Hiding, lethargic 4 year old chin

[Srlampron]

Lilly is hiding in her cage either in her hut or in the corners. She is very lethargic and not acting right at all. She eats, but only the odd treat here and there and I don't think she is drinking much at all. She is not fighting me when I try to pick her up and is just acting as if she is in pain or something else is really wrong.

She grinds her teeth a bit and I noticed today that when she would normally just sit on her back legs, she uses one of her front legs for support as well. I'm trying not to panic, but I'm kind of new to the Chinchilla Owner scene.

She has never been like this before. Lilly is always spunky when you try to hold her at least. I think there is some sort of pain here but, where? How can I find it?

Help please!

 

[Jenn]

I'm not a chin expert, but I do know that chins hide any sort of pain and if she is acting lethargic and in pain, she is in dire need to see a vet. No one here can tell you where her pain is coming from. She needs to see a chin competent vet who can do a thorough exam. You really cannot wait. She needs to get in now because I'm afraid it may already be too late. Please get her in asap and let us know how she is doing. We really do care.

 

[obcsed]

Agreed. She needs a good vet now. Find an emergency vet if you have to. This can't wait.

 

[Cuddlebug]

How is Lilly? Did she see the vet?

 

[Srlampron]

Lilly is fine. We didn't see a vet. She was pooping ok. Then she started eating and drinking like normal. She got mad and kacked at me when I was checking her for an obvious injury. I touched her tummy all around and down the sides. She didn't make a peep. The only thing I've noticed is that she may have swollen pad on her front right foot. I'm coating it in udder balm. I think she's ok. Maybe just had a tummy ache or something? She is doing everything normally now and is just as feisty as ever. I'm just keeping an eye on that toe pad.

Thank you everyone!

 

[Srlampron]

UPDATE:

OK....she's trying to worry me into an early grave, I just know it. I just went to check on my Lilly. She is still gingerly hobbling on the front paw. But, I was looking at her fleece to see if I should bother her with changing it tonight or let it wait until tomorrow. Then I saw another weird discharge like she had back in August. It smells like vomit. It looks like cat vomit. There is a tiny piece of grass in it and a seed from one of her treat seed balls. I know that she cannot vomit. I'm wondering if anyone told her. (LOL)

Now what do I make of this? She is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, this girl. I'm going gray just thinking about it. Her feet are still really bright pink and sore, so I guess she is a medical mystery. Do they have a Dr. House for chinchillas? She is probably fine and I am noticing too much because I use a darker color fleece instead of bedding. Am I being a hypochondriac for her? or is there something here to be concerned about??

Thanks!

 

[chocochin]

I've heard smelly, soft, piling poops are a sign of intestinal infection! Since she can't vomit (something I didn't know, actually), it's probably her digestive system is not working properly, as in chin diarrhea. It's a sign that she needs medical treatment.
As noted by the other members, chinchillas will hide signs of pain or illness, because their instincts say that the weakest chin gets hunted.
This is a physical sign that something's very off, and she needs a vet!

 

[ArmyWife]

How is she doing?? Did you take her to the vet?

 

[Pikaia]

She needs to see a vet.

 

[CerLynn]

Chins go downhill very quickly and tend to hide ailments - she needs a vet ASAP. If you don't already have a chin-competent vet, I'd recommend Tufts in North Grafton or Angell in Boston (probably about an hour from you either way) - I've had good experiences with the exotics specialists at both places.

 

[Cuddlebug]

Take her to the vet and stop feeding her the treat ball that obviously has seeds and god knows what else in it. Chinchillas should never be fed seed, nuts, sugar, honey, fruit, vegetables and dairy of any kind. Their digestive systems were not designed to eat any of that stuff and it could cause serious health problems; some won't even show up right away but rather in a few years when she dies of liver disease.