Conjunctivitis is as common in chins as it is in humans - and can be passed from species to species - so when dealing with ANY infection either of yourself or your animals, ALWAYS wash your hands VERY thoroughly wit h hot water and an antibacterial hand wash between touching each animal and yourself.
ANY eye problems should be taken to a vet as soon as possible- even if it looks similar to one you have seen before. There are many causes of eye problems - some of which are simple and only minor things - others of which can be fatal (like in-growing roots from Malocclusion). Quite often a vet may give similar treatment to ones you have had in the past - but you cannot risk your chins sight or life in the hope that it is the same thing!
As a first precaution whilst waiting to go to your vets, you can bathe the eye in a mild saline (Boil some water, and add 1 teaspoon of table salt to a pint of it once it has cooled). Ensure that the water is blood temperature to flush the eye out - NOT hot or cold - as either can cause further problems!
Whilst there are eye problems present do not allow your chin to have sand baths as it is likely that more sand will stick to the damp area and could be introduced into the eye causing further problems.
Using sand that is too coarse for the sand baths can often be a cause of blocked tear ducts, and it is not always possible to flush them out and clear the blockage in chins as the duct itself is so fine. So always use an approved fine chinchilla sand to avoid such problems, look for Sephiolite as a preference, if available in two grades then but the finer |
Kits can occasionally be born and there eyes not open - it they have not opened within the first 12 hours, then using a cotton bud and some cooled boiled water, wipe the eye lid to cleanse it and to soak away any 'gunk' or discharge that may be present.