GROOMING
(articles, accessories, the right dustbath container)

Also see: Care Myth: Anti-Fungal Prevention, Reducing the Allergic Impact of Hay and Dust


"Chinchilla dust serves the important purpose of allowing your chinchilla to stay clean in a way similar to how it would maintain its coat naturally. In its native cold, arid environment, the chinchilla would roll in fine volcanic ash to stay clean. Chinchilla dust, like volcanic ash, sticks to oils and dirt in the coat, and then falls off, cleaning the chinchilla's fur as it does so." (ref- chinchillas.com)


Chinchillas secrete oil from their skin, as do many other animals including man, and this can make their coat appear "greasy" without regular dustbathing. It has sometimes been mistakenly assumed that chinchillas secrete lanolin, but this is not the case because chinchillas have fur, not wool, and lanolin (also known as wool wax, wool grease or wool fat,) is a greasy, waxy substance that wool-bearing animals secrete as a waterproofing agent. It is used commercially in many products, "ranging from rust-preventative coatings to cosmetics to lubricants." (quote- wikipedia, ref- 1, 2, 3, 4)


While dust serves primarily as a fur cleaning agent for chinchillas, for the many other animals that roll in dust, like songbirds, degus, elephants, rhinos, bison, donkeys and chickens, it can also help free shedding fur, control external parasites and protect against sunburn and insect bites. (ref- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)


In captivity, chinchillas cannot use just any sand or dust, they need to use what is mined and packaged specifically for them. There are several brands of dust available in the U.S. (Blue Cloud, Blue Sparkle, Kaytee, Sunseed, etc.) and from what we've been told, the dust used in the U.S. is of a much finer consistency than that found overseas, where it is more granular and is sometimes referred to as "sandbath." According to Azure Chinchillas, located in the UK, "Use ONLY volcanic pumice or sepiolite (both available in pet-shops) and not silver/play or builders sand."


Dust in itself can aggravate allergies, but the finer the dust, the more likely it is to be problematic. If your cages are covered, as described on Routines, then simply draw the sheet around the cage completely or put another sheet across the front when administering dustbath to help contain flying dust. It is always adviseable to put the dustbach container on a bottom level, so that flying dust won't settle on the chin's edibles and chew toys.


It is imperative that chinchillas be allowed to dustbathe regularly, because besides keeping their fur from becoming greasy, matted and heavy, which significantly increases the risk of overheating, they are very clean animals and not being able to keep clean makes them susceptible to stress-related health and behavioral problems.


Allow your chinchilla access to at least a measuring cup full of fresh dustbath, placed in an appropriate container, for 5-10 minutes every day or every other day during the warm weather season, or when high humidity is a factor. During the cold weather season, when humidity isn't as much a factor because most home heating systems are also drying, then 5-10 minutes of dusting every other day or at least twice a week should keep your chin clean while stopping short of potentially causing dry skin.


If your chinchilla is a bathing fanatic, and some really do relish their bath quite a lot, then it's fine to give dustbath every day all year round just as long as it doesn't result in dry skin. Dry skin is uncommon but it can occur, especially if a chin's skin is exposed from fur biting or if it hasn't completely grown back after being shaved for an operation or clipped to treat a wound. Sometimes a chin needs dustbath after prolonged handling, and there are some chins that just seem to get more oily or "greasy" faster than other chins, and in that case more frequent bathing is necessary. After all, in the wild they'd get to bathe all they want.


A tablespoon of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda can be mixed into the dustbath to make it, and consequently the chin, smell more "fresh," although if your chin is urine-sprayed he needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth and dried thoroughly with a towel before being offered dustbath. "ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda is made from soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate." (ref- armhammer.com)


Be aware that some chins will urinate in their dustbath, "marking" it as theirs once they're finished using it, and a different scent (such as scented dustbath) or change in type of dust may prompt that behavior. It is acceptable to "reuse" dustbath if the chin has only left some fecal droppings behind, in that case simply remove the droppings and reuse the dust. However, if the dust is soiled by urine then it is not reusable, the dust must be disposed of, the container cleaned and filled with new dust.


If you smoke, please do it as far away as possible (preferably outside) from your chins because not only is secondhand smoke (see articles in Healing: Ailments & Remedies) as harmful to pets as it is to people, the tar coats their fur and they sometimes clean their fur with their mouths, thereby ingesting the tar. If you take in a chin with a tar-stained coat, he will need a wet bath, dustbath alone can't clean up tar.


