Abscesses in Chinchillas

Let's talk about abscesses in chinchillas.

If you invest a couple hundred dollars in a pet and spend a lot of time caring for them, you want to make sure they stay safe and healthy. People grow attached to pets and don't want them to get life threatening illnesses. This article will discuss abscesses in chinchillas and how you can make sure your pet recovers.

Abscesses form when pus gathers under the skin or in an organ. Chinchillas typically get abscesses from an injury or when a bite wound becomes infected. Bacterial infections can be dangerous for a pet. The infection can spread to other parts of the chinchillas body causing multiple abscesses. Also, the spread of infection into the animal's blood stream can cause toxemia and death.

Symptoms of abscesses in chinchillas include swelling or a lump under the fur. The swollen areas may have redness and the chinchilla may show signs of pain if you touch the lump. Another symptom is pus coming from the infected area. If you notice any of these symptoms in your chinchilla, call your veterinarian. Immediate treatment is needed for infections to prevent them from spreading.

You veterinarian can properly diagnose your pet's symptoms with examinations and by running tests if necessary. Swelling and lumps could also be hernias, cysts, or hematomas. It's difficult for you to know exactly what something is. It's just important for you to notice the symptoms and seek treatment for your chinchilla.

Once your veterinarian has determine that your pet does have abscesses they may surgically remove them, apply ointment, or drain them. If any abscesses have ruptured, they have to be drained and then antiseptic has to be applied. Antibiotics will also be prescribed to ensure the infection doesn't spread to any other parts of your chinchilla's body. 

To prevent a abscesses from forming, treat all injuries or bites immediately. If no infection occurs, abscesses won't form.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.