My boyfriend noticed yesterday that our chinchilla (Mr.Chin) was fussing with his foot. When I went to look, I noticed his foot was very red, with a little dried up blood on it. It kind of looks like all the fur is gone off his foot. I have no idea how this happened. I'm thinking his foot probably got caught in the cage somehow. He walks on it a little, but has been favoring his other foot more. He's still eating, and acting normal, but I am WORRIED sick about him. I live in a small town, and the vet here SUCKS, and they probably wouldn't know what the heck to do with a chinchilla injury. There is a traveling vet in the area though, and I'm going to call tomorrow. I'm just hoping this vet will be familiar dealing with exotic pets. This is my first chinchilla, he's about 9 months old. I bought him for my 8 year old son's birthday this summer. He has become a huge part of our family. I love the little guy, and just want him to be okay. I'll post a picture, and if anyone could give me any advise, or suggestions, it would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks......
HELP!! Chinchilla foot injury!
- Thread starter mrchin88
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I'd take this as good reason to look around for a chin competent vet, it's really advised to do before getting a chinchilla, having to find a vet that can/will take chinchillas when there is a real emergency could cause the chin to die in the mean time. You might have to go into the closest city to find a better vet. Depending on where you live in Maine I know there are vets that will look at chinchillas in the Portland, Augusta, and Bangor areas (I'm originally from Maine and owned chins growing up). Hopefully since this is a few days old you were able to get someone to look at it.
Newt
Well-known member
Ouch! Vet vet vet.....get him to a vet! Don't wait on this, or you're risking serious infection 
I did get a traveling vet to come in and look at Mr. Chin. She apparently specializes in exotic pets, and actually owns a chinchilla. She told me that his paw was not infected, and that it should heal on it's own. As long as I kept an eye on him, and made sure his wound was clean, he should be okay. But, he seems to be eating less, and only eating his hay when he does eat..also a couple raisins here and there. He's also still pooping normally. He just seems more depressed now. What I'm wondering is if I can give him a dust bath... I've been holding out on giving him his dust bath since he got his wound, and I read online that chins can get depressed when you deprive them of their dust bath. If you guys could give me any suggestions... I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
6Dusters
Well-known member
My guess is it hurts. Not depression. I could be wrong. If he has a scab over it and its not open or weeping, I would let him dust. That's just my opinion.
Anything in his cage he could have gotten that foot caught on? Like a hammock with metal hooks or a bridge or something hanging by wire? Just a thought.
Keep a good weight check on him and make sure he is eating and drinking. Weight loss would mean another vet visit. Something going on.
Anything in his cage he could have gotten that foot caught on? Like a hammock with metal hooks or a bridge or something hanging by wire? Just a thought.
Keep a good weight check on him and make sure he is eating and drinking. Weight loss would mean another vet visit. Something going on.
