Chinchilla with hard stomach

[jennyjoy]

My friends chinchilla, Pepe, is not feeling well. His stomach is hard but he is eating and pooping. I know that if things don't get solved soon with his stomach that it could be fatal. She has taken him to the vet and they have given him antibiotics and some sort of powder to be sprinkled on his food. Is there anything else I could tell her as to what she could do to help him. Would a heated rice bag help? I have two chinchillas but I've been fortunate not to have this issue with them. Thank you in advance.

[moletteuk]

If the powder to be sprinkled is Critical Care, then this is good stuff and may well help if there is some imbalance in the gut. Warmth like a rice bag may provide some comfort.

Was there no diagnosis from the vet?

[natnat899]

It sounds like it could be bloat, is it an exotic vet, specialised in chinchillas your friend has been to? Bloat is very serious so it is important she gets the right diagnosis. It is important that he keeps on eating and drinking normally, as chinchillas need to constantly eat or their digestive system will shut down.

Fibrous foods may help if it is bloat, such as shredded wheat(though not too much) or critical care food, also try to encourage him to eat hay. 

Here are 2 websites that may provide some useful information

www.davidson-chinchillas.co.uk/pages/prevention___treatment_of_bloat_in_chinchillas.php

www.chinchillaworld.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8550&hl=bloat

[jennyjoy]

Thank you so much for the advice..Pepe is doing really well. Emily said he's back to his usual self!