What time of day did this happen? Yoda could have been in a deep sleep, or just didn't want to be bothered.
For how long did Yoda do this?
At least for 4 minutes before I started messing with her. When I went to see what she was doing it was another minute before I yelled mike. She was completely frozen and moved like a stuffed animal when I touched her, unresponsive to my touch to my voice and to a raisin stuck practically up her nose. (my co-worker) is saying a seizure, eeeek!!!!
A seizure is possible, but what you are describing would be a catatonic seizure ...
to date, I have not heard of this type of seizure in chinchillas, but, there's always a first time for everything.
When reading what I will say below, keep in mind that I do NOT think Yoda had a seizure, from what your girlfriend is describing, but was just playing possum. But, if it happens again, a vet visit would not hurt.
When a subject comes up that would be good to talk about, I usually do
But, as I said, from the description, I do not think Yoda had a seizure ... at least not the "typical" seizure.
Usually, when a chinchilla has a seizure, one or more limbs will stiffen and shake uncontrollably, and/or the head is usually drawn backward towards it's spine. Sometimes even the tail will twirl like a helicopter blade. In the more violent seizures the shaking may become violent to the point it can dislocate a joint. When a chinchilla has a seizure, about the only thing you can do is the same thing as with a human ... protect them from doing injury to themselves due to bumping into any hard objects, such as a feeding bowl or hut. You can place them on the floor, the bottom of the cage, a bed or in your lap, but do not attempt to stop the shaking or position of a limb or head, this could cause more damage or even kill the little one. Once the seizure appears to be subsiding, you might want to hold them close, next to your heart ... the sound of the beating of your heart seems to soothe and reassure them that you are there and will protect them. Talk softly to it, as if talking to a small child or baby. The seizure is not only scary to you, but to your little one also. It often drains him/her of strength and makes them very tired and sleepy. They will usually be very tired and take a long nap ... this is normal.
The seizures are usually less than a minute, eventhough it seems like an eternity, and can be caused by a fall, improper diet, illness or be hereditary. In the case of a violent seizure a vet visit is pretty much a must, so that they can run tests to find out what caused the seizure and hopefully give you advice that could stop or limit the extreme violence of the seizures. After or during a seizure, there is always a slight possibility that they can go into shock and/or have a heart attack.
As I often point out, we are not veterinarians and are only passing on our own experiences, as long time breeders and/or chinchilla lovers. Only a veterinarian can tell for sure what happened.
Please keep us posted!
Jo Ann
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Topic: Holy Heart Failure (Read 3727 times)