Tooth problems?

[Lizz]

I have a 2 year old chinchilla, named Chewbacca. He has some kind of dried, stinky, and sticky, yellow liquid all over his chin/mouth and his belly, his back, and paws. The worst areas are on his chin and belly. It has clumps of fur and bedding stuck in it. I thought it was urine only because of the color and smell, as he seems to like to roll in his used bedding (though he has a dust bath at least once a day).
I also thought it might be drool, but he is eating fine. He is wiping his face a lot with his paws, but I don't know if that is a "symptom" of anything. He is a very friendly chin, but recently he is very quiet and timid. I have combed the fur, but the fur is still yellow and smells, and has a few clumps in it. I have also cut out some of the bigger clumps, as the clumps were at the ends of his fur.
I really don't know what to do. I will probably take him to the vet soon because I feel bad for him
Does anyone know what is wrong with him? Or how this happened?

Thanks!

 

[Chinmama]

Have you ever checked him for a hair ring? Is there any liquid dripping from around his sheath area? He may have a urinary tract infection.

I would take him to the vet, but make sure beforehand that it is a vet that is knowledgable with chinchillas.

 

[TheNobleFight]

This has all the signs of tooth problems, but could be a UTI. Regardless, both are very bad. Take him to the Vet, and try not to wait. Chins are like owning a race car... The longer you wait to fix problems, the more expensive and possibly terminal they become.

 

[Parkerspetchins]

I agree that it sounds like tooth problems given the wetness and the pawing at the mouth. Please take your chinnie to an experienced vet and have dental x-rays done. A vet will not be able to tell if the chin has maloccluded by just "looking" at it, x-rays will be needed. I hope it is not dental and that your vet can figure it out. Please do not delay though, your chin could be in extreme pain and hiding it. Best wishes.