The thin-spined porcupine Chaetomys subspinosus is an endangered mammal from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Folivory, long periods spent resting and reduced home ranges are characteristics related to their slow behaviour. We captured and restrained four C. subspinosus individuals from Parque Estadual Paulo Cesar Vinha, Guarapari, Espirito Santo State, Brazil, and performed clinical, haematological and coproparasitological tests to partially assess the health status of these animals. We also describe the restraint and monitoring procedures used here. The observed haematological values were similar to previously published results from other Erethizontidae, except for higher platelet counts found in Chaetomys compared to other studies on Coendou and lower packed cell volumes and erythrocyte and leukocyte counts relative to Sphiggurus. No gastrointestinal parasites, ectoparasites or haemoparasites were found. Because all the individuals were in good physical condition, we suggest the use of our data as a reference for future studies on medicine, conservation, ecology and health of this endangered species.