If frightened or roughly handles, the chinchilla may release a portion of its hair. It is not advisable to allow chinchillas to roam unsupervised outside of their cages because they run very fast and can disappear into small places. Common Diseases and Syndromes External Bite wounds and the subsequent abscesses are commonly seen in chinchillas kept in groups. Surgical removal of the abscesses is usually more successful than incision and cutterage. Treatment with an appropriate antibiotic may also be indicated.
Treatment consists of using dips and oral medication.
Ringworm may be spread from animals to humans, or vice versa. Affected animals should be isolated. As with any disease, a veterinarian should be consulted. Penile hair rings are a critical problem with chinchillas. Affected males groom excessively, act uncomfortable or ill, and may strain to urinate or may not be able to urinate at all.