Chinchilla diseases and their treatment at home

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Every owner almost inevitably faces the disease of his pet. In order to take the right measures in time, it is necessary to recognize the symptoms of the disease in a timely manner. Let's talk about the most common chinchilla diseases, symptoms and treatment.

Diseases of the sense organs

The organs of hearing, smell and vision are most often affected by diseases in chinchillas. Discharge from the eyes, ears and nose can also indicate other diseases that occur in the animal's body. We list the diseases of chinchillas and their treatment at home.

As a result of damage to the cornea of the chinchilla, the disease of keratitis may occur. Mechanical damage can occur on contact with water, as a result of bathing in the sand, it can be caused by another animal. The main symptoms: redness of the mucous membrane, discoloration of the eye, discharge of mucus and pus from the eye. Before treating eye disease in a chinchilla, you should consult a veterinarian. The eye should be washed with a solution of furacilin or plain clean warm water. It is necessary to completely remove all the pus. You can then use eye drops. The eye should be instilled three times a day. Eye ointments will restore the transparency of the cornea.

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases in chinchillas. The main symptoms: sour eyes, discharge of pus, lacrimation, loss of vision. Below is a photo of a chinchilla disease. The main causes of the disease are: infection from a sick animal, violation of conditions of detention, unsanitary conditions, lack of vitamin A in the diet. How to treat eye disease in a chinchilla? A sore eye should be washed with infusion of calendula or chamomile several times a day. With abundant discharge of pus and severe inflammation, Levomycetin or Garazon eye drops should be used. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

External otitis is characterized by inflammation of the outer ear of the chinchilla. It can arise from hypothermia or due to improper conditions of detention. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease: discharge of pus from the ear canal, scratching the ears with paws and on the cage bars, tilting the head to one side. First you need to remove the pus. Next, the ear is treated with a zinc-containing ointment. In case of complications and in order to avoid the transition of the disease to the second he althy ear, antibiotics should be used. During treatment, the chinchilla must be isolated from other animals in order to avoid infection.

Tooth problems

Dental diseases in chinchillas are quite common. For rodents, it is important that the incisors are in perfect condition, otherwise the animal will not be able to consume food. Let's listmain diseases of chinchillas and their treatment.

Misaligned teeth are the main cause of malocclusion in chinchillas. This is most often a congenital pathology that is inherited. Due to malocclusion, the animal cannot eat solid food, the teeth do not grind down, and the problem is aggravated. To correct the situation, the animal definitely needs the help of a specialist. Usually, a veterinarian trims a chinchilla's incisors at a young age, which makes it possible to correct the bite. Steroids may be used.

Sometimes a chinchilla's teeth can curl inward and form hooks. In this case, the animal cannot eat normally, it constantly rubs its muzzle. The chinchilla's appetite drops and the weight goes down. Consider the treatment of chinchilla disease and a photo of this pathology. In this case, the teeth need to be cut a little and fixed in the desired position. Only a veterinarian can handle this. Trying to fix the problem at home can be disastrous.

Chinchilla teeth should be red in color as an adult. They can only be white in cubs. If the color of the teeth remains white even with age, this may indicate he alth problems. Often a change in color occurs when there is a deficiency of phosphorus or potassium in the body of chinchillas. In the absence of treatment, the teeth begin to collapse, there is an increased secretion of saliva. The animal's appetite decreases and weight loss occurs. It is necessary to introduce the necessary trace elements into the diet of the animal. They can be mixed with food. You need to put in a cagea vitamin-mineral stone with which a chinchilla can grind teeth.

Skin diseases

Chinchillas have a very thick and soft coat, so they often have problems with the skin and coat. We list the main signs of chinchilla disease and methods of treating skin diseases.

If a chinchilla constantly scratches one place, it becomes bald, ulcers form on it, one can assume infection with ringworm. The areas around the tail, on the nose and at the ears are primarily affected. This is a highly contagious fungal disease that a chinchilla can catch through direct contact with another sick animal. For an accurate diagnosis, you need to see a doctor. Lichen can be determined by shining a special lamp on the skin or taking a scraping. For its treatment, the affected areas must be treated with Micodermin ointment, it can be added to the bathing sand. The cage and all its contents must be thoroughly disinfected. Chinchillas must be vaccinated to avoid infection with lichen. The drug "Vakderm" is injected into the femoral muscle. The vaccine lasts for a year.

