HELP! My Chinnie has eaten plastic!!!

[RockinChins]

ACK! Cedric (whom I've had for only 4 days) has started to chew on his plastic shelves! He is still pooping, but not as much as when I first got him. I just noticed today that he was doing it! I have all sorts of chew toys in there, but he prefers the plastic I suppose. I'm going to pull out the shelves right now, and then after classes today, I'm going to go to Home Depot and get some wood for shelves. Should I worry about impaction? If I had known that plastic was bad for him, I would have NEVER gotten that cage!

[RockinChins]

One more thing...Does anyone know how I can find a good vet in Knoxville, TN? The yellow pages list hundreds of vets, but doesn't specify small animal. Is there a directory or anything? Thanks!

[WRXBLUE04]

They actually make alot of cages with plastic in it. I'm sure its all non-toxic, but just the thought of eating plastic doesnt sound good. Just keep an eye on his poo. I cleaned my shelves off so I could see if mine started going again because she hasnt went in going over 24 hrs now, she has seen a Vet and is on meds.

[chinchewy1]

They actually make alot of cages with plastic in it. I'm sure its all non-toxic, but just the thought of eating plastic doesnt sound good. Just keep an eye on his poo. I cleaned my shelves off so I could see if mine started going again because she hasnt went in going over 24 hrs now, she has seen a Vet and is on meds.

Plastic can be toxic..and it can cause blockages..did the vet do an exray to be sure there were no blockages?

It is great that you are removing all the plastic Rockinchins!! Wood shelves are what should be in a chin cage. Be sure that the wood is marked KD.. for kiln dried. Most makers of cages found at pet stores just dont care.. They want the cheapest product to mass produce. Pet stores also sell food and treats that are very bad for your chin.. Just because they sell it doesn't mean it's non-toxic or good for your pet! I buy NOTHING at the pet stores!!
Keep an eye on your chin.. make sure it is eating, drinking, and pooping good. If you notice it not going or they become small and dry then a vet vist is in order. I hope your baby will be fine.

[Karin]

some chin's never mess with plastic, and some will... did he eat a whole lot of it?? or you just see some small chew marks? either way, get them outta there soon as possible.. with the wood shelve's also, you can make his cage more fun... more ledges to play on, etc..
you're in knoxville?? there are 5 total listed for tennessee.. don't know which is closer to you..
one in Antioch.. number is 615-361-4646
Cookeville 931-528-1111
Cordova 901-756-5556
Memphis 901-365-1979
Nashville 615-367-9319
sometimes, when going through the phone book, look over the yellow pages, and white pages... if they do treat small animals, it can be in real small print sometimes.. i always thought i only had one vet to choose from here... and it's about 30-45 minutes away... then by scouring the vet page's, found one only 15 minutes away..
hope one of those above is at least close enough that you can get help when needed..

[RockinChins]

Thanks for the help and advice! I just finished sanding down the wood for Cedric's new shelves! I can't wait to install them (and neither can he!) I'll look for a closer vet, Cookeville is about an hr and a half away and is the closest from the list provided. I'll keep and eye on Cedric and if it seems as though he needs a vet visit, I'll schedule one. Thanks again for all the help!