Question:
I was thrilled to get my hot little hands on one of the books my vet has here. It appears that it was published in 2003 and has some really useful info that I've highlighted for myself but I just had to share this tidbit.
In a section on furchewing, it's noted that "the affected individual will not regrow any fur whilst the short dark undercoat is present. The dark dead fur must be plucked from the affected areas, and a soothing cream applied onto the pale skin."
I nearly FELL OVER. I have a fur chewer and this is TOTALLY not the case. Never, ever have I done anything to his chewed fur and it's always regrown. He's looked like a normal chin several times between chewing bouts.
I should also mention that this book is UK based and I've disagreed with or questioned several other items. In the same section, it says that if the chewing is diagnosed as a behavior issue, Prozac can be used for treatment.
I was just astounded that someone recommended plucking large quantities of fur out of an animal. It hurts to pluck my eyebrows, I can't imagine doing this with more than 80 hairs per follicle! Ouch!


Answer:
I've got a stress chewer....and I'd NEVER pluck his hair!


Answer:
Oh, and prozac no way! I've been on prozac before, I don't want my chin on that


Answer:
That's crazy!!!


Answer:
Yes, there are a lot of crazy "methods" out there.


Answer:
ummm.. yes Jade.. I would have to agree with you on that... I have a furchewer also.. and her hair grows back in where she has decided to give it a break... and umm... noo wayyy,.. would I think of putting one of my chins on prozac!!


Answer:
Prozac is crazy but the plucking thing I've heard about many times. It seems to be a fairly common thing on ranches for chewed fur (if they even keep the furchewers). Apparently it doesnt' hurt them and allows the hair to grow back evenly.


Answer:
I'd rather just let it grow back naturally, even if it is a little uneven


Answer:
I have one that was "friend chewed" Meaning his cagemate chewed him. I separated the two and it's been about 2 months now and it's growing back just fine, a little uneven and where he was chewed is growing in a little darker at the tips (white mosaic) but I'm sure that it will be fine, especially after the second round of priming is completed. I also heard of people shaving them rather than plucking, but it's all the same in the end I guess...personally, I would just rather wait for it to come in on it's own. I think my poor guy would have a heart attack and hate me forever if I tried to pluck or shave him! He hates it enough when I comb him to keep it from matting while it grows back in! I think my only saving grace with that one is he gets a dustbath and a treat when we're done combing!