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[pandabear]

I recently got an older female chinchilla. She is about 2 years old and she has a weird head tilt. She's been in breeding runs most of her life with a breeding collar. We're suspecting that's where the head tilt came from but aren't too sure. She has been with a mate the entire time in the breeding runs and never had kits. Also, we were feeling around her thinking she might be pregnant because of her huge size but we found a hard bump close to her arm pit. She also is lethargic but she eats and drinks water. Please help!

[ChinchillAZ]

Head tilt can be caused by an inner ear infection (that should be able to be cleared up with antibiotics) or a neurological issue.  I would recommend taking her to the vet, especially if she is also lethargic.  The bump may be an abscess, which the vet should be able to look into as well.

[Jo Ann]

Hi Panda Bear,
    I had a little chin that was born with a head tilt and the vet said it was something that probably happened during birth.  Not sure, but her momma never had any more kits, neither did she.  I don't know if there is a connection there or not.
    Because of the lump and the being lethargic, I would definitely get her to a vet a.s.a.p.  X-ray and/or sonograms and/or biopsy will probably be needed to determine what the lump is.
    How are her poops?  Normal in size, shape, number, consistency, wet or dry?

 
Jo Ann 
 

 
Jo Ann

[tinabeana]

I agree get her to a vet asap!

My vet told us in general most soft lumps you might find aren't critical as usually they are fluid, but he said if he ever found a hard lump (on any of our animals) to take him to be checked immediately.

[Debbie.nl.ca]

Yes there are several things that can cause a head tilt, and injury is a common one, either before or after birth.
Seizures can cause it too.
Abscesses can be treated, but it could be any kind of growth, so I agree a vet should check this one out.
Being lethargic is not good.
Do keep us posted. we worry too.

[pandabear]

Thanks guys for all your help. I'm actually going to give her back to the breeder i got her from because she has a house vet that comes out to her house.

[chinchillagrl06]

Any updates on this chin? What did the vet at the breeders say about her?

[Joyce]

If she was in with the same mate the entire time she is probably also very depressed from being seperated from him.