VETS Q & A

Dear Vicki, I’ve always wanted a pet chinchilla and am planning to get one soon. Where can I get reliable information about how to care for them? I would always recommend doing plenty of research before taking on any pet. For example, they need to have access to a sand bath. First, check that you have the time, space, money and knowledge to meet the chinchilla’s needs. All pets have a legal entitlement to have their five welfare needs met. These needs include a suitable home, diet and to be able to behave normally. Chinchillas are also a social species so need another chinchilla for companionship. These welfare needs are enshrined in UK law and it’s important they are met for every pet to help keep them happy and healthy. Visit www.pdsa.org. uk/chinchillas. Dear Vicki, I have a five-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Barney. I heard that spaniels can sometime have a problem with their brains being squashed because they have been bred to have such small heads. How can I tell if Barney is affected by this? The condition you’re referring to is called ‘syringomyelia’, where the skull is too small for their brain. This can cause part of the brain to be compressed, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and causes pain. Signs can develop at any age and include scratching or pawing at their head or neck, squealing in pain, difficulty walking and reluctance to exercise. If Barney is showing any of these signs you should take him to the vet straight away for a full examination.