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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 9, 2014 0:28:28 GMT
I am finally able to get Pixel neutered and introduced to females (yay!). I have found a person 4 hours away from where I live that will sell me two of her female baby degus once they reach 6 weeks.
My mom has now booked the neutering for this Friday December 12 2014. The vet has told us to bring his food, water, a toy or 2, and anything else familiar with him that he likes, and also to give him extra cuddles lol.
Is there anything else I could do to make him feel comfortable? I really wish I could go with my mom to drop him off that day and possibly ask a few questions, although I can't because I need to go to school.
Also after his neutering is it best to take out his second level and wheel? And after the neutering is 1 week and a few days enough time to let him recover before starting introductions with the females?
And one last thing, do you guys think there is a high risk of there being complications involed with him being almost around 4? I mean the exotic vet has actually operated on a fish removing a tumor, and even a frog who's eye popped out (eww lol) so I'm not worried about them doing something wrong it's actually that I don't want to lose him. I have read a few posts on here even of neutering going wrong, and I just don't want that happening to him.
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Post by deguconvert on Dec 9, 2014 0:37:07 GMT
It would be good to know from your vet that he knows the difference in male genitalia between degus and rats. Rats carry their testes on the outside of the abdominal wall, where as degus carry theirs inside the abdominal cavity. This requires a different surgery, and if the vet is unaware and tries to give the same surgery as is used for rats, it is not good for Pixel. This is a question that should be able to be answered over the phone, but you need to speak directly with the Vet performing the surgery, and not just one of his co-workers.
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Post by deguconvert on Dec 9, 2014 0:40:23 GMT
Oh . . . intros . . . we often tell people whose degu has recently been neutered to wait 6 weeks before introducing to a female, so as to ensure that no residual semen is present. I understand that pregnancy is still a potential reality up until that time. Would like to know the particulars a little better though.
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 9, 2014 0:53:36 GMT
Oh . . . intros . . . we often tell people whose degu has recently been neutered to wait 6 weeks before introducing to a female, so as to ensure that no residual semen is present. I understand that pregnancy is still a potential reality up until that time. Would like to know the particulars a little better though. So keep then apart until the 6 week mark okay sounds good. But can I still have them near each other to get used to the smell of the others? And what would you like to know about them?
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Post by Maravilla on Dec 9, 2014 9:42:10 GMT
Two only 6 week old little ladies are a challenge for a 4 year old degu. I understand that degus are not that widespread in Canada, but if there was a little chance to find older girls (2yrs.+), I would prefer them. Or at least only one so small lady and an older one.
Don't understand why you should bring a toy. When I brought my two boys to that surgery I put a towel in their box, a small paper house to hide in or a carton roll, some tissues, and some hay and fresh green to guarantee the water intake. As it is winter and surely very cold, don't forget to take something warm for the transport, especially on the way back home as he really needs to keep warm.
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Post by deguconvert on Dec 9, 2014 17:23:36 GMT
Do you mean the particulars about neutering, and how long a degu can still impregnate after the procedure?
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 9, 2014 20:25:09 GMT
Maravilla I have research a lot about what would be best to introduce to him and 2 baby's were what I found to be the best in my situation. By toy they mean like a chew block or anything which he likes playing in his cage with. deguconvert sorry if I'm confusing you but I mean after the procedure and all is done and going good, and I have the females, can I start intros with them, but without any direct contact? You had said to wait 6 weeks after the neuter for them to meet as they can store semen, but can I still put the cages beside each other so they can learn the different smell?
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Post by Maravilla on Dec 10, 2014 8:57:25 GMT
can I start intros with them, but without any direct contact? You had said to wait 6 weeks after the neuter for them to meet as they can store semen, but can I still put the cages beside each other so they can learn the different smell? Yes, you can. In fact, using the 6 weeks quarantine is the best you can do in this situation to avoid any further loss of time.
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Post by ilikedegus on Dec 10, 2014 12:08:23 GMT
Just to wish Pixel luck with his op, I hope it goes smoothly.
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 10, 2014 12:32:45 GMT
can I start intros with them, but without any direct contact? You had said to wait 6 weeks after the neuter for them to meet as they can store semen, but can I still put the cages beside each other so they can learn the different smell? Yes, you can. In fact, using the 6 weeks quarantine is the best you can do in this situation to avoid any further loss of time. Okay great, thanks for the help
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 10, 2014 12:33:16 GMT
Just to wish Pixel luck with his op, I hope it goes smoothly. Thanks, I hope so too.
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Post by saddlers on Dec 11, 2014 20:48:35 GMT
We have had 4 males neutered over the past few years and all went well, that is not to say the procedure is not without risk, but they are tough little things. We have had varied reactions, some have literally been back to normal the next day in terms of activity, but one was a bit rough for a couple of days afterwards. We have recently introduced one of our neutered males who is nearly four to two 6 month old females and he has never been happier. I hope all goes well, just remember to keep them away from the dustbath for a week or so until the wounds have healed.
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 12, 2014 4:00:49 GMT
Ok thanks, I almost forgot about having to take out the sand bath. Turns out I will be able to wait 6 weeks if not more before intros. There has been a set back with the person we talked with didn't check her email and has sold them to someone else.
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Post by deguconvert on Dec 12, 2014 17:11:19 GMT
Awww! How disappointing for you! I hope you will not have to wait too long before finding a couple more little ladies.
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 12, 2014 23:45:40 GMT
Awww! How disappointing for you! I hope you will not have to wait too long before finding a couple more little ladies. I hope so too. The neutering when well, no complications. Pixel just has a bit of swelling which I have to ice and he is still drowsy. The vet said it may be like this till tomorrow. The good thing is that he is accepting water, although not food.
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Post by moletteuk on Dec 13, 2014 11:53:19 GMT
Glad it went OK, keep an eye out for penile prolapse if he is swollen, swelling in that general area can cause the penis to come out, which you then need to apply lubricant or cream to keep it moisturised and try to get it back in. It might not happen, but it's best to be forewarned, I think.
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Post by saddlers on Dec 13, 2014 14:08:29 GMT
Definitely, two out of our 4 had a prolapsed penis until the swelling went down
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 13, 2014 16:23:04 GMT
Okay, I will look out for that.
I feel so sorry for him, his stomach was growling and he looks so skinny. I did manage to get him to eat a small piece of carrot and I have mushed up some of his pellets with water. He was gobbling the food done like crazy, as I hadn't seen him eat since yesterday before we dropped him off at the vets.
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Post by littlepaws1999 on Dec 13, 2014 20:12:13 GMT
Guys I need help really badly! Instead of him getting a prolapse, He somehow managed to pull a stich and now his insides are coming out. We called the vet and all she said was to keep pressure on it. She can't put another stich in because she doesn't want to put him to sleep again. She is supposed to call us around 5 and to ask how he is doing or we can call her if something worse happens. The office is closed all weekend so I can't even bring him in.
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Post by Karma on Dec 13, 2014 21:25:17 GMT
Eek! I would call another vets .... Leaving it open is leaving a HUGE opportunity for a horrible infection. I have seen rodents heal over a large hole in their abdomen (spiny mouse) almost over night but still .....
How much is actually hanging out? Or is there just an open wound?
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