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On this page I have tried to highlight the main and common illnesses and aliments of chinchillas, their causes, cures and preventions.

Fur Chewing
Malocclusion
Spurs
Seizures
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Incontinence
Bloat
Fur Fungus
Bumble Foot
Respiratory Problems
Summary

Fur Chewing
Many discussions have been made as to the cause and problem of fur chewing. Unfortunately there is no true cure for this illness. Some blame in on poor breeding, whilst others blame it on stress, boredom or just bad habits (like us biting our nails or picking our nose).

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
Fur missing from the sides and shoulders of the chinchilla. A moth-eaten, chewed patchy appearance with the show of darker under coat (see picture). Chinchilla can chew itself and others it is in contact with.	Bad habit, boredom, stress, breeding, hormones, isolation, irritation of pregnancy can be very common.	No real treatment. If it suddenly occurs, look at any changes of food, environment or partner. Make sure a fresh supply of hay is given daily and toys such as; cuttlefish, toilet roll inner tubes and mineral blocks are given.	Avoid creating a stressful atmosphere, keep things quiet, cool not cold; avoid over and under handling. Provide plenty of stimuli.

Below shows a badly fur chewed female, the owner had left her 2 daughters in too long and as a result she became stressed and worn out. She also chewed her two daughters.

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Malocclusion
As chinchillas are members of the rodent family their teeth (and roots) continue to grow constantly, they can grow 2-3inches per year.

If the alignment of the teeth does not grow parallel, malocclusion can occur. Malocclusion is when the teeth begin to grow in a spiral shape into the chinchilla, they overlap when they meet. This is an incurable disease with agonising effects leading to death. Watery eyes and drooling are the most common symptoms; watery eyes occur when the roots of the upper molars rub on the back of the eyes, this causes the animal considerable pain and irritation.

It is genetically carried so a chin with or carrying malocclusion should NEVER be bred from.

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
Watery eye or eyes, pawing through food, loss of appetite, weight loss, lumps under jaw line, drooling.	Genetic makeup, sharp object trapped in-between teeth, such as splinter from a log, broken teeth, too little or no gnawing materials, and calcium deficiency.	No treatment. Animal will have a shortened life with discomfort leading to immense pain. Chin will have to be put down.	Do NOT breed from a chin with or carrying malocclusion, give cuttlefish as an alternative to wood.

The pictures below shows a healthy chinchillas teeth:

Picture very kindly supplied by the UK Research into chinchillas tooth disease at http://www.dacross.demon.co.uk/chinchilla/index.html

Whereas the picture below, quite disturbingly shows a chinchilla with malocclusion:

Picture very kindly supplied by the UK Research into chinchillas tooth disease at http://www.dacross.demon.co.uk/chinchilla/index.html

Note how the teeth grow in a spiral shape, growing into the eye sockets and jawbone.

The progression of tooth elongation and associated changes :

Picture very kindly supplied by the UK Research into chinchillas tooth disease at http://www.dacross.demon.co.uk/chinchilla/index.html

Marginal crown elongation. No clinical signs expected.

Dramatic crown elongation with minimal effect on occlusion.
Elongated tooth roots obstruction the lacrimal duct.

Greater crown and root elongation with increased tooth curvature.
Interproximal gaps are present in both skull 252 and 257.
Food impaction and periodontal disease were present.

A chinchilla bred from a chinchilla with malocclusion will not necessarily have it itself; it has a 50% chance and you cannot tell from just looking, at the 6mth age it is a good idea to have the chin x-rayed. This chin should not be bred from.

Not all teeth problems in chinchillas are malocclusion; if you suspect any of the following please contact professional vetinary assistance:

The information below is very kindly supplied by the UK Research into chinchillas tooth disease at http://www.dacross.demon.co.uk/chinchilla/index.html

The dental problems identified in UK chinchillas include:

Incisor crown elongation
Abnormal incisor wear pattern
Incisor root deformity
Missing incisor teeth
Coronal elongation of cheek teeth
Gaps between cheek tooth crowns
Periodontal pocketing
Periodontal food impaction
Periodontal abscessation
Tipping of cheek teeth
Increased cheek tooth curvature
Altered alveolar bone anatomy
Spike formation on cheek teeth
Cheek tooth occlusal irregularity
Cheek tooth occlusal caries
Interproximal caries cavities
Cheek tooth root elongation
Altered periapical bone anatomy
Swelling of the ventro-lateral surface of the mandible
Maxillary cheek tooth root intrusion behind the eyes
Obliteration of lacrimal ducts by elongated cheek tooth roots
Gross cheek tooth root deformity
Microscopic tooth root deformity
Dental dysplasia
Odontoclastic resorptive lesions of cheek tooth roots
Ankylosis of tooth roots to alveolar bone

The pattern of disease is similar to that seen in domestic rabbits.

