Chinchilla lies on its side – the norm or a symptom of the disease?

Domestic chinchillas are active fluffy creatures that love affection and delicious food. Most often, pets spend the day in a sitting position. If the chinchilla lies on its side, this may be a symptom of a serious illness or the imminent death of a small animal. If the chinchilla lies on its side, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian with an unusual pet to exclude possible pathologies or prescribe timely treatment to save the life of a wonderful rodent.

In what state is it normal for a chinchilla to lie on its side

If the chinchilla lies on its side and sleeps peacefully, and after sleep it actively plays, eats and communicates cheerfully with the owner, then there is absolutely no reason for concern, just an unusual pet at home is comfortable sleeping in this position.

Unusual sleeping positions can also be lying on your back, in a ball, or stretching out to your full height.

A chinchilla can also lie on its side while getting used to a new place of residence. When the environment changes, the emotional animal gets a lot of stress, sits and sleeps for the first days sitting with a hunched back. In the future, the animal adapts to living conditions and can take a comfortable position for it, including on its side.

With a good appetite and activity, such a position is not a pathology.

Often pregnant chinchillas lie on their side and back in the later stages, which is absolutely normal behavior of the animal during the gestation period.

Pathologies in which the chinchilla falls on its side

South American rodents are distinguished by good health, but if the rules for feeding and keeping are violated, furry animals are exposed to various infectious and non-contagious diseases. If the chinchilla is lethargic, refuses to eat and lies on its side, most likely the pet is sick. In this case, it is necessary to urgently contact a veterinary clinic or call a specialist at home to provide first aid and prescribe appropriate treatment for a small pet.

Diseases in which the chinchilla can lie on its side.

Stroke

It is observed with frequent stress, trauma, intoxication, in older animals.

The disease is characterized by vivid symptoms:

• apathetic chinchilla lies on its side and breathes heavily;
• refuses to eat;
• increased thirst and aggression may be observed.

Pathologies of the brain

If the cerebellum is damaged as a result of trauma or compression by a tumor:

• the fluffy animal falls on its side when moving;
• lies on its side with an extended limb;
• refuses food;
• muzzle distortion may be observed;
• strabismus and vomiting.

Epilepsy

Pathology can be congenital or acquired. Manifested by seizures of varying frequency and intensity, during which the animal falls on its side, arches its body and convulses.

Heatstroke

Staying in a room with a temperature above + 25 degrees is deadly for a chinchilla. When overheating chinchilla:

• lethargic;
• refuses to eat;
• lies on his side and breathes heavily.

Video: when it’s hot chinchilla

Lack of B vitamins and calcium in the diet

It is characterized by seizures in which the chinchilla falls on its side and twitches in convulsions.

Rabies

Unvaccinated chinchillas can contract rabies from the bite of a sick animal while walking outside. The disease is very dangerous for humans.

Rabies in chinchillas manifests itself:

• aggression;
• lack of coordination;
• salivation;
• convulsions;
• paralysis of the limbs.

Sick animals die.

If the chinchilla lies on its side and breathes heavily, refuses to eat and communicate, there is no time to waste and hope that the disease will go away on its own. In this state, a small rodent urgently needs the help of a specialist, self-medication or neglect of the pathology can cause the death of a beloved pet.