Otitis (Ear Infection)

Ear infections are very common in Chinchillas as their ear canals are mostly vertical. Therefore it is easy for excess moisture and debris to be retained there. Ear mites, excessive hair, wax and foreign bodies can contribute to the development of an ear infection. Because they bathe in sand, ear infections can reoccur often.

 

Causes:

• Ear mites

• Excessive hair in the ear canal

• Excessive moisture in the ear canal

• Excessive ear wax

• Foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal

• Internal infection

 

Symptoms:

When a Chinchilla has Otitis they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• Scratching of or around the ear

• Rubbing the ear on the floor or furniture 

• Shaking of the head

• Tilting of the head

• Loss of balance 

• Unusual eye movements

• Walking around in circles

• Hearing loss

• General discomfort

• Disorientation

 

Physical:

• Yellow, brown or bloody discharge 

• Odor in the ear

• Crusts/ scabs on the inside of outside of the ear

• Hair loss around te ear

• Swelling of the ear

• Temperature

 

Prevention:

• Check your Chinchilla's ears regularly for abnormal discharge.

• If dirty, clean your Chinchilla's ears gently with a damp cotton ball.

• After baths, dry your Chinchilla's ears thoroughly.

• If your Chinchilla has excessive hair in or around the ears, take him/her to a groomer or vet to have it removed. 

• If your Chinchilla presents with any of the symptoms mentioned above, take him/her to the vets immediately.