poorly chipmunk

[sioux]

I wonder if any one can suggest  somthing for my chipmunk she is 5 mths ols and up untill today was fairly active now shes just sleeping and acting sick i,m quite worries and the vet doesnt know much about them

[Doghouse135]

One of the first signs of MBD (metabolic bone disease) is lethargy so if she's in hiding and feeling sleepy the whole time you must rule this out.

Chipmunks need a good calcium/phosphorous ratio - what calcium rich foods do you give her and how often.

I'll try and find a link for you that details MBD -

[Doghouse135]

This link is from a squirrel forum board but the concept is the same.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3580

When she's up and about is she moving normally ?  Until MBD is ruled out, it's better to remove anything that she may be able to climb on/up as they are more prone to falls and therefore broken limbs.

If you read through the information and don't think it's sounds like MBD, I can only suggest trying to find a chipmunk savvy vet. 

When you say she's acting sick, can you give us more specific details.  Is she eating, drinking and pooping OK etc

[Doghouse135]

Hi Sioux

Here's another link regarding diet and MBD

Hope she perks up soon 

[sioux]

Thanks  for your replies but she has passed away now she was in a bad way and the vet wasnt open until today but its no use now she's gone and so young, shewas passing blood from her rear end in the end so i put her out of her misery

[Nate]

Hi Sue

I'm so sorry to read about your sad loss this morning, it sounds like you were on your own there, but tried to do all you can for your chipmunk.

Reading your earlier posts, you still have one chipmunk at the moment, which I find a great help when I lose one.

I'm would guess your chipmunk had become infected by bacteria which reached the kidneys. Although I don't think there was enough time in your case, your vet could have taken a urine sample to see if this was the problem. A kidney infection can be treated by diuretic drugs or even a herbal alternative to flush out the kidneys.

For anyone else coming across this sad post these are some plants which can help:

Dandelion
Couch grass
Uva Ursi, also known as Bearberry

But, I am no vet, and no one can pin point the exact problem by email, so if you can ring around the vets in your area to see if there are any with experience of chipmunks.

Mybest wishes Sue.

[sioux]

seeing as she is now on her own would it be possible to put her back with her sisters / parents they have been appart for approx 10 weeks will  it work for her i dont want her attacked

[Nate]

Hi Sue, sorry I thought you only had Candy and Floss, didn't know you have others.

If you do put the girl back in with the others it will be inevitable there will be some fighting. As when she goes back she will have to find a place in the group. But it should settle down, and I don't see a reason why she cannot go back. I'm sure you will anyway, but pick some days when you keep a close watch on them all.

[jennyb]

Hi i think first you should get your chippie checked out before you reintroduce her to the others just incase she caught something from the sick chipmunk, otherwise there is a risk they could all catch it and also disinfect the cage thoroughly to kill any bacteria. It may not be contagious but its best to be sure.

[sioux]

good advise but candy is fine she is chirpy and running round fast , but she misses her sister i think as she is now on her own , but off the weekend to her sisters at my friends house