Some chins have a slight sensitivity to dust, and especially if they've inhaled some small particles they may make the nose-clearing sound, wipe their nose or get watery eyes, but be observant because these symptoms can indicate the onset of pneumonia or other respiratory problems. If your chin seems particularly sensitive to the dust you're using, try another brand, that often resolves the problem.


Rolling in dustbath is learned by example from the parent. If your chinchilla does not roll in dustbath, then at some point there was neglect in his early upbringing, either dustbath was not reliably provided for the parent so they could demonstrate this necessary routine or the kit was prematurely weaned before he had a chance to learn.


If your chinchilla is not dusting, administer Dustbath Massage daily, as he gets accustomed to feeling clean by using the dust then VERY gently try to roll his back in the dustbath to help give him the idea and eventually he will catch on. If a chin who has always dusted refuses to take a dustbath, this may indicate an injury ( e.g., it hurts to roll) or an aversion to the type of dustbath being used (some chins will not use a heavier, more sandy dust).


Besides dusting, chinchillas clean their face and whiskers with their forepaws, they also groom themselves and each other. Chins like to be "groomed" by their chinparent as well, per chin scratches, see article.


Grooming combs aren't really necessary unless you're planning to do competitive showing with your chinchilla. However, sizes 5 and 7 (combs with wider tooth spacing) can be helpful when a chin with a particularly thick coat is shedding and would benefit from having the excess hair removed. Chinchillas normally shed their fur in negligible amounts except during the warm weather months when somewhat more pronounced shedding may take place.


You DON'T need to trim your chinchilla's finger and toe nails. Chinchillas do not have claws, they have residual nails that are thin and fragile and protect their fingertips. Chinchilla nails are insubstantial enough to keep in check on their own, they'll get enough routine wear such as during out-of-cage exercise time and by using a solid surface exercise wheel and solid (wooden) cage shelves and perches. Chins don't do much digging in the wild (except of course when scratching and rolling in volcanic ash) because they inhabit the abandoned burrows of other animals, hide in vegetation, or find naturally formed holes and crevices to reside in.




Grooming Articles

About Grooming Combs Kingdom Chinchillas (MSN)
Dustbathing: Photos Chinchilla-Lexicon
European and U.S. Dustbath, Photos Chinchilla-Lexicon
Fur Quality: Overview, Clarity, Veiling, Density, Fur Length, Texture, Finish, Priming Ebony Dragon Chinchillas
Grooming Ebony Dragon Chinchillas
Grooming to Show Azure Chinchillas
Shedding FurChinchilla Informational Site
Types of Sand/ Dust to Use Chinchillaburg
Videos: Grooming, Photos of Combs S.A.S Chinchillas, see Grooming
Videos of Grooming, Bathing ARKive, Ontario Chinchilla Association, Winmar Farms, 7meg Windows Media Player clip




Grooming Accessories, Retail

Brush option for removing shedding fur (photo example and explanation)
Combs: Chinchillas.com E-store, ChinWorld, Safari Shedding Comb
Grooming Instructional DVD, Lint Roller, Brush ChinWorld
Dust see supplier sites
Metal Dusting Box Carolina Chinchilla Connection, Paul Spooner (UK)




The Right Dustbath Container

Any container used must be LARGE enough for a chin to have room to roll and to allow for easy entry/ exit,
plastic is a chewing hazard and therefore NOT suitable!

Safe options include: glass fish bowl, aquarium, metal dusting box (see Accessories), metal dog dish, terra cotta planter, ceramic bowl, or Super Pet Ceramic Chinchilla Bath (large size is necessary but is often too small for adults) which is sold at: All About Pets, Doctors Foster and Smith, Pet Care Central, Strictly Pet Supplies






DRY SKIN
(photos; cause; prevention; detecting, appearance; treatment)


Photos
typical scaly, dry skin on ears: 1, 2
typical dry skin under fur on back
severely scaly, dry skin on ears: before and after treatment
severely dry skin on the paw of a chin that had been receiving treatment for Ringworm fungus. Same paw the very next day after applying unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream




Cause
Dry skin is not a common problem, but under certain conditions the cool, dry environment that chinchillas require can contribute to it. Dry skin can occur under the fur but it is much more likely to occur when skin is exposed and vulnerable, such as from fur biting, or where the fur has been shaved for an operation or clipped to treat a wound. When the skin is being treated topically for something, like fungus, it can become severely dry as in the photo example above. For skin that is normally exposed, like ears and foot pads, dry skin is more common, and when foot pads are not cared for they can develop callouses that crack open and lead to Bumblefoot.


