Please Help! I need urgent information!

[Musicalfaith]

Hey guys,

I have a 3 and half old Chinchilla named Pheobe. Last night she was just chillin on the side of her cage as per usual, but she wasn't moving, which was weird. I picked her up and placed her on the bed. She couldn't move, and then she started to shake. She closed her eyes and started to convulse, which was extremely scary. I brought her to the emergency vet service we have in town, but no on in this city, or province mind you, has any training in exotic animals. He just gave her an anti-inflammantory shot and told me to watch her. I stayed up all night with her, but she can't use one side of her body now. She tried to jump out of the cage this morning and she fell to one side.

Is it possible that she had a stroke? If so, what do I do from here? Any information would great guys, I am very scared for her, she is my pride and joy, and I just don't want her in pain any more. I don't have any more money for services (The emergancy vet took $200 just to do that, and that is with the discount of not charging me for any medication at the time, he was a cool vet).

Thanks guys!

 

[Airyn]

What's the temperature in the room she's in?

 

[Musicalfaith]

RE: Temp

The temp in the room is Room Temp I guess you could say. I increased it a tiny bit because when I put a towel over her, she stops shaking. It is normal at the moment.

 

[Musicalfaith]

Should I have the room at a certain Temp?

 

[Airyn]

Chins are exotic animals with specific temperature requirements. Their environment needs to be kept under 23 degrees Celsius or they can suffer from heat stroke and potentially die. I keep mine around 20 at all times. I'd rush her to a different vet, as if she's still shaking from last night that's a really, really bad sign. I don't have any experience with heat stroke or seizures, but other members on here do.

Can you post your location, so others can chime in with vet recommendations?

 

[Musicalfaith]

Location

Thanks for the information, I will tell my gf to try and keep the temp at that level. I live in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. There is no vet around here that has training to help her, so I don't know what to do really.

I was told on Reddit that it may be a Calcium problem, but I doubt that is the issue.

Any information would be great at this point, I am so worried.

Also, thanks to the admin for quickly authorizing my posts, I know I am a new user, so they have to be approved.

 

[Airyn]

No problem! Other questions you'll probably be asked...

• What kind of anti-inflammatory did the vet prescribe?
• Was she out for playtime before seizing?
• Did they take any x-rays or do any additional tests? If so, what were the results?
• Is she eating, drinking and pooping at all? If she's pooping, does it look normal? Smaller than normal? Dry? Wet?
• What kind of pellets are you feeding?
• What kind of hay?
• What kind of treats?
• Did you give her any treats prior to the seizure-esque behavior?
• Are you giving her filtered water?

Bottom line is that she still really needs a vet. I'll run a search and see what I can come up with.

 

[Airyn]

I'd start calling every vet on this list and after you've explained that you have an emergency situation, ask them if they have extensive experience treating chinchillas. You need someone that knows their stuff.

 

[Musicalfaith]

Good News!

Hey guys, especially Airyn

Good News! I got a hold of a friend, he is a breeder, he gave me a bunch of ideas to help her out. I syringed some water with some nutrients that she may have been lacking, and she took it! She also started to eat again shortly after! She is starting to move, and doesn't look to be in pain anymore.

Once she gets better (hopefully) I am really going to pay attention to her diet. Thank you for all the support and information!

 

[Lillybabe]

Why wasn't she taken to a vet rather than talking to a breeder? Breeders often have great information (if reputable) but that doesn't mean a vet visit is unneeded. She could still have something major going on and need xrays/etc. Also if she's slowed down eating/isn't eating much she ought to be handfed. Chinchillas can go downhill rapidly when they aren't getting enough to eat.

 

[melbur10]

Why wasn't she taken to a vet rather than talking to a breeder? Breeders often have great information (if reputable) but that doesn't mean a vet visit is unneeded. She could still have something major going on and need xrays/etc. Also if she's slowed down eating/isn't eating much she ought to be handfed. Chinchillas can go downhill rapidly when they aren't getting enough to eat.

Ageed!
If you can't afford it then get a payment plan put in place or use a credit card.

 

[Airyn]

That's great that she's eating for you again, but the others are 100% right. Seizures aren't something you take chances with. Your little girl really needs to be evaluated by a vet.

 

[Tagna]

I have rescues that had seizures. They have been stable now for quite a while.I would start making sure her diet is one that is safe for chins. Keep track of any other episodes as seizures can be hard to pinpoint a cause.

 

[Khammy]

I'm glad that Phoebe's better now.

 

[luke]

Another thing to think about

Here is another thing to think about. Is it possible that her chinchilla was bitten by a spider or an insect of some kind? Mine was and his whole face was swollen.