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1

General Chat / Taming my two chins

« on: February 18, 2020, 09:19:33 AM »

Hello everyone.
I'm sure this subject has popped-up in the past. I have two Chins. Got them when they were 3 months. Even then they would come on my lap for treats, but just hop away when I tried to touch them. It has only gotten worse. They are 18 months now, and I can't get close to them. Never mind holding them. I've only ever been gentle with them. Never forced them. I did have to grab the one for some medicine in the past. He went absolutely ballistic and squirmed like crazy

And yes, I tried the "lure" them with a treat". I just can't believe that I must have my loves in my house for 15 years and never hold them.

Is there absolutely nothing I can do?
Thank you
Renier

2

Health / Re: Training wheel nightmare

« on: April 30, 2019, 11:38:47 PM »

Thank you for the input. I took a chance and asked on our community Facebook group, and I found someone who can make one to spec, using only metal. I am waiting for price and pictures.
ps. My Chins would cry the whole night without their wheel. They really, really love to run.

3

Health / Re: Overweight chinny

« on: April 30, 2019, 04:26:12 AM »

Hi. Does she have an exercise wheel?
My boys eat healthy but they spend a lot of time on the wheel.
They are in great shape because of that.

4

Health / Training wheel nightmare

« on: April 30, 2019, 12:04:47 AM »

Hi there.
I have a problem. In my country, Chinchillas are not very common and you have to actually do a bid searching to find one. Most pet shops do not have them. So you can imagine that the accessories list is almost negligible. I know the story of the wheel size, but the biggest wheel I can get is 30cm (kaytee). I know it is too small and I know it is plastic.

Very simply - what do I do?

5

Health / Re: Dust causing eye irritation

« on: April 12, 2019, 12:53:41 AM »

Thank you. I am in South Africa.
This antibiotics also had no effect. The course finishes on Saturday, so I skipped his baths. That does not help.
Things will have to go back to normal on Saturday.
There does not seem to be anything else I can do.
Maybe nature will take its course and naturally heal the eye over time. It's the only bit of hope I have.

6

Health / Re: Dust causing eye irritation

« on: April 06, 2019, 11:04:55 PM »

Thank you.
I was also relieved by the teeth results.

There is 7 days left of the antibiotics, so I am going to withhold the bath from him for the 7 days and see if there is any change.

They eye examination was rigorous by two specialist animal ophthalmologists. Tests were done for 13 types of bacteria that typically affects animal eyes. One of them was found in the eye, and only three antibiotics has been effective in the past. As I've mentioned, I am on the third one now, hence me questioning the diagnosis and pursuit of other potential problems.

As Chin owners we all know this, but the doctors indicated that Chinchillas are rarely seen in their practice (again, in my country), so understandably, they are a bit uncertain.
But let's see where this goes (no pun intended).

7

Health / Re: Dust causing eye irritation

« on: April 06, 2019, 05:09:56 AM »

Thanks for the reply.
All is 100% good. X-rays on the dentals are normal.  Dust bath three times per week. I buy dust from a very reputable supplier.
The exotic vet says he is in excellent condition. Weight is normal. Poop and Pee is normal. But we are all baffled by the eye. Cage is really clean. I have two. So in total I have three healthy eyes and one sick one. Thus unlikely to be a spreading fungus or such.

I should add that this issue seems to get better when it is playtime. He loves the baths. He gets very excited and bounces all over the place, and the eye seems almost normal. But then when things quiet down the eye goes droopy again.

8

Health / Dust causing eye irritation

« on: April 06, 2019, 12:08:36 AM »

Hi there. My first post, and already asking for advice.
My Chinchilla's one eye got some sort of infection a while back. The eye is a bit puffy, sometimes a bit wet, and often just partially open, with the hair around the eye not as smooth as it should be (which from reading other posts, are typical symptoms of eye problems).

I did treatment for ringworm which seemed to help a little, but there was no indication of ringworm presence. I  did x-rays of teeth - no abnormalities. I went for bacteria testing, and there was indications of potentially harmful bacteria.

These results are controlled and checked by an exotic animal vet, dental specialist and eye specialist. They are also a bit in the dark, and say that Chinchillas are uncommon (which is the case in my country), so there is limited historical data on file.

I have done two courses of different antibiotics, which did not work. I am now on the third one. This time I have seen great improvement in the eye. But every time he baths, the eye goes bad again and the hair around it seems wet again. I am positive about this antibiotic since it is the best recovery I have seen.

1. Could the dust be the reason the eye gets irritated?
2. Could the dust really have such adverse effect on the antibiotic to the point where it almost stops its function?
3. If this is the case, should I potentially stop his baths for a while (and long can he go without a bath).

I look forward to some input and ideas.
Thank you in advance
Renier