Using a dehumidifier in summer in our climate is appropriate, our location is surrounded by water and high humidity is a constant during the warm weather season. The dehumidifier counteracts the humidity and more or less strikes a balance so that there are no dry skin problems in summer for our chins. Winter is another story. The hot air from the furnace that heats our house over our long winter creates a very, very dry atmosphere. Dry skin problems are much more likely to occur when the environment becomes significantly drier than usual.




Prevention
These suggestions should only be taken into consideration if your chinchilla is experiencing dry skin:


Increasing humidity with a humidifier is adviseable ONLY if the humidifier has a hypo-allergenic or air-purifying feature (ref- 1, 2, 3) and is kept at the other end of the chinchilla room on a LOW setting. Be VERY cautious of creating an atmosphere for fungus, maintain proper temperature and humidity control in the chins' environment: "Ideal conditions are 60°F to 70°F with a humidity level of 40% to 60%." (ref- nhahonline.com)


Keep the household temperature at a low setting, no higher than 70°F during wintertime so that the furnace isn't blowing hot air throughout the house any more often than absolutely necessary.


Dustbath not only helps dry and lighten fur when it gets soiled, damp or greasy in the wild, it can also be drying to chinchilla skin. Chinchillas need to keep their fur dusted regularly but when a chinchilla has sensitive skin which has become dry due to climate changes, give fewer dustbaths- once or twice a week at most.


If the dry skin is a result of the skin being exposed from fur biting, see article that addresses that subject.




Detecting, Appearance

Typical dry skin show no redness, only some scaliness (ears photo) or flaking that looks a lot like dandruff (under fur photo, look closely for the flakes, they were a bit difficult to photograph with clarity). In the case of skin that's exposed as a result of fur biting, etc., when the chin does a lot of scratching in that area it can be an indication that the skin there is dry, irritated and itchy.


Severely dry skin, such as the paw photo, will appear red and scaly. The blood between two of the toes occurred when the cracked skin bled as the chin ran about trying to avoid being picked up and treated for her dry skin. Her skin became severely dry as a result of treatment for Ringworm fungus. When the skin is this severely dry, it can closely resemble Ringworm fungus: both have thinned or missing fur and the skin that is showing underneath is reddened with tiny lesions and scaliness. Unless you're experienced in dealing with both it's practically impossible to differentiate between the two, but one thing is certain: fungus will spread and there will eventually be more infected patches. If in doubt, don't take chances, seek the expert help of an exotics specialist vet immediately.




Treatment
There is no treatment for dry skin under the fur, only the preventative measures named above can help alleviate that.


When not located under the fur, such as with exposed skin or paw pads and ears, treatment for typical or severe dry skin cases is the same. Have ready a hypoallergenic moisturizer (Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream) and a cloth for dabbing off any excess moisturizer and wiping your hands. Place the chin on your lap, put a tiny dab of moisturizer between your thumb and forefinger, and gently massage the moisturizer into the dry area. When doing ears, DO NOT go into the ear canal with the moisturizer.


With exposed skin or paw pads, apply moisturizer until you're certain the dry skin is well saturated. With dry skin scales on ears (see photos), they will begin to slough off as you rub in the moisturizer, you'll see tiny flakes of gray on your fingertips. Just wipe off the scales on the cloth and keep reapplying moisturizer until the ears are well moisturized and the scales have all been rubbed off, as depicted in this before/ after photo. After treatment, place the chin back in his cage and allow him to clean up with dustbath. Counterintuitive as this may seem, it won't cancel out the effect of a good moisturizer and chins have a psychological need not to feel "greasy." Check the dry area daily, applying treatment and giving dustbath afterward until the skin is healed.






CALLOUSES
(photos, cause, treatment, bumblefoot)


Photos
absence of callouses on wild chinchilla foot pads
typical callouses
advanced or overgrown callouses, "flippers"



Cause
Callouses on the feet of chins in captivity is pretty common. Because chins need a cool, dry environment that simulates their experience in the wild, the skin on foot pads can simply dry out from time to time. When this happens in the wild and callouses form, they're sloughed off as the chin hops on rocks (including volcanic rock, think pumice, like the Lava Ledge) and runs across rough terrain. In captivity, NEITHER wire nor smooth solid flooring substitutes for the sloughing action that chins would get in the wild and so callouses go unchecked unless they're filed by the owner. The recommendation to give chins something in their cage that is flat or soft to rest their feet on is intended to relieve feet from the constant pressure of wire mesh, not as a prevention against callouses.


