Sprains, Fractures, Broken Limbs & Amputations
A broken limb most often is caused from the leg or arm getting stuck, improper handling, a fight between cage mates or a nutritional issue that has caused the bones to become brittle and unable to withstand the force of jumping around.
When a leg gets trapped the chinchilla's first reaction is to run away, but since the leg is trapped trying to flee will only cause more damage to the limb. If left without assistance, your pet can suffer from a sprain, fracture, or break. ( they can also die from shock! ). If you find your pet trapped in their cage you should carefully help them get loose and go to the vet for x-rays.
When a leg gets trapped the chinchilla's first reaction is to run away, but since the leg is trapped trying to flee will only cause more damage to the limb. If left without assistance, your pet can suffer from a sprain, fracture, or break. ( they can also die from shock! ). If you find your pet trapped in their cage you should carefully help them get loose and go to the vet for x-rays.
Chinchillas need to be handled very gently because of their delicate bones. If squeezed around the chest you risk fracturing or breaking ribs, or if pulled by a arm or leg you risk breaking their limbs. The safest way to handle a chinchilla is by lifting at the base of the tail, and supporting the rest of their weight by placing your free hand under the belly.
If two Chinchillas get into a fight, it can get nasty very quickly. In 5 minutes a life can be lost. It's not uncommon for a chinchilla to suffer a fracture or break from a battle with a cage mate. It's very important that you watch your pets, and separate them at any sign of aggression to avoid this from happening.
If two Chinchillas get into a fight, it can get nasty very quickly. In 5 minutes a life can be lost. It's not uncommon for a chinchilla to suffer a fracture or break from a battle with a cage mate. It's very important that you watch your pets, and separate them at any sign of aggression to avoid this from happening.
How do you know ?
If your Chinchilla has a break or sprain, they may not show signs right away because as a prey animal it's in their nature to hide any injuries as well as they can. Normally, a Chinchilla who has a injury will appear lethargic, and be hunched up. A broken limb may result in your pet staying in the lower levels of his/her cage, and walking with a limp or unfamiliar gait. A chinchilla with a broken rib may be seen laying on his/her side with labored breathing.
What should I do ?
If you suspect your chinchilla has a injury, please go to your nearest Exotic vet. Gently place your pet in a small carrier, Call your vet to alert them that you have an emergency, and go. A break can not wait for a appointment. The longer it's left untreated the more damage there will be to repair and the longer you wait the higher your pet's chance of going into shock.
How are sprains & breaks treated ?
A sprain is not something to worry about too much. A vet visit is important to get X-rays to rule out a fracture or break, and after care is important. If your pet has a sprain you should keep him/her in a medium carrier or small Chinchilla cage for 1 - 3 weeks depending on the severity of the sprain. Your vet may prescribe a few doses of pain killers, and it's important to read the directions wisely and administer them responsibly. Play time and any recreational handling should be avoided at this time. Once your 1 - 3 weeks is up, you should take your pet in for a wellness check to ensure everything has healed properly.
A fracture is a bit more complicated, because it can easily turn into a break. The animal needs to be restricted from any strenuous activities for 3 - 5 weeks depending on the severity. Your vet may prescribe a few doses of pain killers, and it's important to read the directions wisely and administer them responsibly. Play time and any recreational handling should be avoided at this time. If the fracture is server, your vet may recommend removal.
A fracture is a bit more complicated, because it can easily turn into a break. The animal needs to be restricted from any strenuous activities for 3 - 5 weeks depending on the severity. Your vet may prescribe a few doses of pain killers, and it's important to read the directions wisely and administer them responsibly. Play time and any recreational handling should be avoided at this time. If the fracture is server, your vet may recommend removal.
Amputations are common for server fractures & breaks when it comes to Chinchillas. By nature Chinchillas are very active, agile, and hard to contain. A fracture will continue to get worse if the bone continuously has pressure and force applied ( like jumping and landing ) and same goes to a break.
A break needs time to heal, and the broken limb can't be used otherwise it will not heal properly. Your vet will decide where the amputation should be made, and it's normally the base of the tail ( for tail breaks ), below the hip ( for legs ), below the shoulder ( for arms ), above the wrist ( for hands ) and at the knuckle ( for fingers & toes ) . The amputation will be done while the animal is under anesthesia. Followed by a day stay at the vet clinic to ensure your pet wakes up alright from the anesthesia. Aftercare will consist of 3-4 weeks ( depending ) of restricted handling and a small cage. Daily doses of pain killers and anti-biotics or anti- inflammatory medicines until healed. Once fully healed, your pet should adjust well to being a Tri-pawed animal in no time. |