I have a rescued chinchilla, Greyson, who is around 5-7 years old. I got him back in 2009, and learned he had malocclusion soon afterwards. He has gotten his teeth filed at least 5 times since then. The only problem is that his roots seem to be affecting him.
(the image attached is from 2009, and is the only one I can get to right now as I am in the process of rebuilding my computer.)
The last time he had his teeth filed, it took him over a day to wake up and become alert, which is unlike him. Usually he would be up and eating within hours. He has a constant watery left eye, and his right seems to occasionaly be water lately also. He has lost 31g since March 26th.
He has been pretty active and has been eating well, but this last week he has slowed down on the activity, and doesnt stay out of the cage as long as usual. He has been grinding his teeth a lot more, itching his eyes, and shaking his head a lot. He gets metacam every day, once a day.
I cannot afford another vet visit to get his teeth filed, and I am not sure how many more times he can take it anyway. If anyone has any experience with this.. I could use some advice.
I figured, as long as he has quality of life, and isnt sitting in a corner unable to eat, I should give him a chance. But I dont want him to be in pain. And I cant tell if he is, or if im looking too much into his behavior.
I am leaving in two weeks for a month, and am having my parents and friends watch over my four chinchillas. My delemma is.. if he needs to be put down, I would rather have me do it, than put my family and friends in that situation and make them make the choice. But I cant put him down sooner than I need to... I want to give him a chance, but I know this is eventually a losing battle...
Anyways.. this is getting long so ill end it here. Any opinions or experience would be much appreciated. Thanks
(the image attached is from 2009, and is the only one I can get to right now as I am in the process of rebuilding my computer.)
The last time he had his teeth filed, it took him over a day to wake up and become alert, which is unlike him. Usually he would be up and eating within hours. He has a constant watery left eye, and his right seems to occasionaly be water lately also. He has lost 31g since March 26th.
He has been pretty active and has been eating well, but this last week he has slowed down on the activity, and doesnt stay out of the cage as long as usual. He has been grinding his teeth a lot more, itching his eyes, and shaking his head a lot. He gets metacam every day, once a day.
I cannot afford another vet visit to get his teeth filed, and I am not sure how many more times he can take it anyway. If anyone has any experience with this.. I could use some advice.
I figured, as long as he has quality of life, and isnt sitting in a corner unable to eat, I should give him a chance. But I dont want him to be in pain. And I cant tell if he is, or if im looking too much into his behavior.
I am leaving in two weeks for a month, and am having my parents and friends watch over my four chinchillas. My delemma is.. if he needs to be put down, I would rather have me do it, than put my family and friends in that situation and make them make the choice. But I cant put him down sooner than I need to... I want to give him a chance, but I know this is eventually a losing battle...
Anyways.. this is getting long so ill end it here. Any opinions or experience would be much appreciated. Thanks