Feet should be checked for callouses at least monthly. Older or heavier chins whose feet have naturally spread with age or weight are more susceptible to advanced or overgrown callouses that form "flippers" on the sides of their feet. Advanced callouses can become problematic and lead to Bumblefoot.




Treatment
Two people should be present for this, seated across from each other with one securely holding the chinchilla bottoms-up on his lap so that the foot pads, the bottoms of his feet, are easily exposed. The person holding the chin should support both feet throughout the process so that the chin isn't dangling or struggling while the other person, with nail file ready, gently files at the callouses.


DO NOT attempt to "flake" or "tear" off the callouses, although they are just dead skin they are attached to live skin and attempting to tear off a callous can cause pain and bleeding. Chinchilla feet are very sensitive and even the act of gently filing the callouses will be frightening and upsetting, especially at first, but don't let that dissuade you from treating the callouses because otherwise they could become a case of Bumblefoot. Just speak soothingly to him while holding him securely and especially supporting his feet well, then file as precisely as possible, being careful not to slip with the file and scrape the sides of the feet where there is only flesh, that would be VERY painful, like a bad rug burn.


If callouses are neglected, or if the chin is large or older and his callouses have gone unchecked for a little while, then they may spread outward and it can look like the chin is wearing flippers (photo #2). In this case, it is necessary to file some at the extended edges where the calloused area has spread, again being VERY careful not to hit flesh with the file. Since chinnie feet can spread a little naturally with weight or age, be sure that you're only filing at the callouses.


Another alternative to treating overgrown callouses is by using vet prescribed Trypzyme (ref- 1 ,2, 3). Ask your exotics specialist vet if you think this might work best for you, according to our vet, "Trypzyme is an enzyme based topical that is used to relieve excessive callus formation and to treat wounds...I haven't used in years and have not tried it on chins. I don't think it would pose a problem to use it in chins but just to be safe, I would keep them from ingesting it thru licking a pawpad, etc." (DVM Glikis-Scott, was Fernandez, of the Birmingham Veterinary Clinic in MI)


After treating the callouses, liberally apply one of the following to the foot pads, massage it in well and return the chin to his cage: Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment or a hypoallergenic moisturizer- Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream. We personally recommend trying the Neutrogena, it has amazing moisturizing properties and expedites healing dramatically.


While treating callouses, be sure to keep the cage floor especially clean as a precaution against infection: wipe down all cage levels, perches, etc. once daily with a damp rag that has Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol on it, once wooden surfaces have dried they'll be safe again for gnawing.




Bumblefoot (Ulcerative Pododermatitis)

Additional Articles/ Photos: Chinchilla.uk, Granite City Chinchillas, Davidson Chinchillas, Ebony Dragon Chinchillas


Bumblefoot is a condition that results from neglected callouses, it is, essentially, an infected callous. Chins that are housed on EITHER wire mesh OR smooth solid flooring can get callouses that develop into Bumblefoot, read about the Cause of callouses.


Other animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, can also develop Pododermatitis but their causes and treatment can differ from that of chinchillas due to their particular attributes. (ref- peteducation.com)


Callouses that aren't kept in check and treated can split or crack open, essentially creating an open wound on the footpad that is highly susceptible to infection, especially since chins walk where they've urinated and that bacteria can invade the wound. A case of Bumblefoot and how it was treated is described in this article (.doc).


While treating Bumblefoot, as with callouses but even more important once infection is present, be sure to keep the cage floor VERY clean. Wipe down all cage levels, perches, etc. once daily with a damp rag that has Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol on it, once wooden surfaces have dried they'll be safe again for gnawing.






MISSING FUR?
(medical explanations; wear, rubbing; fights; fur slipping; fur biting, chewing, barbering; fungus)

Also see: Estimating Chinchilla Age for fur regrowth information and When A Chinchilla Goes Bald by VetCentric


Medical Explanations

Abscess
It is possible for a growth or abscess to be indicated by a hairless patch. In this case, unlike with wear, it is usually completely clear of fur, without the bits of fuzzy new growth common to a worn spot. If you palpate the area and it feels like there is a spongy or hard lump beneath (growth, tumor), or it feels like a small sac containing liquid (abscess), consult the expertise of your exotics specialist vet immediately. The chin may not be in pain, but the area must be professionally examined to determine exactly what it is and how to treat it. Also see article on abscesses.


