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Miscellaneous |
NinaOne of my chinchillas (Nina age 1ish) has recently been diagnosed as epileptic. It all started one staturday morning when I heard a thump from the cage and ran over to find Nina having what can only be described as a fit. Every muscle was tense and she was arching backward in a strangeway. I took her out and held her still to stop her hurting herself. After a few mins her muscles slowly loosened and she appeared very sleepy. Nina then sat still and quiet for a while before gradually starting to move more normally. 10/15 mins after the fit she started hopping about again. Nina had 2 more fits that day. I took her to the vet as soon as I could where she was given something (I think diamorphine) to keep her calm and chilled for the rest of the day. After the drugs she didn't fit again that day. The vet said to keep a careful eye on her and she was also given a course of antibiotics as I was told that a tooth infection could possibly be a cause. Nina didn't fit again for about 3 weeks however. When she did fit again it was once that day and she again returned to normal. The vet then confirmed that if it was a tooth infection or toxic poisoning Nina would not be returning to normal after the fits and that epilepsy was the answer. I am told that to medicate the fits would be too tricky as tiny amounts of epilepsy drugs must be measured out and taken daily. Instead I am told that I should do exactly as I have been doing: just take her out and hold her where she can't hurt herself etc until the fit passes. Not fun, but fortunately the fits are far and few between so Nina can still enjoy a happy life. Em Related links Chinchillas2Home - Fits, California Chins > Health > Seizures |
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