common cold

Is it possible for a chinchilla to have a cold?  He is spitting up phlem.  What should I do?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I would be more concerned that your chinchilla may have a bacterial or fungal upper respiratory infection.  I think that it would be best to bring him to the vet.

Chinchilla's are susceptible to bacterial infections with many organisms, most commonly :  Streptococcus , Pseudomonas, Pasteurella, and Bordetella, amongst others.  These can begin as upper respiratory infections but if untreated can progress to pneumonia.  They can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your vet.

Chinchilla's can also catch fungal upper respiratory infections from their bedding since many bedding ingredients contain various fungal elements.