chinchilla not eating or pooping

meckman · 07-30-2007, 09:21 AM

Hi, all,

Our chinchilla, Noodles, has been with us for about a year and has been healthy as a horse the whole time. But for the last week or so, he's not been eating on his own or pooping. We've taken him to the vet, who gave us antibiotics and Critical Care to feed him, but he's still not eating or pooping on his own. But when we let him out of his cage, he runs around like he always does and seems fine and full of energy. Has anyone else run into this? What has happened to your chinchill?

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

Solarsis · 07-30-2007, 11:57 AM

Keeping the feedings is really important to keep Noodles' gut moving. If that stops, the gut could go into stasis and that's not good. Did the vet actually figure out WHY Noodles isn't eating? Did he do any tests? Did he check for a blockage of any kind?

meckman · 07-30-2007, 02:42 PM

Hi, Solarsis,

Thanks so much for your response. What cute chins you have under your signature!

Yes, we're still feeding Noodles (although it feels like torture to force the food into his mouth, but that's the only way he'll eat). The vet is trying to fit him in for tomorrow to put him under anesthesia and examine his teeth, but she's not sure if that's the problem. I hope she can figure it out; she's an exotic animal specialist, so she seems to know chins.

I had though about an intestinal blockage myself. I hope there's something that can be done. We'd all be pretty devastated to lose Noodles. My son (who has major anxiety and OCD) recieved Noodles from his middle-shool principle, an absolutely wonderful man who gave Noodles to my son when he retired from being principle. The principle had seen how attached my son was to Noodles, who was sort of the school pet, and that attachment has (of course) only grown. I hope we can get Noodles through this!

Solarsis · 07-30-2007, 05:58 PM

Thanks

The two chins in the picture are Jigsaw (white mosaic) and Calypso (black velvet), our two spoiled rotten babies.

I'm not a vet by any means but the fact that there is food going in but nothing coming out is what's making me think blockage. The vet might be able to see something via xray. Is Noodles drooling at all? Has he lost weight? Has his energy level changed? If his energy level is still there, you might want to give him as much running time as you can (within reason of course) so as to encourage gut movement.

I would definitely get him to a vet to be examined thoroughly ASAP. Chinnies can hide illnesses really well and can therefore go downhill fast once they start showing signs. I really hope he recovers for you and your son's sake. Please keep us updated.

Candycane · 07-30-2007, 07:59 PM

I would also be worried about a blockage. I did lose a chin to this (not to scare you) and the situation was very similar. She seemed to be fine right up until the last day.

meckman · 07-30-2007, 09:20 PM

I'm taking him in tomorrow morning, and I'll emphasize the tact that he's not pooping, even though food is going in. Thanks for your good wishes, and I'll let you know how it goes. I hope the vet can help!

Kippo · 07-30-2007, 11:52 PM

oh my gosh I hope he's ok!

this morning I woke up to notice Kuki hadn't eaten all the food in her bowl, there was a worrysome amount left so I'm going to see what's left tomorrow morning before I start worrying

(but she's pooping like crazy, as per usual lol, crazy lil baby)

Candycane · 07-31-2007, 12:51 AM

Also, how much are you feeding him? The first couple days with Anya I don't think that I was feeding her enough. Basically, you need to feed as much as possible to keep things moving. Did the vet give you an amount to feed?

meckman · 08-01-2007, 08:36 AM

Well, Noodles made it through anesthesia. The doc said she was pretty sure it wasn't a blocked intestine, which is good, but that Noodles' teeth were pretty impacted. She did what she could to shave them down, so we'll have to wait and see how he does.

He did eat a small piece of lettuce on his own this morning, which is encouraging, and I'll feed him some Critical Care after I give him a little more time to try and eat on his own. The doc said to get about 25 cc's into him each day, so that's what I'll do. The poor little guy looks so tired. Here's hoping he fully recovers. Thanks, everyone, for all your advice and concern.

Solarsis · 08-01-2007, 12:16 PM

I'm glad to hear Noodles made it through surgery

Did the vet explain why Noodles is not pooping if there is no blockage involved?

Do you normally feed him lettuce? It's not usually a recommended food for chinchillas. Some leafy greens can cause gas and bloating. Fresh hay and pellets are probably better for him at this point.