Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an extremely common problem in Chinchillas becasue if their long hair and eyelashes are not kept at the right length around the eye area, infections can occur. Because Chinchillas use sand baths to keep themselves clean, sand in the eyes is also a common casue of infection. Conjunctivitis is not usually life threatening, but it is very important to consult a vet if any of the symptoms are noticed. 

 

Causes:

• Exposure to infectious agents

• Viruses and bacterial infections 

• Weak immune system

• High stress environments

• Excessive hair in or around the eyes

• Debris caught in the eye

• Dust/sand caught in the eye

 

Symptoms:

When a Chinchill has Conjunctivitis or another type of eye infection they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• Squinting of the eye

• "Winking"

• Itching of the eye area

• Other signs of upper respiratory infections (Such as sneezing)

• General discomfort 

• Frequent closing of the eyes

 

Physical:

• Swelling around the eye(s)

• Red or white inner lining of the eye

• Clear, yellow or green ocular discharge

• Watering eyes

• Ocular cloudiness

• Change in eye colour

• Excessive debris in the corner of the eye

• Hair loss around the eye

 

Prevention:

• Check your chinchilla's eyes for any early physical symptoms of eye infection.

• Reduce stress in your chinchilla's life to build up their immune system.

• Frequently visit the vets for check ups and virus shots.

• Keep your chinchilla's environment clean.

• Wipe away crusts from the corner of your chinchilla's eye with a clean damp cotton ball daily.

• Inspect your chinchilla's eyes frequently and cut away any protruding long hair.

• Let them clean themselves in sand daily, but make sure to not disturb or touch them during this process in case they open their eyes. 

• Use the correct Chinchilla sand (available at most large pet shops and vets clinics).