Malocclusion or Cold/ Pneumonia
Advanced malocclusion can cause a chin to paw at his mouth, chin or nose and wear off the fur in those spots as he tries to clean his face of drool and mess. Pawing at those areas to remove nasal discharge could also be a sign of cold or pneumonia.


Illness/ Injury
If the chinchilla is experiencing internal pain, has sustained an injury or had surgery recently (regardless of whether they're on pain medication, some chins will pick at the operation site) and for any of these possibilities has been obsessively pawing at or barbering the affected area, it can cause fur to be shorn or worn away. Observe your chinchilla closely to see if he is favoring a paw or limb, if his fecal droppings are normal, etc. If you suspect the presence of injury or pain, take your chinchilla to an exotics specialist vet immediately to be x-rayed/ examined for breaks, sprains, etc.





Wear, Rubbing
(photos; cause; detecting, appearance and treatment)


Photos
example of wear under leg and armpit
wear in the mid-chest area



Cause
It's not uncommon for a pet chinchilla who is large or heavy to wear mostly-bald patches under their arms or legs. It results from rubbing that occurs naturally as they play in a spacious cage and get adequate exercise, in itself it's not detrimental or cause for concern. Wear can also occur if a chin rubs a spot on his body quite often, by something he does. For instance, we have one chin who is always peering over the lower shelf of his cage and rubbing his mid-chest area on it. Then he peers out of his house to watch TV (photo), rubbing the same mid-chest area.




Detecting, Appearance, Treatment
Wear will NOT appear cropped, there will be NO scaliness, scabs, scratches or blood. The skin may appear pink, from the rubbing, where the bald patch is, but there is no need to treat it unless it appears to be raw and painful to the chin. In that case, massage a little hypoallergenic moisturizer (Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream) into the areas. Once the moisturizer has been absorbed allow a dustbath so the chin won't feel messy, this will not counteract the benefits of the lotion massage.





Fights
(fight wound photos; detecting, appearance and cause; treatment and prevention)

Also see: Skin Abscesses in Small Rodents and Basic Wound Management by Davidson Chinchillas
Wound Management/ Care by Ebony Dragon Chinchillas and Maintaining Group Compatibility on ChinCare



Photos
bite marks on ear
bite mark on skin under fur
puncture wound: right after fight, fur clipped around wound and healing in progress
wounds to face
wound under fur, discovered after it had scabbed over and become infected




Detecting, Appearance and Cause
If you know or suspect that your chin has been nipped, bitten or in a fight with another chin, examine him for bite wounds immediately. Obvious signs of conflict are scratches, gashes, gouges and blood or patches of missing fur (or tufts lying about the cage) that may be more than just fur slip, there can be a fight wound on the hairless spot.


Gently and securely, hold you chin up so that you can blow into the fur on his body (not face) and examine the skin beneath for wounds. ALWAYS blow on the chin's fur under a good light to get a closer examination- scratches and bite marks are easily hidden by their thick coat and what goes unseen and untreated can become infected (by bacteria in the saliva of other household pets, especially), abscessed, and even lead to death.


The most commonly attacked areas, which also tell something about the circumstances surrounding the fight, are: wounds to the top of the head and ears (especially at the base where the ears meet the body) signify that the victim was mounted and in a submissive position when attacked; wounds to the nose or lips reveal that they were face-to-face and could have been rearing up and challenging each other over something shared or scarce (hideaway, food, water, etc.); wounds to the back demonstrate that the victim attempted resistance and was caught despite trying to avoid conflict.


No wounds on the attacker mean that the victim did not fight back but don't count on the victim continuing to be incapable of anti-social behavior in the future. Chins can learn anti-social behavior by example and may store that knowledge to be used next time in their defense, or as a preemptive. Never put two chins together again after physical injury has been inflicted (wounds, missing digits, etc; fur slip and urine-spraying are not injurious), it presents an ultimatum and the victim may either die of acute shock or kill his cagemate in advance, to prevent further attacks.




Treatment and Prevention
Depending on the number and severity of the wounds, and especially if your chinchilla is in shock, when there has been a fight it is strongly advised that you rush him to the nearest exotics specialist vet for immediate examination and treatment!


If the fight wounds are on the skin hidden beneath fur, then the fur on and surrounding the wound MUST be trimmed so that the wound cannot become matted by the fur, this leads to infection and abscesses. Two people should be on hand, one to carefully hold the chin still while the other uses a small pair of scissors, such as nail scissors, to trim the fur on and around the wound before administering treatment. Wounds that are exposed, such as those on the ear or face, can be treated as is.