Scientific Name: Chinchilla Lanigera
Diet: Herbivore
Origin: Domestic
Skull Size:
Length = 6cm
Width = 3.58cm
Height = 3cm

Below shows a diagram of a different tooth problem, the top set of teeth on this chinchilla, the right side was fine, however the left were misaligned, the 'tooth' is growing in alignment with the 3rd back one there is no step and they are both 'even' together. This will cause no problem eating but this could cause spurs.

Picture courtesy of breeding and caring for chinchillas by Egon Mosslacher

Spurs
We have established chinchillas teeth (and roots) continue to grow constantly, they can grow 2-3inches per year.

alot of the time teeth problems are associated with malocclusion, but Spurs are also a common occurrence, a spurs are a Osteoarthritis condition in which bony growths project outward from the ends of a bone in a joint.

awaiting pic

Picture kindly supplied by Margaret of chinquest and chinwags

The spurs or points of the teeth can do serious damage to your chinchilla if it goes untreated. Watch for any changes in your chinchillas eating habits, excessive drooling, or even diarrhoea. Having your vet perform an oral exam on your chinchilla can help prevent the teeth from overgrowing. However, if this happens to your pet, it is easily treated with a tooth trim or by burring by your vet.

Depending on how quickly the teeth grow, it can be 3 weeks to 9 months before they will need doing again, but as the teeth grown continually it is unlikely a total cure will ever occur.

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Prevention

Watch for any changes in your chinchillas eating habits, excessive drooling, or even diarrhoea.

Also common is Watery eye or eyes, pawing through food, loss of appetite, weight loss, drooling.

VERY similar to malocclusion, symptoms dependant of progressing and time of diagnosis.

Genetic makeup, sharp object trapped in-between teeth, such as splinter from a log, broken teeth, too little or no gnawing materials, and calcium deficiency, incorrect jaw alignment.

Burring and filing - this illness requires vet treatment ASAP.

Correct Chinchilla diet promotes their natural chewing behaviour reduces risk of misalignment.

Seizures
Seizures, fits or convulsions can be very scary and have happened to one of our chinchillas (who is now fine thankfully). She literally looked dead she was very limp and lifelessness and we didn’t know what to do, so I hope this helps;

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
No symptoms leading up to seizure, just happens. Appears lifelessness, limp, uncomfortable even dead. Can have muscle spasms. Stretching of hind and fore legs, temporary movement loss (paralysis).	Constipation, becoming pregnant for the first time at an older age, lack of minerals, calcium or vitamins, excess salt or exercise, toxin infection, heat exhaustion and starvation, stress	If a deficiency add some vitamin and mineral drops to their water. Reduce intake of salt. Increase calcium with a cuttlefish.	Don’t let your chin run out more then 20mins it can become exhausted, and NEVER chase it round the room. Ensure fresh food is given daily. Don’t tease and overexcite by tempting treats.

When this happened to our Molly it was because she became pregnant at the age of 3 for the first time, we were very panicked but remained calm so as not to distress her further, when it happened we laid her on a towel on top of a hot water bottle on my knee, stroked and quietly talked to her. After 5 minuets or so she began to move a little and after just 15 she was fine, we monitored her closely for some time, but she has been fine ever since (touch wood) and she has now had 2 healthy babies!

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Diarrhoea
Another nasty I’m afraid. Like all illnesses in chinchillas this one is serious. It can often appear from nowhere and be very difficult to treat. Time, and catching it early is the great importance here.

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Prevention

Weak and listless, droppings appear loose, stick to cage, paper lining, and other chins. Weight loss, dehydration in more serious cases droppings can be covered in mucus or contain blood.

Too many treats, such as raisons or prunes. Infection, change in diet, un-fresh hay or water (and bottle), youngsters gorging on food when weaned.

One of the best treatments is brown well done/burnt toast, the charcoal is good for the problem and helps dry up the Diarrhoea. Give this a few times daily. Allow only fresh pellets and water for 24hrs (no hay or treats). If more severe sometimes it is best is to starve the chin for 12hrs, allowing only water.

