Health Topics: Broken Bones

How serious is it?

Serious enough to need vet attention. Can be life-threatening depending on severity, though often chins do make a full recovery with proper and timely vet care.

What is it?

Chinchilla bones are incredibly delicate, especially the rib structure. Breaks can happen from improper handling, falls, fights, or other physical trauma.

How can I recognize it?

Obvious breaks can present with a compound fracture, often one of the legs. Other breaks can be hairline fractures, broken toes, or a spiral fracture of the tail. Sometimes a broken extremity will look out of place, the chin will limp, tail may be limp or obviously crooked, or the chin's behavior will be drastically different such as a chin who suddenly bites.

How do you treat it?

Vet attention is needed. If a limb breaks, this may be set with a cast, or amputated.

How can I avoid this?

Know the proper way to handle your pet. Be alert to the potential for a fall. Sometimes it's unavoidable. Accidents happen.