Vet visits

[BlueDiamond]

How often do you take your chin to the vet? Just wondering.

 

[Stackie]

Only when something is wrong.

 

[hobbit721]

I too have wondered about this. I have two 13-yr old cats that I take to the vet annually for a check-up (because they're "senior", I didn't do this every year when they were younger) and some basic blood work. I've learned through reading on these forums that this is not necessary for chins?

Obviously, I *hope* that I never have to take a chin to a vet, but I realize that it's entirely possible and have therefore budgeted accordingly.
I guess what I'm wondering is - what are some things I can watch for on a continual basis and call the vet if I see them? I would think sudden changes in appearance, behavior, stool consistency, appetite, and energy level would be red flags and at least warrant a phone call to the vet to consult?
What are some other things to watch for?

 

[Amethyst]

For most chins a vet visit causes unnecessary stress if there is nothing wrong, and can create a stress induced issue. Chins don't need shots or deworming, or anything like that so there is little a vet can do for a wellness check. However it's advised to find a chinchilla competent vet as soon as possible (if you haven't already), you need an exotic specialist, but not all know or even will see chinchillas. Most times when a chin needs a vet it needs one right now (and it's in the middle of the night, or the weekend it seems, lol) so it's not a good time to be thumbing through a phone book.

Monitor weight, with a gram scale since they weigh so little, weight loss is normally an early warning that something is wrong, chins are annoyingly good at hiding issues. It's also not uncommon for weight loss to be the only visible symptom of a problem, until it's advanced and too late.

 

[EmilyLiliLove]

Keep in mind the vet bills can cost MORE than an arm and a leg. Just a check up here costs $50+. Then if something is wrong it can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Make sure you have the money set aside for it just in case. Also check out plenty of vets around you to make sure they know what they are doing. That being said, I only take mine when something seems wrong, like constant weight loss or coughing a lot etc.

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

I tell the people who buy from me - Check to make sure they are pooping (most important), eating and drinking. If they are chances are they are fine and don't need to go to a vet. . Weighting the chin every couple of weeks (in grams) helps also