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Chinchillas (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 11:54, 18 August 2011
, 11:54, 18 August 2011→Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
==Cardiorespiratory System==
==Cardiorespiratory System==
===Upper Respiratory Tract Infection===
===Upper Respiratory Tract Infection===
The causes of this infection in chinchillas are thought to be wide ranging and include humidity, overcrowding and poor ventilation.
The causes of upper respiratory tract infection in chinchillas are thought to be wide ranging and include humidity, overcrowding and poor ventilation. Bacterial infections caused by ''Streptococcus sp.'', ''Pseudomonas sp.'', ''Bordetella sp.'' and ''Pasturella sp.'' are most common with these agents initially infecting the nasal sinuses and/or mucous membranes. Clinical signs may include nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and sneezing. Acute cases can result in sudden death.
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Macroscopic pathological findings may include necrotic sinus cavities which can be filled with a mucopurulent debris. In more advanced cases the infection may track to the brain. Diagnosis is via isolation and culture of the causative agent.
===Pneumonia===
In chinchilla this is commonly cause by bacterial infection, usually by similar species to the upper respiratory tract infection above. A species of fungus ''Histoplasma capsulatum'' has also bee associated with hay and pneumonia in chinchilla. Pneumonia is thought to be caused by housing in damp, cold environments.
==Digestive System==
==Digestive System==