Hemi was really strange yesterday. He didn't take his treat after I cleaned his cage. I then noticed that he wasn't eating and wasn't pooping. I held him for a long time which is unusual for him. He is pretty active and does not sit still for long. Today he is much more active, but is still hardly eating and barely pooping. I attempted to find critical care at a local pet store, but was unsuccessful. I really need some advice! :hair:
Help!
- Thread starter Megz1228
- Start date
Help Support Chinchilla & Hedgehog Pet Forum:
If you can wait until Monday, contact Ox Bow direct, manufacturer of Critical Care (according to Ox Bow, they do not sell Critical Care to stores but to vets and animal hospitals only ... or some people sell them on ebay), you'll need a local animal hospital or vet's name and telephone number/address when setting up your account. It's just for their internal records only. You can order it at the following:
Customer Care Specialist
Oxbow Animal Health
29012 Mill Road
Murdock, NE 68407
Tel: 800-249-0366
Fax: 402-867-3222
They can FedEx it to you. I suggest getting the Apple Banana flavor. They were really great when I telephoned them a few weeks back.
You might also contact your local animal hospital to see if they have any Critical Care available.
In the meantime, you might grind up the food pellets into a powder, mix banana baby food (no preservatives) with a little Gatorade or pure apple juice into a 2 liquid:1 powder ratio. Basically a gruel. If you can't get a hold of a Monoject 412 dental oral hygiene (non needle syringe) or you can use an eye dropper until you can get the Monoject (at your local dentist). Cut the tip off of the Monoject as it is too narrow. Be sure to be "extra careful" feeding your Hemi not to aspirate and take your time. Try to let your Chin lap it up if all possible. Be sure that the formula is room temperature.
When feeding, wrap your Chin like a burrito in a towel. Try to keep their front paws down with the towel as they will try to shoo you away. I find lying her on her back slightly while rubbing her ears back during feeding calms them down. It does get messy until you get use to it.
I've got a sick Chin and been hand feeding her for the past week and she's improving.
Good luck and hope Hemi gets well quickly.
Customer Care Specialist
Oxbow Animal Health
29012 Mill Road
Murdock, NE 68407
Tel: 800-249-0366
Fax: 402-867-3222
They can FedEx it to you. I suggest getting the Apple Banana flavor. They were really great when I telephoned them a few weeks back.
You might also contact your local animal hospital to see if they have any Critical Care available.
In the meantime, you might grind up the food pellets into a powder, mix banana baby food (no preservatives) with a little Gatorade or pure apple juice into a 2 liquid:1 powder ratio. Basically a gruel. If you can't get a hold of a Monoject 412 dental oral hygiene (non needle syringe) or you can use an eye dropper until you can get the Monoject (at your local dentist). Cut the tip off of the Monoject as it is too narrow. Be sure to be "extra careful" feeding your Hemi not to aspirate and take your time. Try to let your Chin lap it up if all possible. Be sure that the formula is room temperature.
When feeding, wrap your Chin like a burrito in a towel. Try to keep their front paws down with the towel as they will try to shoo you away. I find lying her on her back slightly while rubbing her ears back during feeding calms them down. It does get messy until you get use to it.
I've got a sick Chin and been hand feeding her for the past week and she's improving.
Good luck and hope Hemi gets well quickly.
Stackie
I bite.
You need to get your chin into a vet asap. Not eating and not pooping can cause a chinchilla to go downhill very fast. He is experiencing GI stasis which is basically his whole digestive system shutting down. In addition to the handfeeding, you will need to get motility drugs from a veterinarian in addition to pain medication. In addition to all this, you need to find out WHY he isn't eating. It could be an injury, he could have an impaction, etc. hence why you NEED to go to the vet so you can treat the problem.
You won't find Critical Care at a pet store. If you go to a veterinarian that treats small animals, they'll usually have some. Menagerie on here also sells Critical Care, as well as Alli @ camphorchins.com I believe.
