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[Renier]

Hi there. My first post, and already asking for advice.
My Chinchilla's one eye got some sort of infection a while back. The eye is a bit puffy, sometimes a bit wet, and often just partially open, with the hair around the eye not as smooth as it should be (which from reading other posts, are typical symptoms of eye problems).

I did treatment for ringworm which seemed to help a little, but there was no indication of ringworm presence. I  did x-rays of teeth - no abnormalities. I went for bacteria testing, and there was indications of potentially harmful bacteria.

These results are controlled and checked by an exotic animal vet, dental specialist and eye specialist. They are also a bit in the dark, and say that Chinchillas are uncommon (which is the case in my country), so there is limited historical data on file.

I have done two courses of different antibiotics, which did not work. I am now on the third one. This time I have seen great improvement in the eye. But every time he baths, the eye goes bad again and the hair around it seems wet again. I am positive about this antibiotic since it is the best recovery I have seen.

1. Could the dust be the reason the eye gets irritated?
2. Could the dust really have such adverse effect on the antibiotic to the point where it almost stops its function?
3. If this is the case, should I potentially stop his baths for a while (and long can he go without a bath).

I look forward to some input and ideas.
Thank you in advance
Renier

[Flint]

Hi,
In the first instance, has your chinchilla been x-rayed to rule out any dental issues? Is your chinchilla eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally? Is your chinchilla readily eating hay? What type of bathing dust are you using and how frequently are you offering the bath?

[Renier]

Thanks for the reply.
All is 100% good. X-rays on the dentals are normal.  Dust bath three times per week. I buy dust from a very reputable supplier.
The exotic vet says he is in excellent condition. Weight is normal. Poop and Pee is normal. But we are all baffled by the eye. Cage is really clean. I have two. So in total I have three healthy eyes and one sick one. Thus unlikely to be a spreading fungus or such.

I should add that this issue seems to get better when it is playtime. He loves the baths. He gets very excited and bounces all over the place, and the eye seems almost normal. But then when things quiet down the eye goes droopy again.

[Flint]

Glad that all is well ref teeth. Try reducing the amount of baths to either one per week or two very short ones per week and see if this makes any difference. What examinations/tests has your chinchilla undergone ref this eye issue?

[Renier]

Thank you.
I was also relieved by the teeth results.

There is 7 days left of the antibiotics, so I am going to withhold the bath from him for the 7 days and see if there is any change.

They eye examination was rigorous by two specialist animal ophthalmologists. Tests were done for 13 types of bacteria that typically affects animal eyes. One of them was found in the eye, and only three antibiotics has been effective in the past. As I've mentioned, I am on the third one now, hence me questioning the diagnosis and pursuit of other potential problems.

As Chin owners we all know this, but the doctors indicated that Chinchillas are rarely seen in their practice (again, in my country), so understandably, they are a bit uncertain.
But let's see where this goes (no pun intended).

[Flint]

Please keep us updated and stay in touch. Thinking of you both. What country are you based in?

[Renier]

Thank you. I am in South Africa.
This antibiotics also had no effect. The course finishes on Saturday, so I skipped his baths. That does not help.
Things will have to go back to normal on Saturday.
There does not seem to be anything else I can do.
Maybe nature will take its course and naturally heal the eye over time. It's the only bit of hope I have.

[GrayRodent]

Bacterial infections of the eye in chinchillas normally respond rapidly to antibiotics within 2-3 days. It's good that you are getting a culture and identifying the type of bacteria. That's the only thing you can do.
As far as health make sure nutrition is good, copious amounts of grass hay available, room temperature is around 22C, noise levels are low in the room, consistent sleep wake times.