Was this a seizure? what now?

[MamaJ]

I was just giving my two chinchillas their usual evening out of cage playtime when I noticed my one guy, Spookie was laying on his side having "spasms" for lack of a better term. The movements were slow and he seemed out of it, his eyes were closed. I was very scared, gently picked him up and held him until he seemed to be a little more himself again. I put him down and he started to hop away, but his front right paw/leg looked like it was basically paralyzed or asleep because he kept falling over on his face. He then just sat on the floor for a minute and suddenly was completely fine again. Hopped around, ate some papaya pieces etc. (gave those to him in case it was low blood sugar) I have no idea what happened here and it was a very scary situation.

A few details - the room is completely chin proofed, the temperature was 61 degrees, they had only been playing for 20 minutes, he definitely did not fall or hit himself before this incident.

Should I be on my way to the vet at this point? I watched him for about 40 minutes after and he seemed completely back to normal.

 

[ticklechin]

Sounds like a low blood sugar seizure since it happened during play. I would offer the chin a bit of shredded wheat with a tad of karo syrup on it before play if it happens again. Don't give a solid food like papaya during/after a seizure in case the chin chokes on it. If the chin is running around like a fool during play, limit it some. If it happens in the cage and the chin is not at play, take a video of the seizure and make a vet appointment.

 

[MamaJ]

This happened for the second time today. I was hoping it was just a one off odd occurrence....but now again, 2 months after the first incident. I have been following the advice in regards to the shredded wheat right before playtime and it's been fine. Both times happened during play time but right at the very beginning of it, before much hopping around happened. I didn't get a chance to take a video because this time like last time I had to hold him through it so he didn't try to hop off and hurt himself (just like last time one half of his body didn't seem to function right/one ear was all the way back). Could these be mini strokes? Once he snaps out of it he is back to totally normal. I am not sure if I am overreacting and this is not uncommon or to make a vet appointment.

 

[becky12883]

I would make a vet appointment. Sounds like it might be some other sort of issue going on besides blood sugar. If you search for seizures there is a post somewhere on the forum that has what some possible causes are.


ETA: Here's the link that has Dawn's article in it.

 

[MamaJ]

Thanks so much! Thankfully I've never had to take my guys to the vet, but still had some bookmarked in case of emergency....unfortunately it's on my old computer. I know there used to be a list of vets by state on here - can somebody point me to the right place? Can't seem to find it.

 

[MamaJ]

D'oh, just found it

 

[airicka88]

I was wondering if you ever figured out what was going on with your chin? Mine has had a couple seizures, but very infrequently. The vet said she may have epilepsy and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help ensure that she doesn't have any more seizures.

 

[MamaJ]

I followed the advice given here and started giving half a shredded Wheaty or half a raisin before playtime for the blood sugar. Nothing had happened since but just a few minutes ago my OTHER chin boy had the same kind of episode. Now of course I am concerned it's something contagious. I am a dog trainer and work with animals a lot, I am always careful, but maybe I shlepped something home that got them sick. Regardless, I guess it's really time for the vet now

 

[Newt]

If the other guy is doing it now, maybe you're right about it being contagious.

Could it possibly be an inner ear infection? You know, causing extreme dizziness and balance issues? Just an idea.... I'd def be heading to the vet ASAP.

Hope you get this resolved soon

 

[Stackie]

Are your chins related?

What kind of feed are you giving, pellets and hay?

 

[MamaJ]

No, they are not related. We feed Oxbow hay and oxbow deluxe chinchilla pellets.

He ended up seizing for over an hour, it looked different than what I had seen from my other boy. During these seizures, he seemed to lose balance, I saw him twitch and move his paw in weird positions. He toppled over a few times and then kept tilting his head very far back and opening his mouth very wide, followed by him just laying down with his eyes closed. I thought we might lose him. Just when I was finally on the phone with the emergency vet on call he stopped. The vet recommended to try giving some sugar water and supervise him closely and keep him confined without shelves so he can't hurt himself. While today he seems a little groggy, he is eating, pooping, drinking water and hopping around seemingly completely normal.

We are going to SEAVS tomorrow morning.