Disinfect the wounds by gently dabbing them with a soft cloth (no Q-tip or cotton ball that can leave stray fibers in the wound) soaked in Hydrogen Peroxide, then put a light dab of a hypoallergenic moisturizer (Jojoba, Vitamin E oil, Aveeno, pure Aloe Vera, unscented Neutrogena Hand Cream), Neosporin First Aid Antibiotic Ointment or Silvadene (vet prescription) on the wound. Treat fight wounds this way once daily until it's obvious that healing is well underway, then observe regularly until all fight wounds are completely healed. ALWAYS disinfect before covering the wound with something to expedite healing, a covered wound that has not been disinfected first can lead to abscessing! Should the wound abscess, see this article.


If it's suspected that there are multiple fight wounds and the chin is not in shock, it is adviseable to administer a wet bath because this accomplishes two necessary things: 1) cleans all wounds 2) reveals the location of all wounds during the blow-drying process so that they can be treated.


While your chin is undergoing treatment it's important to perform Dustbath Massage, keeping clean keeps the chin's spirits up and a positive attitude will expedite recovery. Supervised introductions and an awareness of what can lead to cagemate conflicts (see Maintaining Group Compatibility) can prevent fighting.





Fur Slipping
(photos, explanation)

Also see: General Characteristics of Behavior


Photos
typical fur slip on chin
slipped fur, the fur is released cleanly



Explanation
Fur slip is not the same as shedding, which does occur with chins the way it does with other animals but to an almost negligible extent. In the case of fur slip the area will NOT appear cropped, there will be NO redness, scaliness, scabs, scratches or blood- only a bald patch and cleanly-released (the whole tuft, from root to tip) fur. Fur slipping does not hurt the chin and the fur will grow back.


If you startle or frighten your chin in the process of picking him up or handling him, he may release or "slip" fur at the point of contact. Just as porcupines release quills in self-defense, a chinchilla is able to voluntarily release its fur at the spot where it's touched, so that a predator in the wild or another chinchilla will get only a mouthful of fur while the chin himself escapes. Slipped fur is detectable at the moment it happens: there are small tufts of fur in your hand, on your clothing or on the floor, and the chin has a bald spot/s where the fur is cleanly gone. If slipped in very small quantities, as in whisps, the bald patch may not be immediately noticeable due to the chin's fur density. A calm, gentle approach and secure handling of your chin can help prevent fur slip.





Fur Biting, Chewing, Barbering
(additional articles; photos; detecting, appearance; cause and treatment; prevention)


Additional Articles
Chinchillas2Home
Ebony Dragon Chinchillas
Stress-Induced Cushing's Syndrome in Fur-Chewing Chinchillas




Photos
mild case
moderate case
moderate fur biting photo with article Granite City Chinchillas
extreme fur biting and extreme fur biting in a rescue case: 1, 2
extreme fur biting photo with article Chinchilla Chat Line
degrees of fur biting from mild to extreme: 1, 2, 3, 4 InfoChin




Detecting, Appearance
If your chin's fur DOES have a "chopped" look with NO signs of redness, scaliness, scabs, scratches or blood, then they are fur biting, which can also be called, "fur-chewing" or "barbering."


Fur biting is the result of a chin biting or chewing at his fur, and it appears as a patch of fur cropped shorter than the rest. It is impossible to tell by watching whether a chin is in the act of fur biting or just intensively grooming, you only know by the aftermath. The most common location for fur biting is on the flanks, but it can occur anywhere the chinchilla can reach, including the underside, around the legs, and the tail. In severe cases the entire lower half of the body can be barbered right down to the skin. Although fur biting does not hurt the chin, in severe cases where most of the chin's fur is removed care should be taken to ensure the chin doesn't get chilled, see Cause and Treatment. It is possible for a chin to barber another chin and this can happen when the fur biting chin grooms his cagemate and just takes things a bit too far. But that is the rare exception, almost always it is the affected chin who is barbering himself.




Cause and Treatment
Fur biting is simply a neurotic reaction to stress which can come in many forms, including a medical problem (internal pain, injury, recent surgery, amputation, etc.) or an environmental stress factor (boredom, malnutrition, cagemate incompatibility, etc.). If a medical problem is the suspected cause, contact your exotics specialist vet immediately and ask if painkillers should be prescribed. However, MOST of the time fur biting results from an environmental stress factor, especially boredom, see article.


