United States
1-877-Pet-Move (738-6683)
International
Exotic Pets Health
Abscesses in Chinchillas
Inflammatory Skin Lesions, Abscesses
When pus collects in a cavity under the skin or in the membrane of an organ, abscesses are formed. In chinchillas, abscesses usually occur following an infection from a bite wounds or other traumatic injuries. These infections may be bacterial, spreading to other areas of the body and causing abscesses to develop there, too.
Bacterial Urinary Infection in Rats
Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial urinary infection in rats. Though more common in wild rats, it is highly contagious and quickly transmitted to any pet rat that comes in contact with urine from an infected animal. Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic) or other animals. It is therefore recommended that a rat or rat colony infected with the disease be euthanized. Symptoms Both rats (and humans) with leptospirosis present flu-like symptoms.
Bone Fractures in Chinchillas
Much like in humans, chinchillas can fracture (or break) bones. Luckily, chinchillas heal quickly from fractures. However, they require sufficient rest and proper restraint during recovery, so as not to aggravate the injury.
Symptoms
A chinchilla suffering from a fracture will suffer from immense pain, be unable to move -- especially the affected portion of its body -- and have swelling around the area of the broken bone. A crackling sound may be heard when the fractured area is manipulated due to the rubbing between the broken ends of the bone.
Dental Diseases in Guinea Pigs
Malocclusion and Other Dental Diseases
Guinea pigs suffer from various kinds of dental diseases, the most common being improper alignment of teeth, otherwise known as malocclusion. Another dental disease is slobbers. This occurs when a guinea pig's teeth become overgrown, making it difficult to swallow or chew, and causing the animal to salivate more than necessary.
Diarrhea in Guinea Pigs
Diarrhea often occurs as a symptom of a secondary condition, including disease, infection or improper diet, all causing the guinea pig's digestive system to become upset.
Ear Infections in Guinea Pigs
Ear infections are rare in guinea pigs. However, when they do occur, it is usually the result of bacterial infections such as pneumonia or other respiratory diseases. If the ear infections spread from the middle ear to the inner ear, it can become quite serious, even affecting parts of the nervous system.
Ear Injuries in Chinchillas
Ear Trauma
Ear injuries (or traumas) are common in chinchillas because of their very delicate ears. Fights with other animals or exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures can frequently bring on these types of injuries.
Kidney Disease in Gerbils
Glomerulonephritis When the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys (or glomeruli) become inflamed, it is referred to as glomerulonephritis. This condition is generally seen in gerbils one year or older, damaging other parts of the kidney and ultimately leading to kidney failure. Tumors and various kinds of infections are often responsible for glomerulonephritis but, fortunately, this kidney disease can be treated.
Kidney Disease in Rats
Chronic Progressive Nephrosis Sometimes referred to as glomerulonephrosis, chronic progressive nephrosis is a common kidney disease in older rats that causes inflammation of the renal blood vessels. Obesity and a high-protein diet are some other factors which can lead to glomerulonephrosis. Male rats are most susceptible to the disease than females, and contract it at a younger age. And unfortunately, this kidney disease can not be treated and is fatal in rats.
Loss of Appetite in Guinea Pigs
Appetite Loss and Anorexia
A guinea pig may have partial loss of appetite (inappetence) or refuse to eat altogether (anorexia). And while anorexia is mostly due to various forms of infections, inappetence is a common manifestation of several diseases and disorders, including lack of fresh water, an inability to chew properly, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Dietary changes and environmental changes may also trigger loss of appetite.
If a guinea pig does not eat for a long period of time, its condition may worsen quickly, resulting in liver problems and even death.
Obstructive Ear Disease in Gerbils
Aural Cholesteatoma
About half of gerbils two years or older develop masses in the inner ear. This condition is referred to as aural cholesteatoma and it occurs when an abnormal accumulation of keratin (a fibrous protein) produces epithelial cells in the middle ear, thus replacing the normal epithelium in the ear and even absorbing the bone beneath it. Although not tumorous, these masses, called aural cholesteatomas, push the gerbil's eardrum deep into the ear canal, causing permanent damage to the inner ear.
