Pneumonia is another common condition observed in chinchillas which is caused by a number of disease agents. Bordetella, Pasteurella, Pseudomonas and E. coli are a few of the bacterial species commonly associated with the syndrome. Damp, drafty housing often predisposes the pet to this condition. Clinical signs include discharge from the eyes and nose, loss of appetite, and rough hair coat. Death may result from this respiratory disease.
Treatment involves supportive care and antibiotics.
Ringworm Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the typical agent in chinchillas with ringworm. It causes hair loss and scabby red lesions on the nose, feet, and around the eyes. This is a very serious problem with fur ranchers due to the damage to the chinchilla's hair coat. Treatment involves the use of griseofulvin as prescribed by your veterinarian. This condition is characterized by drooling of saliva onto the fur under the chin.