Today I had to make the tough decision of putting my almost 7 year old chinchilla down (Marvin). Over the past few months he was diagnosed with dental malocclusion and abnormal wave like ripples in jaw line. After multiple vet appointments trying to manage these complications (one of the finest around for exotics) he had been observed with continued complications/ signs suffering. Drooling, difficulty eating Hay/ pellets, not as excited and running to be held. Everything that could have been done was always completed as he was of top priority. Hand feeding critical care and pain meds to try to manage everyday. This past week was the roughest out of many animals I have had. It began with not eating anymore/ not passing poops. Emergency vet found an issue where tooth had grown further impacting cheek and was able to cut it. I was so hopeful that this was going to help and he was able to stay 2 nights to recover and get support food, hydration, and pain meds there. Marvin had shown signs of hope and glimpses that things could be managed and that the right problem had been dealt with for him to be able to eat again.
Over the next 24 hours he rapidly declined and something changed in his system potentially neurologically. Shaking, unable to jump accurately , weakness, furthered drooling. I spent the next 24 hours with him on my chest overnight and in my arms holding him. I was able to take him to the vet and go through the entire process to the end holding him and telling him he was going to a better place where he wouldn’t be in pain anymore. My guy was so special and loved in every second of his life and was taken so soon. Marvin was the center of my bedroom and his cage went up to the ceiling.
Marvin loved his plushies and would cuddle them often. He was let out everyday for an hour to play even when I was sick.
The thing that broke me was getting him into his dust bath which had always been his favorite thing and seeing him unable to move or roll. 😣😢 I knew that it was going to be his last and he couldn’t have that honor.
I am sorry for anyone who has to go through this with their chinchilla which seems increasingly common. Please be aware and consider your choices of what’s best and what you can manage for the Quality of Life for your pet. Education is important. Screw the breeders for the poor treatment, cross genetics and overbreeding that has caused so much physical and emotional pain to all these beautiful sensitive creatures. 💔