Burnt toast, pellets and water for the next 24hrs. You can also allow your Chin 1tsp of yoghurt; (mine prefer apple or strawberry). You can give 2 or 3tsp of this during the 24 hour period after the starvation at various times during the day. Your chinny will love it as well as it helping to make him better. This helps balance out the bacteria in the digestive system.

Kaolin liquid (available from chemists) can be given daily, 1-3ml.

Clean cage and accessories. Fresh, regular balanced diet with vitamin and mineral blocks as supplements. Treats in moderation only. Avoid disturbing nocturnal cycle.

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Constipation
Constipation can just happen and in most cases it is more uncomfortable for the chin rather then life threatening. Nevertheless it should be treated will care and respect as untreated it can be very serious.

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
Chin can appear lifelessness, uncomfortable, stretching up on hind legs, lack of appetite droppings small, hard thin.	Excess treats, pregnancy or after the birth, lack of exercise	If not severe it can be treated with extra raisons and a couple of prunes work wonders. If more serious you can also administer a teaspoon full of Syrup of Figs using a pipette. Or 1ml of liquid paraffin per day.	Regular exercise. No excess diet 1-2tbsp of fresh pellets per day.

Incontinence
Incontinence is very rare in chinchillas, before this year I had never experienced a case before, but I had seen one when I visited a larger breeder, at this time I also read about a case on a chinchilla forum but it wasn't until then and 3 years into breeding that I had come across it.

Very little information about the illness can be found on the web or in books, so I can only give you details of my case and my treatment. In September I bred a beautiful Wilson white male, but he always appeared to trickle on himself when he urinated and his bottom was never clean, gradually the progression of the problem grew. I consulted a vet who had also never encountered such a condition, so I gave him what information I had! It was obvious though that it would be too difficult to operate and if things worsened as chinchillas internally are so tiny and delicate, I thought he may have to be put to sleep. I persisted with antibiotics hoping it was just an infection, these did not clear it and it became worse. He is happy within himself and he has no scalds, so he is living with a lady who is able to dedicate the time to give him the treatment he needs daily.

In very bad cases the wetting can be so bad urine scald can occur to the skin, this is where repeated exposure to the skin of the urine causes a burn type irritation to the area of skin affected.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) can also be the cause of incontinence, this is when Bacteria can infect the urinary tract (kidneys and/or bladder), just as they can many other organ systems. Your vet is the best person to advise you on the proper course of action in case of a UTI, but in my case a course of Baytrill was administered.

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Prevention

Chin can appear to urinate on him/herself Bad staining to the chinchilla rear end in very (as per pic). In very bad cases the entire belly can be wet- when this occurs if left scalding to the skin can occur.

Mild incontinence can also be caused by infection like cystitis or bladder stones.

Genetic deformity of the urinary system, resulting in incontinence.

Veterinary treatment/diagnosis is essential.

If mild it will hopefully by temporary and usually clears with a course of antibiotics like Baytrill it can be cleaned with regular dust baths.

In very bad cases Hibiscrub diluted with warm water should be used to clean the affected area, sudocrem can be applied to sooth any urine scald.

If temporary then prevention is clean cage, regular and suitable diet.

If severe then you should consider not breeding from the parents, it is likely if you breed with the affected animal this will cause discomfort and secondary infection to both breeding parties.

This is a pic of Smudger, he was beautiful, at 5 months old he is now living with a lady who is going to care for him as long as possible. for more info on this subject, pls see Debbie Cave's wetters item:
http://www.azure-chinchillas.co.uk/pages/incontinence.php

Bloat
Not to be confused with constipation, bloat is a rare occurrence when hay is freshly cut and fed to chins without sufficient maturing.

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
Chin can appear lifelessness, uncomfortable, a bloated ‘doughy’ belly. Loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Sticky droppings covered in brownish mucus.	Too many greens. Un-matured hay being the biggest cause.	Regular exercise. 1ml of milpar liquid (available from the chemist) given 3x daily until an improvement is noticed.	Regular exercise. Only feed well-matured hay.

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Fur Fungus
I have just recently experienced this in two of my best chinchillas, it was very worrying but soon cleared up once I began the treatment.

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
Loss of hair, usually on nose, eyes and genitals; places where the chinchilla cleans a lot through irritation. And on the feet and tail. Spreads on entire body. Chins can become withdrawn, lifeless and loose appetite leading to weight loss.	Damp and humid atmosphere, damp hay releasing spoors that cause the infestation.	Isolation from the herd - Is HIGHLY contagious. Clean and sterilize all cages, baths, food bowls and water bottles used by infected chin(s). Throw away all chews, blocks and toys also used. Anti-fungal powder or athletes foot powder in the bath.	Clean cages regularly. Only give fresh hay, check for damp in debris. Add 1tbsp of athlete foot powder to all baths.

