can my chinchilla eat shredded if she having constipation

[DioAlvin]

Hi,

my chinchilla was having very small poop and dry. she have been put under sleep and check on the teeth etc all teeth are normal wear and molar all in good position. my vet is have see many chinchilla before he have 25 year experience .

he say that my chinchilla have gas/bloat although she not eating or drink much.

can my chinchilla eat shredded if she having constipation now , and under medication (cisapride & fibreplex with pro-biotic )

 

[Tanya]

No, chins who suffer from constipation should not get wheat products. Just offer a hand feeding formula and probiotics. You can brew a lubricating tea (marshmallow) and use it (when it is not hot, of course) instead of water when you prepare syringe feed. Also, I'd make sure that your chin has access to quality hay.

Some exercise (out-of-cage playtime) and gentle abdominal massage should be beneficial as well.

 

[Tanya]

Just want to add that both marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root and leaf can be used. Also, it is best not to offer it at the same time as cisapride; marshmallow may retard the absorption of some drugs for short periods until mucilage is broken down.

 

[DioAlvin]

the tea name is Marshmallow Leaf Tea ? am i right? how much should i feed them

 

[Tanya]

I've used marshmallow herb, root and leaves, (about 3-4g per 1/2 cup of water administered at a rate of 1.5 tablespoon (≈22 ml) of tea per 700-750g of body weight, divided daily, optimally 3 times per day) instead of tea bags since they may contain other ingredients as well.
You can probably purchase marshmallow herb at your local health food store or online.