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Post by jennierh on Apr 17, 2016 20:34:37 GMT
Just noticed that my very old degu has a growth on the underside of his tail. I thought it was caked on dirt but on closer inspection it is like very hard lumpy skin. He doesn't seem bothered in the slightest but I am very worried. He has a specialist vet who I'm going to call first thing tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of what it may be and how serious it is. Naturally I'm panicking because he is old and pretty delicate. He's eating and doing his business fine.
Advice much appreciated!!
Jennie
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 18, 2016 2:59:10 GMT
I'm sorry, love, I have no ideas what it might be, nor what could help it. I'm glad you have an appointment with your Vet tomorrow.
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 18, 2016 10:12:45 GMT
The only thing that springs to mind for a lump is an abscess, but this doesn't particularly sound like one. Hope the vet can help.
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Post by bouncy on Apr 18, 2016 12:04:53 GMT
Thinking on other animals I've had, and given he's not bothered by it at all, it might just be a calcium deposit, or similar - no purpose whatsoever. Having said that, I've not come across this on goos before.
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Post by animalmadchloe on Apr 18, 2016 20:26:09 GMT
One of my chubbs had a tail lump for a bit after a wile it just sort of opened up went crusty then healed up best get it checked though
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Post by skardsen on Apr 18, 2016 21:14:58 GMT
It probably nothing to worry about but it's always best to get these kind of things looked at. Key things to look for is whether or not it's been growing as the days go by, if it hasn't, I wouldn't worry. If it has, it might be more serious.
I hope he'll be ok.
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Post by savvy on Apr 18, 2016 21:42:27 GMT
This may sound strange, but it could be something as simple as a callus.
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Post by jennierh on Apr 19, 2016 8:33:32 GMT
Mystery solved:
Took him to the vet this morning and it is dried on wax! The vet said that the skin on tail is like a human scalp and naturally produces a greasy substance. If degus don't clean themselves it can get clogged and harden, forming solid lumps. I'd never heard of that before! He vet said it is important to remove it as it can cause infections on the underlying skin and leave it sore. We are going to have some inforced sand baths and tail cleans from now on!!
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Post by bouncy on Apr 19, 2016 8:45:25 GMT
Great to hear it's nothing serious!
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 19, 2016 14:56:33 GMT
Definitely didn't expect that! So glad it is something that can be easily remedied, especially when caught before any form of infection has begun to grow! This is something to keep in mind, should it occur in the future with other degus on the forum.
So . . . did the vet remove it? If so, how did he do it? If you did it, did he advise you how to go about it?
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Post by jennierh on Apr 20, 2016 21:32:56 GMT
The vet removed it very, very gently using some rough antiseptic wipes and a very steady hand. Because we caught it early there was no underlying skin damage so it wasn't painful. Fortunately my little chap is already on painkillers and antibiotics from his last dental. It's now a case of enforced sand baths and gently wiping down his tail with some solution the vet supplied. I wouldn't have felt confident removing the lumps myself without having been told by the vet that it was safe and the right thing to do.
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