Much has been speculated on why some chins resort to barbering under stress and others don't. It is certainly a neurotic reaction, essentially self-mutilation, but in itself it does not harm the chin. Hairballs in chinchillas are very rare and the care myth (extrapolated from rabbits) that chinchillas need regular preventative treatment (papaya, Petromalt, etc.) is finally becoming a thing of the past. Fur biting is probably only hereditary in the sense that temperament can be hereditary, that is, when one high-strung (should be regarded as NFB) or oversensitive chinchilla gives birth to another of the same temperament and both barber that makes fur biting APPEAR to be genetic when in reality it's just the temperamental predisposition that was passed on.


Fur biting is predisposed by temperament, and the more high-strung or oversensitive a chinchilla is, the more likely it is that an environmental stress factor will trigger a fur biting reaction. Just as some people can weather any crisis without displaying neurotic tics, because their temperament makes them more adaptive and resilient, some chins will never barber no matter what they endure while others do resort to fur biting under stress.


Fur biting is not uncommon and even chins thought incapable of it may begin fur biting when exposed to a particular environmental stress factor. To stop the fur biting, find and resolve the environmental stress factor (what is a stress factor for one chin may not be for another, see article for details) which may take time to discover and the chin may continue to barber sporadically even after the problem has been addressed, because once a chin has resorted to fur biting as a response to stress, he may compulsively resort to it again in future. Usually, though, the barbering will clear up relatively soon and remain resolved in relation to the stress factor that was addressed.


Older chins or those who have barbered compulsively for years can take longer to discontinue if they are able to at all, for them fur biting has become a routine reaction and it's often their first resort when confronted with any stress. There are chronic cases (most fur biters aren't chronic) that can arise in especially high-strung or oversensitive (or who may also be a victim of neglect/ abuse/ abandonment) chins, for these we recommend trying Bach's Rescue Remedy.


Fur biting that leaves skin exposed makes the chin vulnerable to dry skin that may require treatment.


Fur will regrow at a rate that corresponds with the chin's age and mild or moderate fur biting cases will regrow more quickly than those where the barbering is right down to the skin, as in severe cases. When a chin is significantly underweight or severely fur bitten, he is more vulnerable to cold and drafts; getting chilled lowers the body's resistance to sickness. Put a sheet around his cage (as described on Routines) and provide some cloth (a baby blanket of fleece in his house, a hammock, Cuddl-E-Cup with strap cut off, Comf-E-Cube, Chilla Pilla with The Day Bed) in his cage so that he can retain body heat, it's also a comforting convenience. In cold weather climates it may also be adviseable to provide a heated bed (such as Lectro Small Animal Heated Pad), which can be placed inside a pillowcase for the chin to sit on and stay warm. We've noted that chins with significant weight loss or fur loss are attracted to heater vents during playtime, this is due to loss of body heat. As long as the chin is able to move off the heated bed at will, there is no danger of him overheating himself.




Prevention
If you are a pet breeder seeking optimum health and temperament in offspring, fur biters are NFB because passing on the temperament qualities (high-strung, oversensitive) that predispose a chin to fur biting won't make for offspring that are relaxed, happy, sociable and capable of really enjoying life.


Chins that are high-strung or oversensitive are often exceptionally intelligent, which makes it difficult for them to cope with an underactive or mundane environment during their waking hours, thus for them the environmental stress factor is often sheer boredom. As with all chins and especially fur biters, they'll benefit from an interesting variety of engaging distractions in their environment. This includes having a LARGE cage to accomodate running and playing, a variety of chew toys, at least one hideaway per chin and a cage wheel to help decrease stress and boredom inside the cage; TV during waking hours will provide environmental stimulation when they're not actively engaged in out-of-cage exercise and interaction.





Ringworm Fungus
(photos; care myth: anti-fungal prevention; detecting, appearance; contagion, cause and prevention; treatment)

Also see: Fungal Infection by Ebony Dragon Chinchillas, Ringworm by Azure Chinchillas and Newman Veterinary article



Photos of Ringworm Fungus
advanced, perhaps an allergic reaction- swollen and scabbed patches on side/ same spot, healing
around eye, nose and edge of ear
healing around the eye after a week of treatment
healing on nose and side of face, new outbreak in whiskers- see redness and scabs
on nose and lower lip
scroll down on Chins In Canada's Health & Care page




Care Myth: Anti-Fungal Prevention
"Prevent fungus by putting anti-fungal powder in the chin's dustbath" ...this care myth is both dangerous and unnecessary! Fungus is not a constant threat where adequate cleanliness, among other normal preventatives, is present. When dust flies about the chin's cage environment it is inhaled and settles on everything from chew toys to hay and pellets, but when anti-fungal powder is added to dustbath as some misguided "prevention," that changes everything. Anti-fungal powder warning labels make it clear that the product is for external use only and should ingestion occur, it is advised to contact a "poison control center." Anti-fungal powder (Desenex, Tinactin, Gold Bond- be sure it is medicated, it must have an anti-fungal agent like Miconazole) should be used ONLY to treat a diagnosed case of Ringworm, and then there are precautions to follow.


