Introduction to the Pet Chinchilla

Population Decline and Captivity
- 20 chinchillas were captured from the wild.
- Trapping led them to near extinction primarily for their pelts.
- The first successful introduction of chinchillas to the U.S. occurred in California in 1926.
- Out of the initial 20, only 12 survived captivity.
- All U.S. chinchillas today are descendants of these 12, which resulted in high inbreeding.
Health Implications
- Although initially inbred, congenital problems are now rare.
- Cancer is very uncommon in chinchillas.

Geographical Range
- Native to the Andes Mountains in South America.
- Found above the tree-line at an elevation of 10,000 feet.
Environmental Description
- Terrain is barren with tough, fibrous vegetation, necessitating extra chewing by chinchillas due to their diet.

Dental Adaptations
- Open-rooted teeth require a specific diet.
- Necessary to maintain a dietary surface that provides high chew factor to prevent overgrowth of crowns.
Recommended Diet
- Grass hay (e.g., Timothy hay) as a primary food source.
- Small amounts of fresh greens.
- Limited amounts of pellets.
- No grains should be included in their diet.

Physical Adaptations
- Teeth and GI Tract: Adapted for their specific diet.
- Fur: Thick fur, with up to 40 hairs per follicle, aids in cold adaptation.
- Reproductive Adaptations: Gestation period of 112 days, with births typically occurring in spring.
- Sensory Adaptations: Large ears and whiskers are adaptations for their nocturnal lifestyle.
Auditory Features
- Possess huge auditory bullae that enhance hearing, crucial for their survival in the wild.

Rodent Classification
- Classified as a hystricomorph rodent.
- Features include all open-rooted teeth and pigmented incisors.
Digestive System
- They are hind-gut fermenters.
Fur and Body Structure
- Characterized by a very thick hair coat and large hind feet without fur.
Lifespan
- Can live up to 15-20 years.
Color Varieties
- Various color mutations exist, with the natural color being gray.

Male Characteristics
- Possesses an inguinal scrotum and open inguinal rings.
- Penile health: "Fur Ring" - It is important to check the penis in all males to prevent strictures and paraphimosis.
Female Characteristics
- Females resemble males except for a urethral papilla.
Reproductive Cycle
- Seasonal polyestrous during fall-winter leading to a long gestation period with offspring born in spring.
- Female in heat: exhibits an open vaginal membrane with mucous resembling pus.

Activity Patterns
- Chinchillas are crepuscular-nocturnal, exhibiting peak activity at dawn and dusk.
Social Structure
- Live in large groups, indicating a social nature likely due to their prey mentality.
Activity Level
- Known to be very active and agile jumpers.
Grooming Habits
- Fastidious groomers requiring dust baths instead of water baths, as water can predispose them to mold due to their dense fur.
Dust Composition
- Dust used for bathing is a mixture of volcanic ash, silicates, and ground pumice.

Handling Challenges
- Chinchillas are difficult to restrain but are not aggressive biters.
- Can experience fur slip if scruffed improperly.
Health Management
- Difficulties in passing endotracheal tubes and accessing small veins.
- They are heat intolerant as they struggle in high temperatures.
Fur Slip
- Definition: Loss of a patch of fur that can occur under stress.

Chinchilla Veterinary Examination Protocol
- Review of diet and husbandry practices.
- Assess the teeth and palpate the mandible.
- Eye examination for conjunctivitis and ulceration, which are common occurrences.
- Check for heart murmurs (common) but note that heart disease is rare.
- Examine the bottoms of feet for pododermatitis.
- Inspect penis for fur ring or discharge in females.
- A thorough inspection of large ears, keeping in mind that ringworm may be possible while ectoparasites are rare.

Common Eye Issues
- Eye discharge is a frequent presenting complaint among chinchillas.
- Anatomical features: large eyes, shallow globes, and low blink rates predispose them to certain conditions.
Potential Complications
- Over-dusting can lead to corneal abrasions.
- Dental diseases may result in epiphora (excess tearing).
- Common pathogens: Streptococcus and Pseudomonas found in affected cases.
- Cataracts may also occur.
Treatment Note
- Avoid dust baths when treating ocular issues to prevent further irritation.

Prevalence and Causes
- Most common health problem in chinchillas, often arising around ages 4-5 years.
- Dental disease typically acquired from a chronic low-fiber diet.
- Cheek teeth are most commonly affected.
Progression and Reversibility
- The condition is progressive and not reversible.
Symptoms
- Notable symptoms of dental disease include:
- Drooling.
- Epiphora.

Gastrointestinal Stasis
- Conditions include generalized ileus, intestinal impactions, and intussusceptions.
- May present with gas distention and bloat.
Symptoms of GI Stasis
- Hyporexia (decreased appetite) or anorexia.
- Decreased stool size and quantity.

Common Types of Fractures
- Long bone fractures are generally caused by cage or environmental trauma.
- Tibial fractures are notably common due to their long and thin bones.
Treatment Complications
- Chinchillas do poorly with bandages, leading to non-unions and frequent amputations.
- External fixators can be an optimal treatment option.

"Bandage Disease"
- Definition: A condition caused by setting bandages improperly, particularly no tape should be applied directly on the skin.

Foot Care
- Chinchillas have long feet without fur, making them susceptible to injury.
- Pododermatitis is very common amongst this species.
Contributors to Foot Problems
- Wire cages and wheels pose trauma-related risks.
- Chinchillas may chew at their bandages, complicating healing.

Skin and Coat Health
- Ectoparasites are rare due to the density of their fur coat.
- Barbering can occur as a behavioral problem leading to fur loss.

Medications to Avoid
- No use of cephalosporins or penicillins as they can be harmful to chinchillas.
Safe Antibiotics
- Acceptable alternatives include:
- Quinolones
- Chloramphenicol
- Metronidazole
- Doxycycline
- Sulfa drugs
- Azithromycin
Important Notes
- Some medications like metronidazole may result in hyporexia (reduced appetite).

Description
- The degu looks similar to a gerbil but is larger in size, often described as being like a gerbil on steroids.
Similarities
- Degus share many similarities with chinchillas in terms of diet, anatomical structure (including teeth and gastrointestinal tract), and methods of sexing.