Post by Dawn - Admin on Sept 14, 2007 15:45:53 GMT
Chlamydiosis
Source: www.pimms-pages.co.uk/forums
The following notes are from our experience and research from a break out of Chlamydiosis in the area we were living during 2000 – 2001. Being fairly isolated on a small holding in Scotland, we only had a few infected animals, probably infected by biting insects. With our vets advice we lost no animals.
But another local breeder had seriously affected cavies, many having to be put to sleep
(As with any health problem please consult your vet)
Recently there is concern about the spread of this disease in guinea pigs... This disease can cause some very nasty symptoms, and sometimes can lead to death, or the guinea pig being put to sleep due to seriousness of the resulting damage due to self trauma and/or disabilities and resulting suffering.
This disease in guinea pigs is spread by insects, birds, contact or droplet transfer. This is most likely the type that is spread at shows, many cavies are handled through the day by the stewards and the judge. But can also spread through introduction of new animal into a group,
Three main types of Chlamydia which can affect cavies have now been reclassified as Genus Chlamydophila
C psittaci --- Considered to be the most likely to infect cavies
C caviae --- This is species specific to cavies.
C pecomum --- Causes disease in larger animals, but may be considered for infection in cavies. Different types are now being classified depending on different symptoms and according to which species of animal they affect.
Clinical Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by demonstrating the elementary bodies within epithelial cells from a conjunctival scraping.
Symptoms are – Cavies may exhibit one or more of these symptoms
Conjunctivitis in one or both eyes with anything from mild inflammation with white/yellow discharge – severe conjunctivitis with profuse purulent exude which often seals the affected eye lids. Often there is serious self trauma as the cavy scratches at the affected eye due to the intense irritation that the infection causes.
In very bad infections it is not unknown for the guinea pig to blind itself.
Photosensitivity Bright lighting causes pain.
Encephalmylitis, this affects the nervous system and causes weakness, unsteadiness and collapse.
Pelvic organ disease and infertility. Pregnant sows may abort, miscarry or give birth prematurely, often passing away soon afterwards. Pregnant sows sometimes don’t even show any of the other symptoms at the time. A sow is sometimes left sterile if she recovers.
Polyarthritis Fever, stiffness, lameness, anorexia. Affects the synovial fluid in the cavy’s joints, causing a lot of pain.
Chlamydia induced Pneumonia Dry cough and mucal discharge from the nares, Congestion in the lungs. Secondary pneumonia is thought to be most likely Streptococcus or Bordatella
Cavies may exhibit any number of these symptoms, but sometimes the cavy does not show any symptoms and dies suddenly. Without a PM it is not known whether it was actually Chlamydiosis.
Treatments
(Please consult your vet and discuss treatment.)
For the conjunctivitis, minor infections can be treated using 0.9% saline solution for bathing and Golden or Broline eye drops (These you can get from the chemist) For more serious problems with more serious conjunctivitis then antibiotic drops may help for more serious infection e.g.Tiacil, Cholamphenical. Steroid drops such as Betsolan can help reduce the irritation and inflammation.
Oral or injectable painkillers can be used.
Antihistamines may help reduce irritation.
If the cavy is off food then convalesant feeds such as Oxbow Critical Care or Supreme Recovery can be given
Treatment for the secondary infections is with antibiotics, tetracycline and oxytetracycline seemingly the most effective. Along with these antibiotics, probiotic therapy is a must, this helps with appetite and keeping the gut bacteria stable.
Methods to reduce the chances of infection
Cleanliness is essential, clean pens regularly using a good disinfectant such as Virkon.
If you have a number of cavies - do not over crowd, this causes stress, and more individuals increase possible infection amongst the group.
If the infection is in your area, then it is best to avoid going to shows. If you have a health problem with your pets do not attend shows with your cavies.
As insects can play a part in the carrying Chlamydophila, insect barriers such as mesh at the windows and doors. Insect repellents are a good idea. Also the blue light insect catcher and killers can be placed near to your cavies.
Alternative methods
This is a list of possible actions that may help prevent infection and to help stop it spreading
Citronella oil and tea tree oil can be made up into an aerosol spray to use around your pens.10 drops citronella, 10 drops tea tree oil in 1 litre of water. Add a couple of drops of soap solution, washing up liquid will do, this helps disperse the oils though out the water. Use from a plant spray or paint it a round the out side of the pens. Shake the bottle before use.
Essential oil of lemon myrtle is believed to have anti bacterial and anti viral properties. This can also be made into a spray to use around your pets. Lemon myrtle can also be used in an oil burner, but be very sure it is in a safe place and under observation.
Additional vitamin C. The cavies immune system will require additional ascorbic acid if it needs to fight infection. Giving extra on food or by drinking water, this means there is always excess of this vitamin for the cavies body to use. Otherwise the immune system will start to demand the vitamin from other organs and structures. This may hold up the action of the immune system, and deplete other part of the body.
We use plain Ascorbic acid powder from the chemist. This does not seem to affect the cavies drinking habits.
Echinacea is a herb that may help the immune system, it is believed to help the bodies own methods of fighting disease. The easiest method for giving to cavies is to use the herbal tincture in a small amount of water and given directly by mouth. Another method is to add to drinking water.
Herbal tinctures are available from herbalists, health food shops and some chemists.
Colloidal silver believed to help fight disease, a few drops added to drinking water.
