Most of the information that we have on steroids in chinchillas is extrapolated from rabbits and guinea pigs because they are used most commonly in drug research. Because the chinchilla's body systems are very close to those species, we try to follow the same rules. However, I feel like the side effects from steroids that I have seen have been much worse in rabbits than in chinchillas, but, the facts remain the same:
Steroids cause diabetes, liver disease, gastric ulceration, and immune suppression.
I have read reports of rabbits having 2 days of topical low dose steroid eye drops and going into full blown diabetes with liver failure.
I never use any oral, topical, or ophthalmic steroids in chinchillas ever because it is just not worth the risk.
I most recently had a second opinion chinchilla that came to me with paralysis in the hind end. The owner had been treating him for a few weeks with antibiotics with no real improvement, but no worsening either. The other vet then put the chin on oral steroids and within 3 days, the chin had stopped eating. I saw him when that happened, but it was already too late. He passed away about 6 hours after I saw him. I blame the steroids for that, had they used a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory like Metacam, that chin may have improved. I hope this helps!!
Angie
If you have further questions for Angie regarding this issue, please refer them to me and I will forward them. Thank you.
