While we were away on vacation in November for Thanksgiving, our beloved chinchilla, Winston, was injured. Three of his toes were fractured after being accidentally stepped on, and we have done everything in our power to nurse him back to health, working with the Center of Birds and Exotic Animal Medicine.

Initially, it was predicted our little guy would be in a cast/bandage for 6-8 weeks and would make a full recovery. Despite investing all the money, time, and love necessary, his toes unexpectedly were prone to infection. After a few weeks of antibiotics, more care, and more love, the infection was subdued, but he developed an animal's version of "athlete's foot." At the 5-week mark, his toes that should have been nearly healed, were healing too slowly at only 50% when they should have been closer to 90%. The cast/bandage was removed, and in came more meds and care, but during medicine time, while his foot was exposed since he no longer could tolerate a bandage with his athlete's foot, he kicked and his other foot's toenail lacerated one of his newly healed calluses, leading to more trauma. At this point, the vet advised amputation of his toes and part of his foot was the most likely route to a full recovery since his foot and fractures just weren't healing well on their own. Trying to save the toes would be more painful and stressful for Winston in the short and long term, risking nerve damage and chronic pain.

After many tears, many breakdowns, and a lot of consideration, we've decided to move forward with a partial foot amputation. As you can imagine, this is not inexpensive, is traumatizing for both chinchilla and his parents, but with more care, love, and funds, Winston will adapt and recover.

As pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to reduce his stress and pain, and do what we can so that he can live a long, happy life. At only ten years old, with likely another ten years or more ahead of him, we believe he can pull through this. On our own, we have canceled trips, approached the holidays conservatively, and have pinched our pennies as best we can, but have come to realize that asking for help means we can breathe a little easier and continue to provide Winston with the care he needs to recover. Winston means the world to us, and has touched the hearts of many with his spunky personality, silliness, and overall cuteness. He's tough for a small boy, but he needs all the help he can get right now--as do we. After exams, medications, laser treatments, bandage changes, and now surgery, we are stretching ourselves too thin. Please, if you are able, we would appreciate any help as we see Winston through this.