Chinchillas can be presented for a number of different diseases. Commonly seen are gastrointestinal upset (enteritis), malocclusion, as well as fur chewing and other skin ailments.
Gastroenteritis
Chinchillas are most commonly seen for gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the bowels. The causes of this can range from improper diet, to infection (protozoal, bacterial, or viral), or other improper husbandry conditions (Brown). Symptoms of gastrointestinal upset include loss of appetite, painful abdomen, and sometimes even partial paralysis (due to pressure pinching the spinal cord or other nerve extensions). Above all the most notable symptom is diarrhea. If a chinchilla ever exhibits diarrhea or vomiting it should be seen immediately by a veterinarian, even if the diarrhea or vomiting is sporadic.
Chinchilla digestive systems are not designed to accommodate either conditions and these symptoms can endanger their lives in a matter of hours. Stool sample checks are necessary to help determine the cause of the upset. In some cases the disease may be zoonotic (transmittable from animal to human) like Giardia (although whether or not it is zoonotic is still highly debatable).
Some antibiotics are dangerous for chinchillas. Being rear-gut fermenters (also called modified monogastrics, pseudo-ruminant, and hind-gut fermenters), chinchillas rely heavily on a healthy bacterial population in their gut to digest fibrous feed. Antibiotics might weaken the good bacteria and thus make the enteritis even worse! One should always consult with an experienced exotic veterinarian before giving a little pal anything.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is simply improper growth of the teeth. This medical issue is unfortunately very common in all rodents. The teeth of rodents grow continuously throughout their lives to account for the heavy wear that their natural diet imposes. The incisors or the molars may overgrow very easily if they are not worn down with wooden chew toys or mineral blocks. This is also another reason pelleted food is a must in all rodent diets (for more information see The Nutritional Needs of a Chinchilla).
In the past trimming of the teeth was simple, using a pair of nail clippers to accomplish the task. However as exotic medicine has progressed the issue of pain has become apparent. A Dremel tool is more appropriate and safer (Messonnier, 2005). Either way anesthesia is a must for the safety of the pet. A well-versed and skilled veterinarian will also want dental radiographs (x-rays) done to ensure that the molars are not an issue. Upon physical exam a veterinarian cannot see far back into a chinchilla’s tiny mouth (nor will the furry friend appreciate it and cooperate). Molars that overgrow may abscess under the gum surface which can only be properly revealed by dental radiograph.
Veterinarians are not trying to scam anyone. They are trying to find out the exact problem on the first try instead of having the pet come in over and over again. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, drooling, sensitivity to touching around the mouth, and teary eyes. One should consult a vet if any of these symptoms arise.
Skin Ailments
Chinchillas do not typically acquire skin parasites like fleas due to their thick, dense fur. However ringworm and environmental factors may cause them to chew their fur. This leaves it spotty and ragged, a quality one does not like to see in an otherwise fluffy pet. If fur is missing (called alopecia) from a chinchilla, one should not try to rectify by putting ointments or lotions on the fuzzy critter; consult a vet! Boredom can also cause malicious chewing so a chinchilla should always have plenty of toys to entertain him.
Conclusion
All in all chinchillas are relatively easy to care for. Have them checked out every six months to ensure their health and you can expect at least ten years out of them bar any genetic predispositions.
Sources:
Brown, S. (n.d.). Chinchillas. Small Mammal Health Series, Retrieved from Chinchillas
Messonnier, S. (2005, December 21). Common diseases of pet chinchillas. Retrieved from Common diseases of pet chinchillas
Stephen Scheib - Stephen thrives on educating others about the world around them. He has worked with vets for years and has taught many subjects.
