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Metritis in Chinchillas

Metritis, otherwise known as the infection and inflammation of the uterus, typically affects female chinchillas that have recently given birth. It commonly occurs when the placenta and fetal membranes remain in the uterus leading to bacterial infection. Metritis is a serious condition in female chinchillas because the kits may get the infection from the mother and the mother itself may die if untreated from severe bacterial infection.

Symptoms

• Inability to walk
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lack of milk production
• Fever
• Swollen genitals
• Vaginal discharge

Causes

A retained placenta or fetus that is not delivered may undergo decomposition in the uterus and lead to metritis.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis can be made by the clinical signs observed. The vaginal discharge may be collected and swabs can be stained and viewed under a microscope to identify the causative bacteria. Alternatively the vaginal secretions may be collected and grown in suitable culture medium for the identification of the causative bacteria so that suitable antibiotics can be administered to treat the condition effectively.