Can Chinchillas Get Bacteria in their Blood?

Can chinchillas get bacteria in their blood? Let's discuss about it in this article.

Bacteria in the blood is a serious issue for any animal. The disease that causes bacteria in the blood is known as septicemia. This is a disease that chinchillas can get. This article will discuss the causes and symptoms of bacteria in a chinchilla's blood.

How does a chinchilla get septicemia? It usually happens when a bacterial infection is not treated and toxins are released into the blood. It is very important to immediately treat any infections, injuries, or illnesses that your chinchilla may get. The initial infection may not be severe, but an infections spreads to other organs or toxins end up in the blood it can be fatal.

One of the most common causes of septicemia in chinchillas is the result of bacterial gastroenteritis which is an infection that causes inflammation of the bowels. When this infection goes untreated is leads to septicemia.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea and vomiting. Once the infection reaches the blood and is septicemia the symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a rough coat. This infection need to be treat immediately or it can quickly become deadly for a chinchilla.

It is best to notice the signs of the initial infection and seek treatment from your veterinarian before it spreads and becomes septicemia. A veterinarian can run blood test and determine exactly kind of an infection a chinchilla has. Antibiotics can help rid a chinchilla of its infection. Antibiotics will either be injections or can be given orally. Chinchilla's can recover if they receive treatment early enough, however some chinchillas suddenly die from septicemia.

Try to prevent septicemia and all infections by keeping your chinchilla's cage clean. If you notice any injury or illness, even a minor one, treat it so that it can't spread.

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.