Hi, I have a friend who has had two chinchillas that both got cancer in their jaws. She didn't own them at the same time, they weren't related, the only thing they have in common is that they stayed in the same cage and room. I'm wondering if an environmental factor could have caused these chinchillas' cancer. I also own one of the chinchillas' mother so I'm pretty confident that it isn't hereditary (like the vet said). The cage they both lived in is a metal one (with a tight mesh floor) it is big (four levels high) and it has a wheel, bird toys, and some other chewing things (like chewing logs and stuff), it also (obviously) has a food dish and a water bottle. This cage is located in the waiting room of a horse stables (which is my friend's) where it is kept at a regulated temperature and people with pet it and give it treats throughout the day. I would very much like to know if any factor in the environment could have caused these chinchillas cancer because she now has a new chinchilla. Thank you very much.
- Ally