Post by Darren Lim on Mar 10, 2004 0:51:26 GMT -5
The normal color of a chinchillas teeth should be dark orange. If the teeth are chalky, yellow or white this is a sign of calcium defficiancy. A calcium suppliment should be used and the chinchillas diet should be reviewed. Using a good quality pellet should not result in a calcium defficiancy. Vit C is also a important part of a chinchillas tooth heath. The chinchillas teeth are not imbedded in bone like most animals-they are free floating are are connected in the socket with connective tissure. They grow through out the chinchillas life so this is why they have the constant need to chew and file them down. Provide plenty of chew toys to help them fulfill this need along with plenty of hay and good quality pellets. Vit C helps keep the tissue tight-if the tissue is loose the chinchilla could get tooth spurs resulting in a loss of appetite, possible absesses and maybe even death. The first signs of tooth spurs is the chinchilla will sample their food and drop it, possible drooling, swiping of the mouth with the paw after eating, acting like they are choking, and acting like is a painfull experience to eat. You should watch your chinchilla eat on a regular basis to check for warning signs. Weigh on a regular basis to moniter weight loss. A high quality chinchilla pellet and supplimenting young chinchillas with a 150-200 mg dose of Vit C a day will help you acheive good tooth health. There are cases when teeth problems are hereditary and regular teeth filing by a vet is required. These chinchillas should not be bred but can have a good quality of life.