Azure Chinchillas confirms the problem with this myth, "The common “breeders home-treatment” consists of adding about a tablespoon of athletes foot powder to the chinchilla’s sandbaths, so they self-medicate. It is also routinely used as a “preventative” by many breeders, but I have my reservations about the wisdom of using this, as my chinchillas have displayed breathing abnormalities when the powder has been added to their sandbaths, so I no longer add it as a prophylactic. Even with anti-fungal powder added to sandbaths, a cure is not guaranteed if the infection is virulent... Thought must also be given to the fact that the chinchillas are liable to groom off anything that is applied to their bodies, and these types of human medication can be harmful to them if ingested."


Chinchillas.com adds, "A common practice of many breeders is to try to completely prevent fungus by routinely administering anti-fungal agents in the dust. This can be an ineffective, if not dangerous practice. The constant exposure to certain anti-fungal agents does not insure that all strains of fungus will be prevented, and when a strain does appear in a herd that uses a constant preventative, it is often a particularly difficult strain to erradicate."




Detecting, Appearance
When people talk about chinchillas and fungus, they're referring to Ringworm fungus. Ringworm fungus is not a worm but a fungus that affects the skin and also causes fur loss. Note that there are strong similarities in appearance between fungus and severely dry skin (photo of uncommonly sensitive skin that became dry in response to treatment for Ringworm), which is much less common than fungus. According to Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, "Changes in your chinchilla's fur warrant a visit to your veterianarian, because lice, mites, or ringworm can also cause hair loss." (ref- Pet Care Veterinary Hospital)


If a chin DOES have small patches, especially around the eyes, nose, whiskers and chin (where fungus usually begins), where the fur is thinned out or missing and the skin that is showing underneath is inflamed and red with tiny lesions, flaking scabs, scaliness or broken whiskers (from pawing, Ringworm is VERY itchy), then you need to take your chinchilla to an exotics specialist vet IMMEDIATELY for testing! Fungus can spread quickly on an affected chin because as he scratches or cleans (also examine the chin's urethral cone or penis) himself it will travel, typically beginning on the face, then the paws, and then spreading across the body.


At the vet's, insist on a culture analysis because "only 50% of a certain species of Ringworm fluoresces under the glow of the Woods lamp, a culture is used to verify the diagnosis." While waiting for the culture analysis, perform the cagemate precaution in step 2 of the Treatment section.




Contagion, Cause and Prevention
Ringworm is a fairly commonplace fungus that's cross-species contagious and is transmittable to and from people as well as animals. According to Wikipedia: "Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease."(ref- wikipedia.org)


Thus, Ringworm spreads by contact with the fungus itself, a carrier of the fungus or something used by the carrier. We've read that some types of Ringworm can spread by airborne spores but in our and other's experience, as long as the affected chin/s were being properly treated and contact/ cleanliness precautions observed, there were no new outbreaks.


Chinchillas contract Ringworm chiefly by exposure to conducive environmental conditions: unclean husbandry practices, not being thoroughly dried after getting wet, access to places that harbor mold and fungus, such as a bathroom, and especially exposure to dampness or high heat/ humidity. A weakened immune system or environmental stress can make a chinchilla more vulnerable to the Ringworm fungus.


Prevention includes: maintaining a clean cage and surrounding environment, controlled temperature and low humidity, properly-stored hay and wood, some quiet solitude for daytime rest, regular out-of-cage exercise time and awareness of the Environmental Stress Factors. If you believe your chins may be especially vulnerable, take a cloth sprayed with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol and wipe down cage levels daily, then allow to dry. Cages should always be scrubbed clean at least once weekly.


If you find yourself constantly battling fungus then you need to consider the SOURCE of the problem and address that rather than just focusing on controlling the symptoms after an outbreak has occurred: change soiled bedding more frequently in cages where the chin has direct contact with it, check the air conditioner to see if it needs cleaned out so that it's not blowing mold spores into the air, consider purchasing a dehumidifier, perhaps a recent change or even extreme boredom has increased the stress level among your chinfamily, etc.




Treatment