Chinchilla limping has red swollen forepaw

[Hngerding]

Recently while cleaning my chinchilla's cage, i noticed Maurice limping and not using her front right paw. I did some further analaysis of Maurice and did not notice any bleeding, cuts or bumps just a red very swollen paw. I moved maurice into a smaller cage and put down padding on the bottom, lowered all ledges and took out her wheel, i also have left her dust bath in her cage. She hasnt had any different digestive problems but i have noticed her not eating as much. She lets me hold her paw and feel around and has a little mobility with it just chooses to not use it. Ive done alot of research online but nothing about a swollen paw with no bleeding. Im sure its not bumblefoot because there is no ulcer on her paw.. I dont know where the closet chinchilla vet is but i am planning on talking to PetsMart animal hospital and see what needs to be done. Does anyone have any idea what this possibly could be? Ill try adding pictures if it helps! Please help me out, my poor baby is hurt...

 

[tunes]

She could have sprained it while jumping around or it could have had a small puncture and now it's infected. I would soak it in warm water with epsom salts three times a day and see about getting an x-ray and antibiotics if necessary. I don't know as I'd be thrilled to see the Petsmart vet though. I'd rather find one that isn't a cookie cutter vet. If you post your location, we may be able to help you with that.

 

[Hngerding]

I live in the Cincinnati Ohio area, ive heard of one that is about 40 mins away but with work and school its hard to find time to load up Maurice, thats why i was just gonna stop in and see what they said since i work next to one.

 

[mishellyshel]

my regular vet actually transferred to a Banfield which is located inside petsmart, so not all of the vets are that bad. but i would inquire about which vet you are seeing and how much experience they have with chinchillas.
but post your location, perhaps a member can direct you to an experienced vet in your area.

 

[Riven]

I'm less concerned about the red, than the swelling I see.

How long as it been like this? I would agree with Peggy, a sprain, or maybe she got her paw smashed. I personally would schedule a vet, and maybe do a soak as Peggy suggested until then and watch it. If it's swelling due to a sprain, it will heal itself.

Is it hot or just red?

 

[tunes]

"Let's eat Grandma!"
"Let's eat, Grandma!"

Punctuation saves lives...

HAHAHA - Nicole, that's awesome.

 

[Riven]

Poor Grandma...

 

[Maia]

I am in the Cincinnati area as well, so if you find a chin vet nearby I appreciate if you'd let me know. I haven't needed one yet, but it'd be nice to know of one nearby.

I took my cat before he passed to the Pfister Animal Hospital, they are wonderful people. I'm not sure about their extent of chin knowledge, though, but I know that one of the techs there owns a chin.

 

[Hngerding]

i did not stop yesterday because i was already running late to work.. ill try and get there today but it looks like i wont be able to take her till tuesday...
today she is good, still nursing it but it seems like the swelling and redness has somewhat gone down.
i looked for a cut and didnt see anything.. not even a bump.
ive been playing with her and she has been acting normal still just not as energetic. Her digestive system and eating habbit hasn't changed either...