Josie passed away Saturday morning. She was only two years old. I don't know the cause of death and now I am terrified our other chin Lil might become sick too. What if Josie's death was my fault? I have done hours and hours of research to avoid this. I feel like a terrible mom.
For those experienced in chin health, maybe you can help me figure out what it may have been?
She had playtime at around 11pm Friday night. After play time she seemed very overwhelmed. She kept pressing her head against the corners of the cage as I have seen her do when she is overwhelmed or stressed. She also wouldn't accept a raisin (only given once a week) which was the biggest warning sign. I set my alarm for 8am to check on her and she was on her side with labored breathing. She did not fight being picked up or run away when I laid her down on the bed. We immediately called the vet. She died in my arms on the drive to the vet. As she died she started making squeaking noises and gasping for air, a yellowy mucus type substance was expelled from her mouth or nose as she died. I know from research that chinchillas do not have the reflex to throw up, so I am guessing this is significant in identifying what killed her.
I have done my research and am curious if Josie died from impaction. I use cardboard for barriers throughout their playroom. I shoo them away from chewing on it, but I can't catch everything. Could this have been the reason?
I keep thinking about how quickly she got sick. Within 9 hours of symptoms she was dead. What did I do wrong? What are the symptoms for bloat and how quickly following a food transition would a chin die? I recently switched foods but thought I had given them enough time to transition into this new brand.
Bottom line, I want to make sure this doesn't happen again. I feel so incredibly sad. Josie was my rescue. She loved me, and I loved her. Any advice would be helpful. Please and thank you.
For those experienced in chin health, maybe you can help me figure out what it may have been?
She had playtime at around 11pm Friday night. After play time she seemed very overwhelmed. She kept pressing her head against the corners of the cage as I have seen her do when she is overwhelmed or stressed. She also wouldn't accept a raisin (only given once a week) which was the biggest warning sign. I set my alarm for 8am to check on her and she was on her side with labored breathing. She did not fight being picked up or run away when I laid her down on the bed. We immediately called the vet. She died in my arms on the drive to the vet. As she died she started making squeaking noises and gasping for air, a yellowy mucus type substance was expelled from her mouth or nose as she died. I know from research that chinchillas do not have the reflex to throw up, so I am guessing this is significant in identifying what killed her.
I have done my research and am curious if Josie died from impaction. I use cardboard for barriers throughout their playroom. I shoo them away from chewing on it, but I can't catch everything. Could this have been the reason?
I keep thinking about how quickly she got sick. Within 9 hours of symptoms she was dead. What did I do wrong? What are the symptoms for bloat and how quickly following a food transition would a chin die? I recently switched foods but thought I had given them enough time to transition into this new brand.
Bottom line, I want to make sure this doesn't happen again. I feel so incredibly sad. Josie was my rescue. She loved me, and I loved her. Any advice would be helpful. Please and thank you.