You won't find Critical Care at a pet store. If you go to a veterinarian that treats small animals, they'll usually have some. Menagerie on here also sells Critical Care, as well as Alli @ camphorchins.com I believe.
ticklechin
Well-known member
The last thing you want to give a chin who may be in stasis is banana baby food and apple juice, you will just increase the chance of fermentation and the byproduct is gas. You feed chinchillas with digestive issues straight critical care or ground up pellets, you can add some canned plain pumpkin for flavor to the ground pellets. The chin needs to be fed at least 60+ml of a thick milkshake consistancy mixture broke up into several feedings a day. You can get a 10ml feeding syringe at the Petco/Petsmart in the bird health section. You also should pick up some simethicone-childrens gas drops-in the grocery store in the anti-gas section. Feed a full droppper now and every 3 or 4 hours until you get to a vet. Chinchillas who are in stasis-the digestive tract has slowed down or stopped can be dead in hours so a emergency vet visit is needed ASAP.
Mach25 - I realize you are trying to help, but the advice you gave is very dangerous for a constipated chin or a chin with bloat or in gut stasis. Please be sure of your facts before you counsel home treatment for an animal with such a dangerous condition.
Megz - Get your chin to a vet ASAP. You will need motility drugs, pain meds, and hand feeding supplies that cannot wait for Oxbow to open on Monday and then mail out. The longer a chin with bloat/stasis waits to eat and get the gut moving, the less chance it has of survival. Your chin will also need subcu fluids to soften up the mass in his gut (if it is stasis).
Take a read through this thread to see what your next little while might be like if your chin is in stasis: http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6553. It will give you some info as far as hand feeding and the scheduling of the hand feeding, massage, meds, etc.
Megz - Get your chin to a vet ASAP. You will need motility drugs, pain meds, and hand feeding supplies that cannot wait for Oxbow to open on Monday and then mail out. The longer a chin with bloat/stasis waits to eat and get the gut moving, the less chance it has of survival. Your chin will also need subcu fluids to soften up the mass in his gut (if it is stasis).
Take a read through this thread to see what your next little while might be like if your chin is in stasis: http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6553. It will give you some info as far as hand feeding and the scheduling of the hand feeding, massage, meds, etc.
Tunes, we know what we're doing. So before you go off with your 6,240 genius posting:
We've had Chins for 24+ years now and assist with a long established Chin Ranch in Cal. who has over 500+ Chins, we got the information from the Director of Vet. Care at UC Davis in 1997 who did research at the ranch. Also this formula is being used at several Chin ranches in the United States and Canada. Formula personally worked for me and multiple friends with Chins with absolutely no problem, though the add on of Critical Care started when formed of this formula.
We've had Chins for 24+ years now and assist with a long established Chin Ranch in Cal. who has over 500+ Chins, we got the information from the Director of Vet. Care at UC Davis in 1997 who did research at the ranch. Also this formula is being used at several Chin ranches in the United States and Canada. Formula personally worked for me and multiple friends with Chins with absolutely no problem, though the add on of Critical Care started when formed of this formula.
GorillaJTA
That guy.
Just the sick one for now. Also, chins are prey animals and hide pain and discomfort as long as possible, so he may act normal while being in a lot of pain.
Lynn & The Chins
The Chinchilla WhisKerer
If you haven't left yet, I would advise you to take BOTH boys together, especially if they are cagemates. That way, nobody smells "different" (i.e., "vet cooties") when they return, and no one "owns" the cage when it's time to put the other one back in. This makes it unlikely that they will squabble, since they both experienced everything together. In addition, they can provide moral support for each other. :thumbsup:
Mach25 - I have no problem banning you if you continue with the attitude you have. I don't care if you've got 3000 years of chin experience. People HERE have dealt with bloat and gut stasis and we actually know what we are talking about having been through it. You're talking about information from 13 years ago (incorrect information), whereas the advice we give here is as up to date as possible, and it's from vets as well as ranchers (who most of us trust more than vets).
