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Chinchillas are generally hardy animals but can have several unique problems; understanding them will help you care for your pet and manage potential health problems.
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Chinchillas are generally hardy animals but are susceptible to several unique health conditions; understanding them will help you care for your pet and manage potential health problems. This handout describes the most common conditions seen in pet chinchillas.
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Chinchillas are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. In the wild, they primarily eat grass, hay, wild berries, nuts, roots, twigs, stems, and tree bark. Pet chinchillas require a high-fiber diet and grass should be the main component. This handout provides the information needed to feed your chinchilla a balanced and healthy diet.
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Your chinchilla's cage should allow them to move around a lot, as they are very active, agile, and acrobatic animals. This handout discusses best practices for maintaining a healthy chinchilla living environment.
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Chinchillas can make fun, enjoyable pets. They can live 15 to 20 years, so the family must plan for a long-term commitment. They require a cage with a wheel to run in to help them maintain their health and strength. Yearly veterinary examinations are highly advised as they are very good at hiding symptoms of illness.
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Chloramphenicol (brand names Chloromycetin®, Viceton®) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections in many species. Chloramphenicol comes as tablets, capsules, liquid suspension, and in an injectable form (chloramphenicol sodium succinate). Injectable forms will be administered by your veterinarian.
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Chloramphenicol ophthalmic is a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial eye infections in cats, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Chloramphenicol ophthalmic is considered a hazardous drug- wear gloves when handling and do not handle if pregnant or nursing.
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Chlorpheniramine maleate is given by mouth and is used off label in cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, and birds to treat allergic conditions or as a mild sedative. Common side effects include sleepiness, although other side effects are possible.
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Cisapride is used off label and is given by mouth to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders in cats, dogs, and small mammals. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with conditions that would be made worse by increased intestinal movement. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Coccidial organisms, including Eimeria, are parasites that can infect rabbits, especially young and recently weaned rabbits. These organisms invade the intestinal tract of young rabbits and can progress to cause a fatal infection of the liver in many cases. Many rabbits show no signs, but if they do, they may have infrequent or intermittent watery, mucousy, or blood-tinged diarrhea. If your rabbit's diarrhea progresses to moderate to severe in intensity, your veterinarian will hospitalize your rabbit to provide supportive care until it is well enough to go home.