U.K. Pet Cavy Club (UKPCC) Sept 2007
Source: www.pimms-pages.co.uk/forums
The following notes are from our experience and research from a break out of Chlamydiosis in the area we were living during 2000 – 2001. Being fairly isolated on a small holding in Scotland, we only had a few infected animals, probably infected by biting insects. With our vets advice we lost no animals.
But another local breeder had seriously affected cavies, many having to be put to sleep
(As with any health problem please consult your vet)
Recently there is concern about the spread of this disease in guinea pigs... This disease can cause some very nasty symptoms, and sometimes can lead to death, or the guinea pig being put to sleep due to seriousness of the resulting damage due to self trauma and/or disabilities and resulting suffering.
This disease in guinea pigs is spread by insects, birds, contact or droplet transfer. This is most likely the type that is spread at shows, many cavies are handled through the day by the stewards and the judge. But can also spread through introduction of new animal into a group,
Three main types of Chlamydia which can affect cavies have now been reclassified as Genus Chlamydophila
C psittaci --- Considered to be the most likely to infect cavies
C caviae --- This is species specific to cavies.
C pecomum --- Causes disease in larger animals, but may be considered for infection in cavies. Different types are now being classified depending on different symptoms and according to which species of animal they affect.
Clinical Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by demonstrating the elementary bodies within epithelial cells from a conjunctival scraping.
Symptoms are – Cavies may exhibit one or more of these symptoms
Conjunctivitis in one or both eyes with anything from mild inflammation with white/yellow discharge – severe conjunctivitis with profuse purulent exude which often seals the affected eye lids. Often there is serious self trauma as the cavy scratches at the affected eye due to the intense irritation that the infection causes.
In very bad infections it is not unknown for the guinea pig to blind itself.
Photosensitivity Bright lighting causes pain.
Encephalmylitis, this affects the nervous system and causes weakness, unsteadiness and collapse.
Pelvic organ disease and infertility. Pregnant sows may abort, miscarry or give birth prematurely, often passing away soon afterwards. Pregnant sows sometimes don’t even show any of the other symptoms at the time. A sow is sometimes left sterile if she recovers.
Polyarthritis Fever, stiffness, lameness, anorexia. Affects the synovial fluid in the cavy’s joints, causing a lot of pain.
Chlamydia induced Pneumonia Dry cough and mucal discharge from the nares, Congestion in the lungs. Secondary pneumonia is thought to be most likely Streptococcus or Bordatella
Cavies may exhibit any number of these symptoms, but sometimes the cavy does not show any symptoms and dies suddenly. Without a PM it is not known whether it was actually Chlamydiosis.
Treatments
(Please consult your vet and discuss treatment.)
For the conjunctivitis, minor infections can be treated using 0.9% saline solution for bathing and Golden or Broline eye drops (These you can get from the chemist) For more serious problems with more serious conjunctivitis then antibiotic drops may help for more serious infection e.g.Tiacil, Cholamphenical. Steroid drops such as Betsolan can help reduce the irritation and inflammation.
Oral or injectable painkillers can be used.
Antihistamines may help reduce irritation.
If the cavy is off food then convalesant feeds such as Oxbow Critical Care or Supreme Recovery can be given
Treatment for the secondary infections is with antibiotics, tetracycline and oxytetracycline seemingly the most effective. Along with these antibiotics, probiotic therapy is a must, this helps with appetite and keeping the gut bacteria stable.
Methods to reduce the chances of infection
Cleanliness is essential, clean pens regularly using a good disinfectant such as Virkon.
If you have a number of cavies - do not over crowd, this causes stress, and more individuals increase possible infection amongst the group.
If the infection is in your area, then it is best to avoid going to shows. If you have a health problem with your pets do not attend shows with your cavies.
As insects can play a part in the carrying Chlamydophila, insect barriers such as mesh at the windows and doors. Insect repellents are a good idea. Also the blue light insect catcher and killers can be placed near to your cavies.
Alternative methods
This is a list of possible actions that may help prevent infection and to help stop it spreading
Citronella oil and tea tree oil can be made up into an aerosol spray to use around your pens.10 drops citronella, 10 drops tea tree oil in 1 litre of water. Add a couple of drops of soap solution, washing up liquid will do, this helps disperse the oils though out the water. Use from a plant spray or paint it a round the out side of the pens. Shake the bottle before use.
Essential oil of lemon myrtle is believed to have anti bacterial and anti viral properties. This can also be made into a spray to use around your pets. Lemon myrtle can also be used in an oil burner, but be very sure it is in a safe place and under observation.
Additional vitamin C. The cavies immune system will require additional ascorbic acid if it needs to fight infection. Giving extra on food or by drinking water, this means there is always excess of this vitamin for the cavies body to use. Otherwise the immune system will start to demand the vitamin from other organs and structures. This may hold up the action of the immune system, and deplete other part of the body.
We use plain Ascorbic acid powder from the chemist. This does not seem to affect the cavies drinking habits.
Echinacea is a herb that may help the immune system, it is believed to help the bodies own methods of fighting disease. The easiest method for giving to cavies is to use the herbal tincture in a small amount of water and given directly by mouth. Another method is to add to drinking water.
Herbal tinctures are available from herbalists, health food shops and some chemists.
Colloidal silver believed to help fight disease, a few drops added to drinking water.
U.K. Pet Cavy Club (UKPCC) Sept 2007
