Davidson Chinchillas - Specialising in Charcoal Chinchillas

A snuggly Kiera

Kiera is a big, shaggy black velvet female who has chronic, non-healing bumblefoot. The extent of the ucleration is such that she undoubtedly has infection in the bone (osteomyelitis) which can be achy for her at times. She does have an excellent quality of life and lives with the Lord of the Manor, Monty.

She was purchased by Debbie (Azure Chinchillas) in early 2003 and in March of that year she began to have bleeds from her back feet.

Kiera's feet in 2003

Chinchillas are very good at hiding pain and, although Kiera had obviously had problems for some considerable time before arriving with Debbie, she did not show any outward signs.

 On examination the soles of Kiera's back feet were swollen, hot, red and had ulceration present. She had scabs (eschar) covering the ulcers but the scabbing was lifting and the ulcers were bleeding periodically.

 Veterinary examination was performed and Kiera was put on oral antibiotics, topical antibiotic cream, and pressure relief (using carpet pieces and/or newspaper to cover the mesh on the floor of her cage). This treatment proved effective and the bleeding stopped. Metacam was given for pain relief.

Kiera's feet in 2005

During the Autumn of 2003 Kiera began to display signs of discomfort due to the cold and damp English climate. She would shift uncomfortably from one back foot to the other to relieve the ache and Debbie was forced to increase her analgesia (Metacam) accordingly.

 The decision was made to bring Kiera to Monty's Manor because it is an indoor environment. She came to the Manor in November 2003 and quickly settled. After the usual quarantine period she was caged next to Monty. Introductions went quickly and smoothly because they are both such laid back chinchillas and they were soon inseparable.

 Monty and Kiera now live in an adapted cage - comfort and pressure relief are provided by hessian-backed carpet on the shelves, folded towels on the mesh floor, and plenty of leap 'n' ledges. Kiera continues to require Metacam daily, titrated to her comfort level, under veterinary supervision. The redness, inflammation, and scabbing on Kiera's feet has reduced and she can be found more often that not snuggled up with Monty on the shelf, fast asleep. When they come out for a run they both "poddle" around the room quite happily and then return to their cage when they have had enough.