Giardiasis in Chinchillas

Pocket Pet · Chinchilla lanigera · typical adult weight 0.40–0.80 kg

2 cited drugs treat Giardiasis in chinchillas: Fenbendazole, Metronidazole.

Intestinal infection with Giardia (a flagellate protozoan). Common in young or recently rehomed animals and across exotic species kept in groups; presents as soft to watery diarrhoea, often intermittent. Treatment options vary by species — some species tolerate metronidazole poorly.

The overview above describes Giardiasis across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to chinchillas — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Fenbendazole(Panacur)

Antiparasitic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	20 mg/kg	q24h x 5d	Internal nematodes / Giardia	Moderate	ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide); Carpenter 6e

Full Fenbendazole dosing in Chinchillas →Calculate for this chinchilla →

Metronidazole(Flagyl)

Antibiotic

Route	Dose	Frequency	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	20–25 mg/kg	q12h	Anaerobe / dental abscess / Giardia	Moderate	ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide); Carpenter 6e

Full Metronidazole dosing in Chinchillas →Calculate for this chinchilla →

All drugs cited for Giardiasis →All drugs for Chinchillas →

Other conditions in Chinchillas

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)Endoparasites Pain Management

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.