A common problem for chinchillas is gnawing wool. The animal plucks its sides to the bald patches. The exact reason for this behavior is unknown. It is assumed that the matter is in the lack of fatty acids, as well as in the low content of methionine in the feed. Sometimes this happens as a result of severe stress. In this case, the cage should be placed in a quiet dark place, the chinchilla should be isolated from all sources.anxiety. If the animal stops nibbling fur, then the problem is solved. Otherwise, it is necessary to increase the proportion of methionine in the feed. The animal can be given small pieces of lard, but you need to make sure that it does not stain the coat. A vitamin-mineral stone and hay should always be in the cage.

Spotted hair loss can occur as a result of violation of the norms of keeping a chinchilla. In this case, bald patches can be observed on the skin. You can help the animal only by correcting errors in the content. You should review the diet of the animal, perhaps change the bathing sand, analyze the entire filling of the chinchilla's home.

Quite often, when in contact with other animals, chinchillas can become infected with fleas, ticks or lice. The chinchilla may begin to gnaw out the fur, it constantly itches and rubs against the bars of the cage. To begin with, it is worth determining the exact parasite from which the animal suffered. Depending on this, you need to start treatment. From fleas and lice, there are special collars that are used for cats and dogs. Also, the animal should be treated with a special powder or spray. It is important to disinfect the cage to avoid reinfection. If a chinchilla is infested with mites, you may need professional help.

Respiratory diseases

The respiratory organs of a rodent often suffer due to improper conditions for keeping a chinchilla. Low room temperatures, drafts, dustiness, rare cleaning in the cage can lead to colds and respiratory diseases. The main symptoms and signs of the diseasechinchillas:

• mucous and purulent nasal discharge;
• heavy breathing;
• rales in the lungs and bronchi;
• shortness of breath;
• apathy, reduced activity;
• lack of appetite.

A common problem with chinchillas is a cold. Most often it occurs in spring and late autumn. The reason may be drafts, or high dustiness of the room. At the same time, the nose becomes wet, mucus flows from the nostrils. There may be white discharge at the corners of the eyes. For treatment, the animal must be given vitamin C. Leaking eyes should be washed with tea or a solution of boric acid. The animal can be given a solution of rosehip syrup to drink.

If a chinchilla is kept in a stuffy hot room, or it inhales poisonous gases, it may experience congestion of the lungs. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease: the animal suffocates, coughs, its pulse accelerates, bloody foam comes out of the nose. First, the sick animal must be moved to a cool, dark place. Chinchilla put a dropper with a solution of glucose and calcium chloride. To maintain the heart muscle, you can use caffeine or cordiamine. If complications occur, antibiotics should be used.

The causative agent of infectious rhinitis are bacteria of different groups. This disease, if left untreated, can lead to the death of the animal. It manifests itself in the form of a runny nose, sneezing. The chinchilla rubs its nose with its paws and breathes frequently. If untreated, wheezing may occur, the body temperature rises significantly. The animal needs toinhalation. In the nose you need to drip a solution of penicillin or furacilin. Antibiotics are also used, and drugs that support the immune system.

Untreated colds can lead to bronchopneumonia. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease: convulsions, apathy and lack of appetite, severe cough, rapid breathing, wheezing. For the treatment of bronchopneumonia, "Biomycin" should be used. The animal is given expectorants.

In little chinchillas that are born in the cold season, a common disease is pneumonia. The causative agents of infection can be staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease: mucus discharge from the nose, wheezing in the lungs, high body temperature. The doctor should prescribe appropriate antibiotics for the chinchilla. Place a heating pad with warm water near the animal.

Problems with the reproductive system

Chinchillas do not often suffer from this type of problem. Most often, diseases of the reproductive system can occur in animals that are involved in breeding. We list the main diseases of chinchillas and their treatment.

