Rivendell ChinchillasThese drugs are commonly used for chinchillas. Each vet has their own methods, but it's always nice to have a cross reference and see what others are using. This list contains some of the most commonly used medications, if you are un-sure about what your veterinarian has prescribed contact them regarding it, or get a second opinion. If you vet recommends any medication please do some research on common complications or side effects of the medication.
| Medication | Other names | Use |
| Albendazole | Albenza, Eskazole or Zentel | It is effective against threadworms or pinworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and hookworms |
| Fenbendazole | Panacur or Safe-Guard | Used for gastointestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, taenia species of tapeworms, pinworms, aelurostrongylus, paragonimiasis, strongyles, and strongyloides |
| Griseofulvin | Grisovin | Used to treat fungal infections, primarily ringworm |
| Marbofloxacin | Marboxyl and Zeniquin | Strong antibiotic used primarily for infection in the skin, respiratory system, mammary glands, and urinary tract. |
| Oxytetracycline | Tetracycline | Broad spectrum anti-biotic. |
| Doxycycline | VibramycinMonodox, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa®, Doxyhexal and Atridox | Broad spectrum anti-biotic. |
| Metronidazole | Flagyl | Broad spectrum anti-biotic. |
| Enrofloxacin | Baytril | Broad spectrum anti-biotic. |
| Gentamycin | Broad spectrum anti-biotic, used for gram-negative infections | |
| Neomycin | Broad spectrum anti-biotic, used for gram-negative infections, used commonly in topicals, creams, and drops | |
| Co-trimoxazole (abbreviated SXT, TMP-SMX, or TMP-sulfa) | Trimethoprim-Sulfa, Bactrim, or Septrim | Broad spectrum anti-biotic. |
| Ciprofloxacin | Cipro, Ciproxin, Ciloxan and Ciprobay | Broad spectrum anti-biotic, used for both gram-negative, and gram positive bacteria. |
| Aminoglycosides | Family includes: Tamikacin, gentamicin, kanacycin, neomycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, and apramycin | Broad spectrum anti-biotic. |
| Chloramphenicol | Widely used in eye drops and ointments for conjunctivitis. | |
| Pet Pectcillin | Pet Pectcillin | Common anti-biotic available OTC, is chin safe. |
| Simethicone | Baby Gas drops | Used to reduce bloating, discomfort, and pain caused by gas in the stomach or intestinal tract. |
| Metoclopramide | Reglan | Gastro-intestinal drugs, stimulate movement of intestines |
| Cisapride | Propulsid | Gastro-intestinal drugs, stimulate movement of intestines |
DO NOT USE:
Children's Kaopectate used to be able to be used but the formula changes a few years ago and its deadly now!!
Neosporin is NOT recommended for use on chins because they can eat it causing
issues.
Vital Statistics
| Average Food Consumption | 30 - 40 grams per day |
| Respiratory Rate | 45 - 65 breathes per min |
| Water Consumption | 10 - 20 mL per day |
| Heart Rate | 150 beats per minute |
| Body Temperature | 38-39 degrees Celsius |
Definitions and procedures:
Abdominal Massage: Gently place your hand under you chin in the space between it's rib cage and it's back legs, begin gently applying pressure generally in a small circular motion, but in anyway you chin will let you until they get used to the feeling. Once the get past the strangeness of this new "petting" they'll often enjoy it and begin to realize that it begins to alleviate GI pressure. When the chin accepts the massaging you can begin to gently increase pressure, do not use forceful or jabbing motions, and do not poke the abdomen area or damage may occur to tiny internal organs.
Massage can be used to help promote movement in the GI tract, breaking up gas bubbles (bloat), or breaking up obstructions.
Fiber : Fiber is plant matter that is "bulky" and not easily digested. Fiber is the substance that helps move everything out of the GIT. The best fiber for chins is hay or other grass roughage. Corn and soybeans are not highly recommended as they are un-digestible and can create excess gas when they ferment.
GIT/GI tract/system : Short for Gastro Intestinal tract or system. Basic review of how the GIT works: The stomach holds the food and begins the digestion process by breaking down food. The food then moves out into the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed into the body. Where the small intestine and the large intestine come together there is a large sac called the cecum. The cecum is where the digestible fiber and other portions of the diet that need to be fermented are deposited. Bacteria then breaks down this material in the cecum and turn it into nutrients such as fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins. The matter is then passed through the large intestine and out! Many chin owners have seen their chins eat their own feces, this is normal and it allows them to get more nutrients out of it. Gross, but beneficial.
Giardia : Internal Parasite caused by ingesting the organism from contaminated area or substance (such as food, water, or soiled bedding). Giardia alters and prevents the proper absorption of nutrients and damages the intestinal lining and prevents proper digestion. Giardia may require several stool tests to identify.
Coccidiosis : Internal parasite affecting the small and large intestine caused by a microscopic organism, coccidia. Coccidia causes damage by rupturing cells in the small intestine, which often leads to intestinal bleeding. Coccidia is most common and severe in younger, older, or other wise weak animals (ex. recovering from illness or surgery) causing weight loss and diarrhea, it is primarily spread through the feces of an infected animal.