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What are the clinical signs of malocclusion in chinchillas?
Clinical signs commonly attributed to malocclusion, such as ventral mandibular swelling, weight loss, dysphagia, altered chewing pattern and changed food preferences, were not specific to malocclusion, being seen associated with coronal spike formation, root elongation and advanced periodontal lesions.
What causes malocclusion in chinchillas?
Chinchillas have open rooted or continuously growing teeth that grow 5 – 7.5 cm (2 -3 inches) per year. The teeth must align or meet properly in order to wear properly against each other. Malocclusion occurs when the teeth do not meet properly and therefore do not wear correctly, leading to overgrown teeth.
Can chinchillas get malocclusion?
Chinchillas are prone to develop a wide range of dental pathologies. The most common one is malocclusion, a condition in which the teeth are misaligned and/or incorrectly positioned in relation to one another. Odontomas, caries, tooth resorption, and periodontal and endodontic diseases have also been reported.
How do I know if my chinchilla has teeth problems?
Bumpy swellings may be palpable especially along the lower jaw when an owner runs a hand over the jaw from front to back. Even before they show these obvious abnormalities, chinchillas affected with dental problems may simply drool more, eat slower, select out softer or easier to chew foods, or eat less overall.
Why is my chinchilla grinding his teeth?
Teeth Chattering: Chinchillas make this noise when they are in pain or feeling threatened; however, sometimes this noise means your chinchilla is content.
What is Giardia chinchilla?
Giardiosis is the most common and the major parasitic infectious disease of chinchillas1. Giardia spp are flagellated protozoans found in the small intestines of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians; they are believed to be the first human intestinal parasite to be identified5.
Do chinchillas need their teeth trimmed?
Chinchillas, like some other exotic pets, have the type of teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. These teeth may periodically require tooth trims if your chinchilla doesn’t wear them down themselves.
What can chinchillas chew on for their teeth?
Pumice stones and chew blocks are two great chew items that will help keep their teeth healthy. You can let your chinchilla chew on elm, ash, maple, apple, pear, peach, orange, or birch wood. Don’t give them any kind of wood that came from a lumber yard or cedar, cherry, oleander, redwood, or plum wood.
Do chinchillas need salt blocks?
Could this be given to chinchillas? Salt blocks or wheels are good for chinchillas. They can supply essential minerals that your pet may be lacking.
Why does my chinchilla sound like a squeaky toy?
The various sounds mean different things: a loving chirp signals the chinchilla is calm and content, a high-pitched squeak (usually give to its parents) signals hunger and a loud, aggressive bark indicates the tiny creature is frightened or feels threatened.
What is pyometra in chinchillas?
Pyometra in Chinchillas. Pyometra is a large collection of pus within the uterus of the female chinchilla. Pyometra may happen after conditions of metritis or placenta remaining behind in the uterus after the delivery of the litter. Pyometra can also occur in female chinchillas that have never been bred.
Do All chinchillas have Giardia?
Giardia is rarely found in fecal samples from wild chinchillas, and healthy chinchillas can harbor G duodenalis organisms in low numbers in the small intestine.
What is the average lifespan of a chinchilla?
Long‑tailed chinchillaShort‑tailed chinchilla
Chinchilla/Lifespan
Can you file chinchillas teeth?
Some chinchillas require such frequent teeth filing that extraction of the abnormal teeth is a better option. Occasionally a chinchilla may need all four front teeth (incisors) extracted because they grow in at such abnormal angles and require filing every few weeks.
Do chinchillas need salt licks?
Can chinchillas eat apple sticks?
Apple sticks are great as an enriching chinchilla treat and for keeping trim teeth. They are a healthy part of a daily chinchilla diet.
Can chinchillas eat romaine lettuce?
What Types of Lettuce Should Be Avoided? It is not a good idea to give your chinchilla cabbage, iceberg lettuce, or romaine lettuce. Cabbage and iceberg lettuce contain the highest amount of water. This can cause your chinchilla to retain some of that water, which contributes to bloating in his stomach.
What are the signs of malocclusion in horses?
Typical signs of malocclusion include drooling, chronic weepy eyes, swiping at the mouth, grunting and grinding teeth while eating, loss of appetite, decreased interest in hay, foul smelling breath, and weight loss.
When does malocclusion occur in a chinchilla?
This can occur within weeks of the injury or several years later depending on the type and location of the injury. Environmental factors can also cause malocclusion. This means that the chinchilla’s living conditions are the cause of the problem. The most frequent environmental cause is lack of chew toys or hay.
How do I know if my Chinchilla has a tooth infection?
The first sign is often weight loss since the pain from the condition causes the chinchilla to eat less or not at all. Frequent pawing at the mouth, tooth grinding, crumbling food and drooling are all symptoms of tooth related pain.
Can chinchillas tell you when they are sick?
Chinchillas are joyful, energetic creatures and it can be jarring when a pet chinchilla is sick. Although your chinchilla may not be able to verbally tell you that they are feeling unwell, there are several signs you can look for to know if your pet is ill. What should I do if I suspect that my chinchilla is sick?