Merck Veterinary Manual - Chinchillas - Eye & Ear Diseases

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alpayton

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Copied from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/171505.htm

Conjunctivitis:
Conjunctivitis is seen occasionally in young chinchillas. Catarrhal or mechanical conjunctivitis may result from an ocular foreign body. Purulent conjunctivitis may signal bacterial infection of the eye secondary to mechanical conjunctivitis or, in nursing animals, result from direct contact from vaginitis in the dam. Staphylococcus spp and P aeruginosa infections have been reported. Chinchillas may develop conjunctivitis secondary to dust-bath irritation. Clinically, infected eyes exhibit hyperemic conjunctiva, edema, and a serous or purulent ocular discharge. Infections usually resolve with topical antibiotic treatment and dust baths should be removed until the condition has completely resolved. Dust baths should be avoided with periparturient females to prevent neonates from accumulating dust in their eyes or mouth.

Otitis Media:
This disease is frequently seen in young chinchillas secondary to respiratory infection or trauma. Scar tissue can enclose the healing ear canal and trap cerumen and debris inside. The tympanic membrane may become thickened and inflamed. Inflammation may progress to the inner ear or meninges, with accompanying neurologic signs of ataxia, torticollis, or circling and rolling. Treatment of otitis media is hampered by tissue proliferation and risk to the large, fragile tympanic bullae. Surgery may be necessary to reopen a closed ear canal. Cautery of the ear canal edges may help prevent reclosure. Regular cleaning, in addition to topical and systemic antibiotics, can help ensure that the ear canal remains patent until healing is complete.

Ear Trauma:
The chinchilla’s large, delicate ear pinnae are easily traumatized, most often from bite wounds or, if exposed to extreme cold, frostbite. Therapy includes cleaning the traumatized area with antiseptic solution and antibiotic ointment. Suturing large ear lacerations is usually not effective and not recommended. If severe damage is present, ear tissue may require significant debridement or partial surgical removal. If lesions are left open, appropriate systemic antibiotics should be administered to minimize potential for infection. Trauma can result in rapid hematoma development with blood and serum filling the space between skin and cartilage. Hematomas should be lanced and contents gently removed to avoid further damage to the ear. The skin over the hematoma must remain in contact with the underlying cartilage and should be immobilized by sutures if necessary.
 
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