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My chinchilla has lost a big spot of fur on his side. Is there anything I need to be concernedd about. It doesn't look like he scratched it out, it looks like it was just puuled out. What should I do?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: chinchilla Gender: male Age: 2 years Already Tried: nothing..we just noticed it and are concerned
Hi I'm Dr. JenChinchillas are susceptible to a condition called "Fur Slip". It usually happens when they are handled and wiggle away. The hair just slips out and normal bald skin is revealed. Of course I can't diagnose him over the internet but what you are describing could be fur slip. Fur slip is not a serious condition.Thanks,Dr. Jen
When you say fur slip...is it something you notice right away or not be noticed till the next day. He is held on a regular basis by my daughter who is 13. Would she notice this clump of hair in her hands.
I have had owners bring me chinchillas with what I diagnosed as fur slip and they didn't notice anything when they were handling it, so it is possible to do it and not realize it. They are extremely sensitive to this and it doesn't take much to do it.If you see any redness, scaling, rash develop, or if he's chewing I'd take him to the vet for an exam.
Thank you very much Dr. Jen. Just one last thing how long does it usually take for his fur to grow back?
It takes a while to grow back, usually several weeks. It will grow back, though. Good luck!
Experience: 15 years experience as a small animal veterinarian