A retained fetus occurs in female chinchillas usually following delivery, though it may also happen during early pregnancy. When the death of the fetus occurs early in the pregnancy, resorption of fetus will normally occur. However, when a fetus dies near the end of term, the chances of it getting retained increase. There is also a chance that a fetus dying near the end of pregnancy may get delivered along with other living kits. Typically, a fetus is retained after the loss of fetal fluids.

This condition should be diagnosed as early as possible and treated accordingly to prevent further complications.

Symptoms

• Depression
• Negligence of live kits
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Death

Causes

Infection or poor nutrition is often the predisposing cause for this condition. Loss of fetal fluids may also lead to a retained fetus.

Diagnosis

An initial diagnosis is made by the clinical signs observed and an examination of the female following birth to see if any fetuses were not delivered. However, the only way to confirm the diagnosis is by taking X-rays of the female chinchilla.