Please notice the picture below is of one of my youngsters that developed an untypical case of fur fungus, he only lost fur from his chest, which has now thankfully cleared up:

Bumble Foot
Bumble foot is the slang term for ulcerative pododermatitis. It's a bacterial infection usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria may at times cause this problem but most often it is the S. aureus causing the problem. "Staph infection" is S. aureus bacteria which are everywhere in the environment including inside your nose. It's normal and doesn't always cause disease but it will when it gets into a place that it shouldn't be.

The problem most often begins with a wire floored cage. Walking on that wire all the time will cause abrasions on the feet this allows the bacteria to enter; then we have infection. Other causes are anything that breaks the skin then allows the bacteria to move in. It's very important to keep those cages disinfected and extremely clean at all times.

The "bumbles" that grow are keratinized tissue that looks like an overgrowth of skin or basically a huge lump. These lumps will bleed off and on. This intermittent bleeding can cause anaemia, a dangerous thing for a any small mammal. When you see these bumbles you may think they are tumours but actually they are closed abscesses. If this infection is left untreated eventually it will spread to bone and/or the blood stream. If this happens then it can lead to fatal infection.

Chronic bumblefoot in a chinchilla

Picture kindly supplied by Debbie Cave of Azure chinchillas
(she is a wealth of knowledge pls check her site)
http://www.azure-chinchillas.co.uk

Surgery is not a practical solution because these "bumbles" can bleed too heavily and may cause the rat to bleed to death. Once bumble foot takes hold it is very difficult to treat, steroids don't work, anti fungal creams and triple anti biotic creams will not work.

Your first step when you begin treatment is to throw out any bedding, wood and shelves in the cage. New wood and shelves must be added. Carpet samples with woven not plastic backs can bee added to the cage for extra comfort.

Systemic and topical antibiotics must be given (via a trip to the vet) The next step is to find the generic chlorhexidine or the brand name Nolvasan solution, you need to have it to flush these bumbles daily. This is an antiseptic/disinfectant. It's a very necessary component for the treatment. Your vet can provide this for you and show directions of use.

Next you need a product called Blu-Kote. This is a farm animal topical treatment for skin infections. Purple spray (used for horses made by Robinsons) can also be used as topical treatment.

flush the feet at least twice a day with the chlorhexidine/Nolvasan antiseptic. Then once a day spray the Blu-Kote directly onto the bumbles. Using it more than once a day will cause too much irritation to the skin. Change the bedding daily and wipe down the cage with the chlorhexidine. It may take up to two months for this to work but you should begin to see some results after two weeks. The bumbles should begin to shrink and their bleeding should begin to occur much less often. It seems that the combination of all of these steps is what will do the trick to rid your rat of this affliction. Leaving out any of the steps may cause your efforts to fail.

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Prevention

Sore cracked feet, bleeding and swelling, listlessness, loss of appetite, withdrawn and weak.

Bacteria. Too much exposure to wire cages. Cuts, sores bites to feet.

Antibiotics, daily antiseptic cleaning of cage and feet, blue-kote or purple spray.

Clean cages, regular antiseptic used to clean, wooden shelves and platforms.

Symptoms	Causes	Treatment	Prevention
Chin can appear lethargic, runny nose; rubbing of nose, sneezing, chest pains (can appear to have hunchback like stance) wheezing, heavy or shallow breaths, and loss of appetite, weight loss.	Drafts, infection, cold, damp and stress.	Quiet and warm conditions. TLC	Keep away from infected hosts; avoid placing cage in drafts, damp, or humid areas.

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Summary
If you feel any unease to your chinchilla’s condition and treatment please don’t hesitate to contact a veterinarian, if you are not satisfied with them go to another until you are. I know myself I am not comfortable with one vet I visited when he commented on my chinchillas back feet as ‘clubbed’, of course his feet were fine this vet had never seen a chin before so I did my research and found another who had treated chinchillas successfully. However I always try to treat my chins myself and ask the advice of reputable breeders before going to the vets, who I have only had to visit twice (touch wood!).

If you feel unsure about any of the above information please feel free to contact me, I do not claim to be an expert but I do know people who have been breeding chins for 20+ years who may be able to help if I can’t.

lizzbenson@chinnychinchins.co.uk