Many, many vets recommend giving fruits and veggies to chins. Thankfully, people with actual experience do not. Feeding a chin with a gut issue a bunch of crap baby food is not going to help. You are new here, so maybe you don't realize how that works. You probably also don't realize that having many posts does not make you a genius. Let's take you for example. You have posted twice and with those posts we've pretty much established how valuable you are going to be to this forum.
So, how about you listen to what I said initially about not posting unless you know what you are talking about, so that a chin doesn't end up dead from your excellent advance, hmmm?
Many, many vets recommend giving fruits and veggies to chins. Thankfully, people with actual experience do not. Feeding a chin with a gut issue a bunch of crap baby food is not going to help. You are new here, so maybe you don't realize how that works. You probably also don't realize that having many posts does not make you a genius. Let's take you for example. You have posted twice and with those posts we've pretty much established how valuable you are going to be to this forum.
So, how about you listen to what I said initially about not posting unless you know what you are talking about, so that a chin doesn't end up dead from your excellent advance, hmmm?
ticklechin
Well-known member
Chins who are in the inital stages of stasis can fool owners because they will be overly bright and active giving the owner the false sense of all is well.
ticklechin
Well-known member
I have had chins for 11 years and I bet I have more experience with GI and Malo issues than you or your "ranches" and I am using that term very loosely since I don't believe you at all. You info is wrong and dangerous , you do not feed hindgut fermenters (do you even know what that is?) sugary foods, especially during stasis and bloat. Do you need a lesson on the chinchilla digestive tract?
Last edited:
Luci
Gizmo's roommate
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2009
- Messages
- 833
Megz,
I hope that you've already been able to see a vet. I understand that many may be closed on Sundays, but emergency vets are always the best plan b. We usually advocate for owners to see vets who specialize in chinchillas (or at least have some knowledge), but this chin also needs to be stabilized. Since your chin seems to be in stasis, one of the drugs i've been familiar with is Reglan. Nearly every vet should have that in stock. Not saying to go in there and demand certain drugs, but at least give the information you've learned from this thread to the vet and they'll have an idea of what to prescribe. I'm not familiar with any other motility drugs (anyone else know?), but that would be my best bet.
In terms of Critical Care, I hope you've had a chance to message the members who have it. Alli713 sells it on her website http://www.camphorchins.com/store_food.html and Menagerie sells it as well http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/member.php?u=12.
When I needed Critical Care, I went to the Oxbow website and did a search for both stores AND vets nearby who carry it. I ended up having to drive 30miles for it, but it was worth it. Here's the product page: http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1608 and select "Get this Product" and go from there.
I attempted grinding up pellets and adding a little bit of pumpkin, its successful only if the pellets are ground up enough. Sine you will be syringe feeding, invest in getting some simethicone- "baby gas drops" (brand name Mylicon), you can purchase it at any pharmacy. When I was feeding, I had learned from another member (Stackie) to dip the tip of the syringe in the simethicone and then feed. The simethicone has this kinda sweet flavor which makes chins more willing to take it, and it prevents gas build up that could result from air stuck in the syringe.
Please keep us updated on what the vet says.
I hope that you've already been able to see a vet. I understand that many may be closed on Sundays, but emergency vets are always the best plan b. We usually advocate for owners to see vets who specialize in chinchillas (or at least have some knowledge), but this chin also needs to be stabilized. Since your chin seems to be in stasis, one of the drugs i've been familiar with is Reglan. Nearly every vet should have that in stock. Not saying to go in there and demand certain drugs, but at least give the information you've learned from this thread to the vet and they'll have an idea of what to prescribe. I'm not familiar with any other motility drugs (anyone else know?), but that would be my best bet.
In terms of Critical Care, I hope you've had a chance to message the members who have it. Alli713 sells it on her website http://www.camphorchins.com/store_food.html and Menagerie sells it as well http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/member.php?u=12.
When I needed Critical Care, I went to the Oxbow website and did a search for both stores AND vets nearby who carry it. I ended up having to drive 30miles for it, but it was worth it. Here's the product page: http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1608 and select "Get this Product" and go from there.
