Rivendell ChinchillasPlease note this page is not intended for replacement of professional medical advice or treatment for you animal. It is here for educational purposes only!
By reading or using any of the information on this page the site owner or author(s) are not responsible for you animal(s)! If your animal is sick please take it to the vet, this guide is to help educate on potential problems and symptoms as well as help offer tips on care before getting them to the vet, and after getting them home from the vet. It is in no way, shape, or form a substitute!
| Conjunctivitis - Conjunctivitis, also more commonly known as "pink eye" is an inflammation of the outer lay of the eye and insides of the eyelids. It may be caused by allergies or infection from either bacterial or viral origins. |
| Symptoms: Red irritated eyes, watering,
itchiness, or other discharge. Fur around the eye may be removed from
the combination of the discharge and rubbing with paws due to itching.
This may also cause fur on the paws to rub off as well.
Allergic reaction is typically accompanied by mainly itching and swelling, and possibly some watering. Both eyes will be affected. Bacterial infection is usually accompanied by a pussy, stringy like, white, yellow, or grey-ish discharge, aka "goo", and may cause crusting, even to the point of crusting the entire eye shut. Bacterial infections usually start in one eye and may spread to the other. Viral infection is usually accompanies by watery discharge, and some itching that often starts with one eye but may or may not move to the other eye. Viral infections are commonly found in conjunction with upper respiratory infection or colds. Injury to the eye can cause some or all of the above symptoms. |
| Treatment options: Treatment
options vary depending on the type of infection present.
Allergic infections can be treated with flushing the eye out to be sure no foreign material is lodged. A anti-inflammatory drop may be prescribed. Bacterial infections can be treated a antibiotic drop or ointment (drops are easier) to help kill off the bacteria causing the problem. Again the eyes can be flushed out to help remove discharge and the area gently cleaned with a damp cool wash clothe. If needed hold the clothe in place to help loosen any dried on "goo". Viral infections have no real cure, but can be helped by using a warm damp wash clothe and flushing the eye out. Be sure to see your vet to make sure there are not foreign objects or other underlying conditions causing the problems, and for proper diagnosis. |
| Cause: Exposure to a bacteria or virus can be a main cause of conjunctivitis. Remember that some illnesses can be passes between humans and chins, so always be sure to wash thoroughly after handling a sick chin, and avoid prolonged contact with your chin if you are sick. Allergic reactions may be caused by pollen, dust, or mold from hay or bedding. Injury to the eye or foreign objects can also cause some or all of the above symptoms. Remember that conjunctivitis can be signs of underlying respiratory issues. |
| Prevention: Be sure to keep dust and mold away from your chin. Check your cage for possible objects that could cause injury to your chins eyes or face. Ask someone else to feed and water your chin if you're ill. If you must care if you chin be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before contact, cover your mouth and nose with a dust or medical mask or a handkerchief to prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses to your chin, and keep the contact quick. |
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