Pink Eye in Guinea Pigs
Conjunctivitis Sometimes referred to as “pink eye” or “red eye,” conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the eye's outermost layer. Frequently due to bacterial infections, there are two kinds of bacteria that are most commonly involved in conjunctivitis: Bordetella and Streptococcus.
Pinworms in Gerbils
Endoparasitic Worm Infection
There are many different kinds of endoparasitic worm infections. One very common intestinal parasite infection in pet gerbils is due to pinworms. And much like in other animals, gerbils can contract the pinworms in many ways, including ingesting contaminated water or food. Fortunately, a gerbil suffering from a pinworm infection can be easily treated.
Symptoms
A gerbil suffering from a pinworm infection will generally display no external signs, however, it may be dehydrated or have diarrhea.
Pneumonia in Chinchillas
There are many infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system, the most common of which is pneumonia. Much like in humans, chinchillas usually contract pneumonia through a bacterial infection; one predisposing factor being poor living conditions. Eye infections, fever, and weight loss are some of the more common complications of pneumonia.
Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage) in Chinchillas
Abortion or Resorption of Fetuses
A spontaneous abortion (or miscarriage) can occur in chinchillas due to a wide variety of reasons, including stress, trauma, and fever. If left untreated, the condition may lead to infections of the female's uterus and vagina. Hence, a chinchilla that has just undergone a miscarriage must be taken to veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms
Pregnancy loss generally occurs spontaneously and may go unnoticed. The most common signs of the condition being a bloody or purulent vaginal discharge and/or staining near the animal's vagina.
Roundworms in Chinchillas
Much like in other animals, endoparasite worms are a common problem in chinchillas. And of all the gastrointestinal parasites affecting chinchillas, the roundworm Bayisascaris procyonis is considered to be the most serious -- it is even contagious for humans, and may lead to a fatal brain disease. In chinchillas, the roundworm parasite mainly affects the central nervous system, causing paralysis, loss of motor function and coma.
Stomach Ulcers in Chinchillas
Inflammatory Stomach Lesions Sometimes referred to as gastric ulcers, stomach ulcers are inflammatory lesions of the stomach's mucous membrane lining. These ulcers often occur in young chinchillas and are frequently caused by eating coarse, fibrous roughage. Eating toxic, moldy feed can also damage the stomach lining. This condition is often difficult to diagnose because signs such as loss of appetite and stomach pains are easily overlooked.
Tapeworms in Gerbils
Endoparasitic Worm Infection
Tapeworms belong to a category of endoparasitic flatworms. And much like in other animals, gerbils can contract the parasites in many ways, including ingesting contaminated water or food. There are two types of tapeworms which can infect gerbils: the dwarf tapeworm (Rodentolepis nano) and the rat tapeworm (Hymenolepis diminuta). The dwarf tapeworm, in particular, can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, remain cautious when handling gerbils with this kind of tapeworm.
Tumors and Cancers in Gerbils
An abnormal growth of cells in a tissue or organ is referred to as a tumor or cancer. And much like in humans, a gerbil is just as likely to suffer from cancers or tumors. There are basically two types of tumors: benign tumors, which do not spread, and malignant tumors, which spread and are usually referred to as cancers. Tumors can be found in or on various parts of the body, including skin tumors on the gerbil's ears or feet. However, regardless of the type of tumor or cancer, prompt veterinary care is recommended and improves the chances of successful treatment.
Urinary Stones in Rats
Urolithiasis Urolithiasis is a medical condition referring to the presence of uroliths -- stones, crystals or calculi -- in the kidneys, bladder or anywhere in the urinary tract. Rats with this condition suffer from secondary bacterial infections and pain due to the rubbing of the uroliths against the urinary tract. Male rats are more prone to urolithiasis because of their longer urethras. Symptoms and Types Uroliths are rough in nature, causing the rat's urethra, urinary bladder or kidneys to become inflamed.
