Question:
We are back from the vet. After a long session with Dr. Borgman we have decided to delay the surgery and try a few new things. She has looked more in depth into what is the recommended procedure for chinchillas and rabbits with this problem. The ailment is called pancaking and happens to the back legs when an animal has been on wire for an extended amount of time. The back join forms large callouses and the joint spreads out. Just looking at Freddy's feet, they are about 3 times the normal width at the back joint.
I am going to be continuing the mild betadine foot soaks only when the sore is open to prevent infection. Then treat both feet with a Vitamin E salve 3 times a day. I am going to try changing his bedding, perhaps to carefresh or something really soft on his feet and switch to a couple of really low melamine shelves instead of the pine. We have a standing order for Baytril for when his foot becomes infected. She didn't feel it was infected at this point but I am to really keep a close eye on it.
Then if all else fails and we don't see any improvement will we consider the surgery option. At this point she feels the possibility of amputation is out because his other foot is just about as bad. Hopping around on one leg would just make the other foot worse.


Answer:
Well that is semi good news. Hopefully this new line of treatment will work


Answer:
I hope this treatment works and Freddy is feeling better very soon!


Answer:
It sounds like you now have a solid plan of action, and feel more confident about what you are doing. Although this may be a continual problem for Freddy, at least he has your care and attention to make his life a better one.


Answer:
I am glad to hear about your plan and hope that all goes well for you and Freddy, please keep us updated on his progess.


Answer:
I am glad there are still option to try. I really hope this works.


Answer:
I hope that he improves drastically, Pam. I know you're a good Chin mommy, and I'm sure that Freddy will appreciate the help and the relief.
Hang in there!


Answer:
I really hope this works for Freddy. His poor feet. Trouble had that problem but not as bad. I took her to the vet's and he gave me some cream and then for 2 weeks I put a pillow in her cage and it worked. Im not sure if this is the exact same thing since Troubles went away but maybe try a pillow or blanket until it heals up.


Answer:
Poor Freddy, what a horrible experience. Hopefully the current line of treatment will be enough.
Carleen


Answer:
So far so good. His foot is looking much better this morning. Quite a bit of the swelling is down on both feet. The vitamin E oil is really helping.
We changed his cage drastically and I'm hoping things will start looking better. He has a ltter pan with shavings in one corner and him and Giinger are both using it...yay! I took out the pine shelves and replaced one low melamine one so I can wipe it down daily. We are going on the assumption that he could also be reacting to the pine or aspen shavings. Today I am also making him a hammock so he can alleviate some of the pressure on his feet all the time. I tried using just some fabric in the bottom of the cage but they both just drag it around and chew on it...
Here is hoping he will use the hammock....