Accepted Answer

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear that your chinchilla is ill. Lethargy and appetite loss are general symptoms that accompany almost any illness, so they don't tell us what's wrong. By the time a chinchilla shows symptoms like these, it is often very sick. It will be important to have a vet examine her as soon as possible. It may be necessary to take x-rays or do bloodwork in order to reach a diagnosis. This link will take you to a directory of chinchilla vets:

http://www.chincare.com/Pages/VetResources.htm

If she doesn't seem to be drinking enough, use a syringe to put some water in the side of her mouth. She can become dehydrated easily, and that is life-threatening. Pedialyte (made for human infants and available in discount stores and pharmacies) is even better for preventing dehydration. It would be best to see an emergency vet tonight. Chinchillas can deteriorate quickly when they're ill.

If the babies are not eating solid foods and drinking water yet, you'll need to feed them. they can have a formula made of 1/2 evaporated milk and 1/2 water. Use a syringe to feed them about every four hours. Put the syringe in the side of the mouth so the liquid won't be aspirated into the lungs.

If you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your chinchilla will be fine.

Anna    

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	9/12/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant