Decision with 8 year old poorly degu

[vikki]

Hi all,

Haven't posted on here in a very long time but I'm in much need of some support this morning. My eldest degu, Yoshi, who is 8 years old has been ill all week. Took him to the vets as he was having trouble eating and he had an overgrown molar tooth which had caused an ulcer and infection in his mouth. He's been on antibiotics since Wednesday but as of yesterday there was no improvement, his mouth looked worse and he himself seems to have just given up.

I guess I'm just after support on whether to put him to sleep or not. I've seen my degus being put to sleep before and that moment when they are gassed is awful to me. I don't want his last minute to be one of sheer panic and to be frightened but then I don't want to just leave him like this for weeks either.

Feel like I don't want to do it as well because I've had him for such a large part of my life now and I'm really going to miss him. I know what would be kindest, I just wish there was a nicer way for it to happen

I have an appointment in the vets this morning.. So don't want to have to do this.. Was so hoping he would just drift off in his sleep last night

[Maravilla]

I am very sorry to read your degu's story here!
I can understand you as I have been through this a couple of times. One never knows whether the moment is right, too early or too late. It is just impossible.
Have you checked his weight regularly those last days to evaluate his weight loss? With an infection and ulcer in his mouth he surely has problems when eating. Have you tried to offer him soft things which he could swallow easily?

When he refuses to eat (at least soft stuff), even with pain killers and antibiotics, this is for me a clear signal. It is always worth to fight, but no animal should suffer too long and/or starve.

[vikki]

His weight actually went up a little from the last couple of days. He doesn't seem to want to drink. He has moments when he wants to eat, mainly after having painkillers/antibiotics, Gave him some grape last night which he ate (know that's not the best for him but think that's irrelevant now). This morning he is just lay sprawled out on his cage bedding and feels cool and is breathing heavy. I'm confused on what to do because he has these moments where he seems to want to try to eat and then others when it looks like he's just given up. Wish they could talk, would make it so much easier.

[Maravilla]

You are right. At the moment, it does not matter what he eats as long as he eats something. Grapes are sweet and contain some liquid. What about oats with some water, some ground nuts?

How much time do you have left before your appointment? Talk to your vet and ask him about his opinion.

[vikki]

Less than half an hour. yoshi is currently cuddled up next to a heated wheatbag and he's really doing a lot of mouth breathing now. The vet said yesterday that if he didn't seem better this morning then it might be kinder to let him go as she's worried the infection might have gone into the bone. He doesn't seem to want to be touched, he squeaks at me every time. Utterly heartbreaking. Don't want to put him through stress in his final moments but hate seeing him like this.

[animalmadchloe]

Im sorry that this has come a bit late in been doing.my diploma all.day if he's doing mouth breathing it sounds as if he's giving up to me but I really don't have any experience in this area.... What did you end up doing in the end hun xxx

[vikki]

Took him to the vet and we all decided that it was unfair to let him carry on. He looked so uncomfortable and unhappy towards the end. The breathing had gotten worse by the time I got to the vets. It would have just been cruel to leave him. He passed away very quickly, he must have been very weak We had a good 8 years together. Really going to miss him though hes been a wonderful companion.

[Maravilla]

It surely was a hard decision to make but it was a decision of love and respect.
You had 8 long years together, this is more than most of us here will ever have with one degu.
And even though it is hard right now, in some time you will only remember all those nice moments you spent together. My thoughts are with you.

[animalmadchloe]

Sorry for your loss hun at least he's not suffering now hug hugs xx

[moletteuk]

I'm very sorry for your loss, you did everything you could for him x

[deguconvert]

I am so sorry for your loss and the pain of putting him to sleep. I am thankful it was quick and not prolonged. My thoughts are with you!

[ilikedegus]

(((Vikki)))

[klbishop]

i am so sorry for your loss hun x