at home is to just let him find a quiet area to rest. Chinchillas simply haven't undergone this process, so don't understand collars in the same intuitive waylike tugging the leash to the left means 'move left'. They may also be red. Gastrointestinal problems can occur in chinchillas, especially if they are not fed the correct diet. Is plastic suitable for a chinchilla cage?