Common Health Problems Associated With Chinchillas

There are a number of health issues that can affect a chinchilla. Some preventative measures include providing fresh water, proper food, and plenty of exercise. Common health problems associated with chinchillas include heatstroke, dental issues, and digestive complications.

Heatstroke
The chinchilla has a thick coat of fur that is necessary in the Andes Mountains where they originate. Unfortunately, this can cause a chinchilla to suffer heatstroke when the temperature is over 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of overheating include panting and lying on its side. As an active animal, it can be very obvious when these symptoms occur. There are cooling rocks available to help prevent over-heating. They will often be the most popular accessory in the chinchilla cage. If these symptoms appear, the pet must go to the vet, as this can be fatal.

Dental Problems
As a member of the rodent family, the chinchilla's teeth will continue to grow. Providing something to gnaw on is essential. This can include a wood block and lava rocks that be kept in the chinchilla cage. Malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth, can cause serious problems for a chinchilla. If the front teeth have become overgrown, it is possible for a vet to trim down the teeth. If there is misalignment or spurs on the back molars, it is generally fatal. Symptoms of Malocclusion include slobbering or drooling, watery eyes, weight loss, unwillingness to eat. Watery eyes are often caused by problems with the back molars because of the proximity to the eye socket. Diet also plays in important role in tooth development. Low calcium and high sugar diets are often to blame for dental problems.

Digestive Issues
Chinchillas have a sensitive digestive track. The best way to prevent a problem is to make sure that its food and water are not contaminated. Bacteria can grow when the water bottle and food dish is not properly cleaned.

Constipation is very common with chinchillas. Hay is essential to a chinchilla's digestion and will help with constipation. Stress from a new environment, a new chinchilla, or other things can also cause constipation. If this occurs, be sure to give the chinchilla fresh food, water, and hay, remove any possible causes of stress, and allow the chinchilla to get plenty of exercise. If the problem persists, see a veterinarian.

Diarrhea is another illness that can occur. The most common cause of diarrhea is an improper diet, which generally includes an excess of treats. Other possibilities include moldy hay or contaminated food and water. If the diarrhea continues, the chinchilla may suffer from enteritis, or the inflammation of the intestine. Medicine for this can be provided by the vet.

Bloating is typically a sign that the chinchilla is not getting enough exercise. It is important to let a chinchilla run around outside of its cage, especially if it is a small chinchilla cage. As with other digestive problems, make sure the food and water is fresh. When the chinchilla is bloated, the fecal dropping will often be covered in a mucous-like layer.

Many health issues can be prevented by using common sense. Clean water, clean food, and plenty of exercise will be the major factors in a chinchilla's health. By watching for symptoms, most health problems can be caught early.