Chinchilla - Chile - Skin Biting

[ConiMari98]

Hi All.

A little over a year ago my chinchilla Chile got cut pretty bad in her cage. We hadn't noticed that her and her two girls had chewed up a shelf, and she went to jump through where they had chewed and got a pretty bad gash on her side. We took her to the vet and they sewed her up to the tune of $500 but hey she's my girl so we paid it. She healed but then started chewing at her skin and creating scabs. So we took her back to the vet, put her on antibiotics and put the cone of shame back on her. This has been an on going thing now for the past year. She heals up and so we think everything is okay, but then she chews at her skin and we have to cone her. Fortunately the past couple of times, we have caught it quickly. I know this can't be pleasant for her...and cutting up paper plates in cones isn't my idea of a good time, but I am more concerned about her and want to know if anyone has any idea of how I can deter her from chewing at her skin. I have some bitter apple that I use for my dog, but it doesn't work on her (it doesn't work on my dog either...LOL). Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Connie

 

[Claire D]

If a chin is persistently chewing at an area then there's an underlying cause - finding out what the cause is can be tricky. It is possible that there is nerve damage under the skin or that there was a foreign body in the wound bed which is irritating her (a splinter from the wood or even a reaction to the suture material).

Is the wound completely healed or has she opened it up so that it is still visible? Can you post a photo of the area?

 

[ConiMari98]

Claire D - It has completely healed numerous times. There is nothing in the wound, and no signs of infections. The only thing we can think it can be is scar tissue. I can post a picture but you won't see much...bare skin and a small sore that is currently healing. Once it has healed, she will bite through the cone and if I don't put a new one on, she will bite at her skin again. I have to locate the camera, so I will post a picture up tonight. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. The UK Chinchilla forum never did respond to me.

 

[ConiMari98]

Here are a couple of pictures.

 

[ticklechin]

Neuropathy at the scar site can happen and pain can last for years. Anti-depressants and pain meds can help, discuss it with the vet.