The result of damage to the nipples of the female may be inflammation of the mammary gland. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease are blue or reddening of the nipple and the skin around it, inflammation and swelling. There is a decrease in appetite and an increase in body temperature, activity decreases. Penicillin is administered intramuscularly for treatment. The mammary glands should be lubricated with healing and anti-inflammatory ointments. If there is a purulent abscess, it must be opened and all pus removed, and the woundhandle. This should be done by a doctor.

Penis prolapse most often occurs in males after mating with overly active or aggressive females. As a result, the genital organ swells strongly, the male cannot roll it up. If left as is, the male may well become infertile. At first, a small cool compress can be applied to the penis to relieve inflammation. The genital organ must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or other antiseptic ointment, and then gently set into place. After the incident, the male should not be allowed near the females for a week.

Quite often, males develop hair rings that do not allow the penis to open normally. This happens as a result of matting wool. The hair ring wraps around the penis like a rope. Such a male will feel severe discomfort and will not be able to mate with females. With the removal of the hair ring, the owner is usually quite able to cope on his own. To do this, wear gloves. The penis must be treated with a disinfectant solution. Hair from the penis must be removed very carefully, using tweezers. At the same time, you should try not to damage the animal and not aggravate the situation by more tangling the hairs. After the procedure, the penis will return to its place.

Microorganisms Pseudomonas are the causative agents of infectious diseases: endometritis, vaginitis, pyometra. Both males and females can be carriers of the virus. The main symptoms: high body temperature, purulent and brown vaginal discharge, anxiety and aggression. When the female is illThe male is also treated, because he is also a carrier of the disease. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract

Such problems are most often the result of improper and unbalanced nutrition of the rodent. Before acquiring a chinchilla, it is necessary to study well the information regarding the diet of the rodent. The absence or excess of certain components in the diet can lead to serious illness. We list the main diseases in chinchillas and their treatment.

As a result of inflammation of the intestines and stomach, gastroenteritis occurs. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease: it seems to vomit, diarrhea, lack of appetite, apathy. The main causes of gastroenteritis are: a sharp transition from one feed to another, poor quality drinking water, poor quality and expired feed. For treatment, the animal must be put on a diet. For feeding you need to use high-quality and fresh food. Avoid dairy products and greens. You need to include oatmeal in your diet. Instead of water, you can temporarily put rosehip infusion in the cage.

Bloating can be the result of eating legumes, poor quality feed and fresh clover. To alleviate the condition, you can use "Smecta" or activated charcoal. The belly of the chinchilla needs to be massaged. Increased water intake will be helpful.

As a result of poisoning, a chinchilla may develop severe diarrhea. In this case, severe dehydration of the body occurs. In the absence of vomiting and normal temperaturebody, chinchillas can be given charcoal or fthalazol. Water should be replaced with herbal infusion or black tea. If the diarrhea continues, the chinchilla should be given antibiotics.

Constipation is quite dangerous because the animal can become intoxicated if the waste products are not removed from the body in time. In this case, the animal should be given water with the addition of Regulax or castor oil. It should be injected through a syringe into the mouth. If this does not help, the animal should be given an enema.

Causes of intestinal blockage: large hairballs, large swallowed objects, plant foods. The main symptoms of the disease: the chinchilla lies on its side, does not move, does not eat anything. Constipation occurs. In case of blockage of the intestine, you should immediately consult a doctor. Surgery is very dangerous for a chinchilla, so at first the doctor will prescribe drugs that will help to remove all excess from the body.

Due to severe diarrhea or severe constipation, a chinchilla may experience rectal prolapse. In this case, you can observe a small segment of the intestine, protruding and anus. Since it is pinched, severe inflammation occurs. The bowel should be put back in place. It must be treated with a disinfectant solution. After the chinchilla must be taken by the tail so that it hangs with its head down. Next, the intestine must be set in place. To do this, you can use a clean swab moistened with an antibacterial drug. For a minute, the animal must be held in a hanging position so that the intestine falls into place. If you are not sure that you can handle thisprocedure, the chinchilla needs to be taken to the doctor urgently.

