Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are very common in Chinchillas but they are not always noticed as the symptoms are hard to detect. Stomch ulcers develop when your chinchilla has eaten coarse, toxic or moldy food that it has a reaction to. Stomach ulcers build up over time and can be dangerous if left untreated. They are most commonly seen in very young or very old Chinchillas with a delicate stomach lining. 

 

Causes:

• The ingestion of coarse, toxic or moldy food.

• A high fibre diet.

 

Symptoms:

When a Chinchilla has Stomach Ulcers they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• General discomfort 

• Lethargy 

• Loss of apetite

• Rolling around in pain

• Unwillingness to wash

 

Physical:

• Slight weight loss

 

Prevention:

• A well balenced diet.

• Lots of easily digestable foods.

• Low stress environment.

• A safe cage made out of Chinchilla safe wood.

• Toys and enrichment to stop them from chewing on other toxic/coarse substances.

If you are worried about your Chinchilla's diet, seek help from a vet to provide a diet plan.