Found out one of my boys has severe mallo
Sharing to hopefully help anyone else notice the signs as I was going through a lot of posts on here for advice/info.
This is my special little guy Marble he is about 5 years old. We believe he was born with a birth defect arm and the breeders cut it off, since he still has part of his forearm but no hand. He also has the cutest uneven toes.
We knew when we took him in he might not be here for long since he’s clearly not genetically blessed but he’s been such a little light. Despite owning 7 chinchillas at this point not one of them has had mallo yet so I am new to this experience.
He’s always been a good chewer and we’ve confirmed that on the outside his teeth look perfect.
He started getting an eye infection mid March which we treated but it kept persisting. He then started getting pickier with his food and dusting his pellets. I had a strong inkling it was his teeth so I asked for X-rays. Both the first and second vet I took him too thought he has some mallo but it was mild. I wasn’t convinced though. The second vet was kind enough to post it on the VIN forum to ask for additional advice.
We heard back from an expert that has written books on rabbit and small animal dentistry and she confirmed he has severe malocclusion and it’s likely pushing up against his tear duct. She’s also concerned based on the X-rays he may have lung disease, or even lung cancer.
They said we could do further X-rays/CT scans for the lungs but we know there’s not a whole lot that can be done for the teeth.
I’m not ready to say goodbye to him but i know i will have to very soon as I don’t want him to continue to be in pain. I lost one a year ago who was sick off and on for a long time and I don’t want to do that do him.
❤️