Liver, kidneys and gallbladder

The result of poor nutrition is problems with the liver, kidneys and gallbladder, which can lead to the death of the animal. We list the diseases of chinchillas and their symptoms.

As a result of inflammation of the liver, a disease called jaundice can develop. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease are yellowing of the mucous membranes and whites of the eyes. Drug treatment of this disease is not particularly effective. For its prevention, the animal should be given only high-quality feed that contains a sufficient amount of vitamin B.

Due to the excess of proteins and fats in the feed, the chinchilla may begin to have abnormalities in the liver. They manifest themselves as follows: the animal's activity decreases, the quality of the coat deteriorates, food is refused. During the treatment period, oats, alfalfa and peas should be introduced into the diet, which are great for the prevention of liver diseases.

A sharp drop in ambient temperature or exposure to a draft can lead to cystitis. The main symptoms of chinchilla disease: frequent urge to urinate, the presence of blood and mucus in the urine, anxiety of the animal. Chinchilla needs an injection of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

As a result of the formation of kidney stones, blockage of the urinary tract occurs. In this case, urination gives the animal pain, blood and sand can be seen in the urine. If the urinary tract is completely blocked, the animal can die very quickly, becausetreatment should be started at the first symptoms. Most often, this disease occurs in males. The reason for its appearance may be the lack of drinking water in constant access, poor-quality feed. For diagnosis, it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the animal. If sand is found in the kidneys, antibiotics and diuretics are used for treatment. If stones are found in the kidneys, then only surgery remains.

Heatstroke

Chinchillas do not tolerate a strong increase in ambient temperature. The highest temperature limit in a room for a chinchilla is 24 degrees. High humidity, combined with air temperatures above 24 degrees, can lead the animal to heat stroke. The main symptoms of the disease: the chinchilla lies on its side and breathes quickly, the ears turn red, the body temperature rises to 38 degrees, saliva drips from the mouth, convulsions. Heat stroke can cause the animal to die. The chinchilla needs to be urgently moved to a cool dark place. To lower body temperature, a cool compress should be used. At the same time, it is dangerous to sharply lower the body temperature of the animal, because the compress should be only slightly cool, but not icy. With a slight heat stroke, the chinchilla will quickly recover and become active. With severe overheating, irreversible processes occur in the body. The animal needs to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

To avoid heat stroke, the cage should not be placed in direct sunlight. In winter, it should not stand next to the battery. On hot days incage can put cold water bottles. At the same time, it is necessary to take care of good ventilation so that hot air does not stagnate in the cage. A chinchilla must have access to fresh drinking water at all times.

Avitaminosis

Poor-quality food can cause a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body of a chinchilla. With a lack of vitamin A in the body, the animal has an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. To solve the problem, you need to increase the amount of this vitamin in the diet. With a deficiency of vitamin B1, more serious symptoms may appear: the animal begins to drag its hind legs, there is a violation of coordination, it hardly appears on its paws. In the worst case, an intramuscular injection of the vitamin may be needed. To prevent beriberi, you should take care of a balanced and complete diet of chinchillas.

Chinchilla diseases transmitted to humans

Walking unvaccinated chinchillas on the street can lead to infection of a rodent with a large number of diseases, some of which are dangerous for humans. We list the main diseases of chinchillas that can be transmitted to the owner:

• lichen;
• scabies mites;
• helminths;
• salmonella;
• rabies;
• toxoplasmosis;
• dermatitis.

When in contact with a sick animal, care must be taken. It must be isolated from other relatives. You need to touch the chinchilla with medical gloves. Wash hands well after contact and possibly change clothing.

Thus, chinchillas, likemany other rodents are susceptible to a large number of diseases. We have listed the main chinchilla diseases, symptoms and treatment. When the first symptoms occur, do not self-medicate. It is necessary to show the animal to a specialist in order to accurately diagnose the cause of the disease. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which must be strictly adhered to. It is also worth remembering that a chinchilla that lives in ideal conditions has a stronger immune system, and therefore gets sick less often than a chinchilla that lives in poor conditions.