Chinchilla Uterine Infection (Metritis): Vet Guide 2025 – Expert Vet Insights 🐭🩺

— Written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet —

Introduction

Metritis is a serious inflammation of the uterus affecting female chinchillas, especially post-breeding or after a retained fetus or placentas. Without prompt care, it can lead to systemic illness and infertility. This detailed 2025 guide covers causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and prevention strategies with compassion and veterinary expertise.

🔍 1. What Is Metritis?

Metritis involves infection of all layers of the uterus—the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium—usually occurring shortly after parturition, abortion, or fetal retention :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

⚠️ 2. Common Causes & Risk Factors

• Retained fetuses or placentas after birth or abortion :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Pyometra or endometritis left unresolved—can progress to metritis :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Breeding complications such as dystocia or trauma introduce infection :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Poor hygiene or immune suppression—unclean environments or underlying illness predispose to infection.

🚨 3. Recognizing Signs & Symptoms

Early detection can save lives. Look for:

• Purulent or bloody vaginal discharge; foul odor :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Enlarged, doughy abdomen :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Fever, lethargy, decreased appetite :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Reduced or absent milk production in nursing females.
• Females with prior endometritis or inability to conceive may be predisposed :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

🔬 4. Diagnostic Approach

• History: Recent breeding, birth complications, or abortion.
• Physical exam: Palpation of the uterus and check for discharge.
• Imaging: Radiographs or ultrasound to identify uterine enlargement, fluid, or retained tissue :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Bloodwork: CBC and biochemistry to assess systemic infection.
• Culture: Vaginal or uterine discharge cultured for targeted antibiotic therapy.

💊 5. Treatment Strategy

Treatment focuses on resolving infection, clearing the uterus, and stabilizing the patient:

• Systemic antibiotics: Broad-spectrum initially, then tailored via culture sensitivity; typical course 10–14 days.
• Hospitalization: IV fluids to correct dehydration and support organ function.
• Uterine drainage/flush: Under sedation, retained material is removed and uterine lavage performed :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• NSAIDs: Meloxicam or similar to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
• Surgery: Ovariohysterectomy may be necessary for recurrent infections, retained tissue, or endometrial hyperplasia :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🛏️ 6. Recovery & Supportive Care

• Clean, calm environment: Daily cage hygiene and low-stress housing.
• Medication adherence: Finish antibiotic and NSAID courses even if symptoms improve early.
• Follow-up exams: Check uterus by palpation or ultrasound 1–2 weeks post-treatment.
• Nutrition & hydration: Support with soaked pellets (e.g., Oxbow Critical Care) if appetite is low.
• Spay drama: If ovariohysterectomy was performed, monitor for post-op pain and incision healing.

⏱️ 7. Prognosis & Timeline

• Initial treatment: Expect stabilization within 24–48 hours.
• 7–14 days: Uterine size should return to normal; discharge resolves.
• 4–6 weeks: Full recovery; fertility may improve if no persistent tissue remains.
• Spayed cases: Remain healthy and free from recurrent uterine infections.

🛡️ 8. Prevention & Breeding Management

• Schedule veterinary reproductive exams—especially mid-gestation and postpartum.
• Maintain immaculate cage conditions and low stress for breeding pairs.
• Avoid breeding very young (<9 mo), stressed, or previously infected females :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Address retained placentas or dystocia immediately to minimize infection risk.

📊 9. Quick Care Cheat Sheet

📌 10. Ask A Vet: Essential Support

• Immediate triage: Evaluate symptoms and guide urgency of vet visit.
• Medication scheduling: Reminders and side-effect tracking for antibiotics and pain relief.
• Monitoring support: Help interpret discharge, temperature, behavior changes.
• Breeding advice: Post-recovery guidance and safe planning for future litters.

Conclusion

Metritis is a life-threatening, yet treatable uterine infection in female chinchillas. With early identification, diligent veterinary care, uterine drainage, appropriate medication, and a supportive recovery environment, most affected chinchillas recover well. Preventing recurrence through breeding best practices and hygiene is vital. Rely on Ask A Vet for individualized care and peace of mind throughout the process. 🐾

Saw concerning discharge or depression postpartum? Seek veterinary care promptly and use the Ask A Vet app for guided support every step of the way.

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet