Chinchilla Community Forums

Chinchillas => Health => Topic started by: GeorgeAndGracie on November 25, 2008, 12:58:49 PM

Title: Diabetic Chin?
Post by: GeorgeAndGracie on November 25, 2008, 12:58:49 PM

We've all read that chins are prone to diabetes and this is one of the reasons we limit sugar (ie raisins) and treats in general.  I haven't yet read of anyone who actually has a diabetic chinchilla and am wondering what symptoms might be displayed if a chin did develop diabetes.  Any ideas?  It would be hard to measure in the same terms as a human (increased thirst, urination), so what else should we be watching for?

Thanks!
Veronica

Title: Re: Diabetic Chin?
Post by: nemue on November 25, 2008, 06:17:36 PM

This might help.

http://www.chinquest.co.uk/diabetes.html

Title: Re: Diabetic Chin?
Post by: chinclub on November 26, 2008, 09:40:57 AM

www.cachins.org is a great website for medical info.

Here is an excerpt from their site:

"We have only had 3 diabetic chins known to us, and none of them have had seizures do to hypoglycemia, [low blood sugar] although this is not uncommon in ferrets, and has been seen in chins.   The main symptom of this type of seizure is when the animal has been active and then collapses.  The collapse is sudden and the animal is limp.  Try to get a sweet product in them."

Title: Re: Diabetic Chin?
Post by: GeorgeAndGracie on November 27, 2008, 09:11:33 AM

Very interesting.  Thanks for the links!