I attempted grinding up pellets and adding a little bit of pumpkin, its successful only if the pellets are ground up enough. Sine you will be syringe feeding, invest in getting some simethicone- "baby gas drops" (brand name Mylicon), you can purchase it at any pharmacy. When I was feeding, I had learned from another member (Stackie) to dip the tip of the syringe in the simethicone and then feed. The simethicone has this kinda sweet flavor which makes chins more willing to take it, and it prevents gas build up that could result from air stuck in the syringe.
Please keep us updated on what the vet says.
I had a really hard time finding a vet today. Not only are most clinics closed on Sundays, but more of the emergency vets did not work with chinchillas. One vet said he doesn't have much experience, but he was willing to see Hemi. This was my last resort and we saw him at 4:30. He listened to his tummy and said he heard nothing. But luckily, he is not bloated. He gave Hemi some fluids and gave me some critical care (which I couldn't find anywhere in Omaha). He took his first dose much better than what I expected...he actually liked being on his back! Since the vet I saw was not totally familiar with chins, maybe you all can help me with this also. He said give it 4-6 times per day and to call my regular vet tomorrow. This is the first time Hemi has been sick (he is 1 1/2 years old), so we don't regularly see a vet like a dog or cat. How long do I give him the cc? I've already seen him eat a few pellets and looks much happier. I really appreciate everyone's help! I know I'm not a pro like many of you, but I knew when Mach told me to mix gatorade and apple juice that would be a mistake. I'm pretty sure rule #1 of chinchillas is no sugar, lol. I did enjoy the banter back and forth though! Thanks again everyone - Hemi really appreciates it! 
Ash
Trouble....
4-6 times a day is a good suggestion, with 6 being optimum. Feed him as much as you can in each sitting. Since he's eating on his own, that's a good sign, but the goal normally is 10+ml at each feeding, or 60+ml in a day for chins that are completely off their feed.
He needs to start pooping regularly. It's good that he gave him fluids, that may be the boost he needed to get him started. I would keep giving him the critical care until he is pooping normally again, then you can start easing him off.
I would be sure that your regular vet runs x-rays to be sure there is no blockage. If the vet you saw just listened, he may have missed it. The fluids will help get the blockage hydrated again and hopefully moving, but you want to be sure and an x-ray should be able to tell you that. He may also need motility drugs if it doesn't start moving. The usual roster is Reglan, Propulsid, and baby gas drops like Mylicon (simethicone), along with the fluids and the CC.
A little exercise will help as well. I wouldn't let him run full out, but some out of cage time with exercise often help move things along.
I would be sure that your regular vet runs x-rays to be sure there is no blockage. If the vet you saw just listened, he may have missed it. The fluids will help get the blockage hydrated again and hopefully moving, but you want to be sure and an x-ray should be able to tell you that. He may also need motility drugs if it doesn't start moving. The usual roster is Reglan, Propulsid, and baby gas drops like Mylicon (simethicone), along with the fluids and the CC.
A little exercise will help as well. I wouldn't let him run full out, but some out of cage time with exercise often help move things along.
feistychins
The Chinchilla Lady
The Gatorade suggestion was very poor along with the apple juice, so I'm happy you did not do that.
How is he doing today?
How is he doing today?
Bostongirl'sChin75
Stephanie: Zoo Poo Gal!
I know that when my Herby was in GI stasis and was dealing with Bloat, I was told by a few people here, to also offer regular food and hay as well, and to maybe add a bit of her pellets (finely ground) to the CC mixture and put it in a bowl in her cage. ( Not to take place of the regular CC feedings though )
I hope Hemi is feeling better though! I know how scary it can be when your chin is sick and not their normal bouncy self! Sending healing thoughts to you and Hemi!
I hope Hemi is feeling better though! I know how scary it can be when your chin is sick and not their normal bouncy self! Sending healing thoughts to you and Hemi!
