Administering medications, hand feeding or applying medical care on a chinchilla can be a daunting task, especially if a helping second pair of hands is not available. In clinics, veterinarians are taught to use the shoulder hold. This can be especially dangerous for chinchillas whose bone structure is quite fragile. Not to mention the fact that with the shoulder hold, the head is still a moving target.

The burrito hold (wrapping in a towel) also poses dangers from crushing. We’ve actually had a chinchilla surrendered to us whose tail was broken due to an experienced chinchilla owner attempting the wrap. With the burrito hold, the head is still free to refuse service.

We have a “handy” tip that we use to instruct vet clinics when we’re called to teach in-service training and for individuals who need pro advice. We use the ear hold. When done correctly, there is no pain and the procedure is quickly applied and done, which results in lower stress for the animal. It is a one-handed hold that limits movement without binding the entire body.

First, prepare your area with necessary tools. Gather whatever implements you’ll need such as a towel, wet wipes, eye wash, pre-measured medications or pre-mixed hand feeding formula, etc. With one hand, gently but firmly grasp the base of the ears being sure that none of the tissue is folded between your fingers. Support the weight of the chinchilla’s body in your lap as your hand cradles its head and ears. The body should be prone and in an uphill alignment with the head higher than the hind feet. Be prepared, the animal will most likely curl up and try to kick your hand. Your grasp should be firm enough to ensure that the chinchilla cannot slip loose. With your free hand, apply wipes, meds, or whatnot. Pictures below for reference showing different angles of the hold.

It is normal for a subdued animal to try to escape. The chinchilla may squeal in fright. Typically, after only a brief struggle, the chinchilla will calm down. The procedure can be scary for the animal and the owner. But if your pet’s life depends on treatment, this bit of instruction should make the task easier on both.

A special thanks to our medication model, Liliana.

For the month of August, five (5) chinchillas were surrendered and twelve (12) chinchillas were adopted.

We have an exciting month coming up for September where we've actually signed up and rented a corner booth for the Virginia Beach Pet Expo. We're hoping to get the word out about chinchillas as pets. The last time we received a mention in the local newspaper we had a record adoption month with 24 adoptions! If the Expo goes as planned, we may actually succeed in re-homing the remaining 30 or so chins we have available for adoption right now.  Wish us luck!

And on a totally different note, we've had requests to assist with how to give medications to a chinchilla with fractured ribs. The shoulder hold used by veterinarians is not necessarily appropriate for chinchillas. It is common advice on pet forums to "burrito wrap" chinnies in a towel to give meds. This is also a risk of causing fractures. One poor rescue chin we received not only has a severe case of bumblefoot, but also has a broken tail from an improper burrito wrap when the owners tried their best to treat her.

So, we have some handy videos below to show how to administer eye drops and oral medications using the ear hold. Don't worry though, this is not painful for the chin. If it were painful or frightening, the chinnies would let out a squeal.

Bumblefoot, medically known as ulcerative pododermatitis, is an inflammation of the foot pads. It is most commonly found in captive birds and rodents. Chinchillas are most susceptible to Bumblefoot when exposed to housing conditions that are less than optimal.

Wire floored cages, or cages with wire shelves and ramps are hard on sensitive little feet and are often the culprits of this disease.  A chronically dirty cage is also one of the primary contributors of Bumblefoot. Where a chin is exposed to damp, dirty floors or where he/she is inclined to urinate in favorite spots and rest in the aftermath, these conditions are breeding grounds for bacteria that causes ulcers to form. Even a simple case of dry feet from unlimited access to dust baths can crack the foot pads and offer a doorway to this malady. 

Treatment for Bumblefoot is a long, laborious process and it is verypainful for the chin. The feet must be soaked several times each day to keep the area clean and supple. Epsom salts soaks, vinegar and water, colloidal silver, orprescription Chlorhexidine wash are the usual courses of treatment. Oral antibiotics and pain meds are normally prescribed in conjunction. Additional topicals like Blu-Kote, Silver Sulfadiazine, Bag Balm with or withoutfoot wraps are often applied after each soak. 

We had a chinnie surrendered this week with a very bad case of Bumblefoot on all four feet. The hind feet were especially ulcerated with a raging infection. The poor baby also had an infected eye and what originally looked like an ulcer on the base of her tail turned out to be a half healed bone break! The ownerstried to do their best, but treating a squirmy chin isn't easy.

Foot soaks can be simple and hands-free with this method: Fill a clean kitchen sink with a few inches of water and additives of choice. A weighted cooling rack or cage panel placed across the top of the sink will ensure the chinchilla receives all the healing benefits without the seemingly endless time it would take to hold the little bugger still. You can simply set a timer for 5-10 minutes and allow the chin to safely debride. This is one of the few instances where it is necessary to get your chinchilla wet.

A modified burrito wrap allows for easy access to the feet without fear of a toothy retaliation. In this manner, you can apply additional ointments or creams, or get a better look at the healing process. This little chinnie seems to enjoy being bundled up. After each treatment we snuggle her like a baby to give her a few minutes off her painful feet.

Bumblefoot is a serious disease with painful and lengthy treatment. The absolute best course of action is preventative. Be sure your cage is properly set up for chinchillas, practice excellent husbandry management, and be alert to any changes in behavior or condition.