| Main Symptoms
Eye discharge, nasal discharge, sneezing, laboured breathing. Lack of appetite. Lethargy. Elevated temperature.
There are a few things to note - you can get both upper (affecting the nares/sinuses) and lower (affecting the trachea and/or lungs) respiratory infections.
Symptoms of Upper Infection Temperature (signs - hot, flushed ears) Nasal discharge Excessive sneezing Poor appetite Snuffling/noisy breathing In advanced cases the chinchilla may start to "mouth-breathe"
Symptoms of a Lower Infection Temperature Laboured breathing (in serious cases they may even start coughing) Rattling/wheezing noises in chest Poor/no appetite Generally off-colour and lethargic
Possible Causes
Colds can be contagious. A damp, draughty environment can also trigger respiratory infections as can a poorly ventilated, dusty environment. Pneumonia can be viral, bacterial or have parasitic causes. Any form of respiratory infection needs prompt veterinary treatment. |