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Post by nibblescampbell on Jul 18, 2016 1:08:55 GMT
Okay, since around a week or so ago I noticed one of my degus was losing weight and as of 2 days ago, he was becoming less and less active. He was taken to the vet and checked over, they found no problems. He ate a little but not much and I force fed him a little.
He is almost 6 and an absolute trooper. He has half a tail, cataracts and 2 of his front teeth were removed a few years ago. Last night he was even worse and all of today I've had him out of his cage sitting with me, he completely refuses to eat or drink and it's gotten to the point that I can't even force feed him anymore. All today he has just lay limp and slept, he can barely move but his heart sounds good and he is still warm.
I called up the animal hospital in a last ditch attempt and they basically said that if the vet found no problems then it's most likely that they can't do anything and to call if he seems in pain - so he can be put to sleep.
I don't know what to do anymore, I thought he was going to pass from about 12 hours ago and yet his heart his still beating strong. I don't know if I should still try to force feed him or just let him go now. Can anyone give any advice?
Thank you!
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Post by yasmin on Jul 18, 2016 1:41:58 GMT
If your vet cannot do anything, then it may be time to let him go.  Can you tell if he is in pain? Did your vet prescribe Metacam or another pain killer? |
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Post by nibblescampbell on Jul 18, 2016 1:49:18 GMT
If your vet cannot do anything, then it may be time to let him go. Can you tell if he is in pain? Did your vet prescribe Metacam or another pain killer? The vet didn't prescribe anything and couldn't do an X-ray for any other problems as he would need to be put under for it and would most likely not wake back up. I don't know if I should try force feeding him anymore. Absolutely devastated. He doesn't seem to be in any pain. He just lays still and won't move at all |
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Post by yasmin on Jul 18, 2016 1:53:39 GMT
I also want to welcome you to the forum, nibblescampbell —so sad that is under these circumstances.
What is your degu's name? He and you have been through a lot together.
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Post by nibblescampbell on Jul 18, 2016 1:55:14 GMT
I also want to welcome you to the forum, nibblescampbell —so sad that is under these circumstances. What is your degu's name? He and you have been through a lot together. His name is Nibbles. I've had him through the roughest times in life. He's my absolute world  |
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Post by yasmin on Jul 18, 2016 2:08:55 GMT
You can try force-feeding him; however, it will be very stressful for both you and him. Painkillers might be worth a try though you would have to force-feed those to him too.
If you have a lot of disposable $, then the x-ray may be worthwhile if only to give you an answer to what is going on, and to rule in or out whether it is something that can be cured/managed. It is risky but he is likely to pass away anyway so the only real risk is that you have spent the time and $ in vain.
(I have been faced with this situation many times this past year and have been told by vets who I trust and who I know care for my animals that "a week too early is better than an hour too late". When my degus have gotten to the state that they no longer eat, have lost a lot of weight and become very lethargic, the next stage is, in most cases, pain and suffering, and they have never recovered despite all that I have tried to do for them.)
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Post by yasmin on Jul 18, 2016 2:13:52 GMT
My heart goes out to you and dear Nibbles.
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Post by nibblescampbell on Jul 18, 2016 2:20:57 GMT
I tried force feeding him again, the food seems to basically just sit in his mouth and it takes any energy he haa left away
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Post by yasmin on Jul 18, 2016 2:42:24 GMT
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Post by uglibug on Jul 18, 2016 6:16:09 GMT
Poor Nibbles, and poor you. I think if the vet can't do anything and he is making no effort to help himself, it may just be his time. Force feeding only really works if he is willing to make the effort once it's in his mouth, you can't make him swallow. As sad as it is I think now, as long as he isn't in any pain, he just needs cuddles and comfort as he passes over the bridge. Hugs and squeaks from all of us at this difficult time. Sleep easy, and run free little man.
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Post by bouncy on Jul 18, 2016 8:06:59 GMT
My heart goes out to you. If he's given up his fight, I think the only thing you can do for Nibbles is to be there with him. I'm sure he'll find comfort spending his remaining time with his best friend |
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Post by moletteuk on Jul 18, 2016 9:36:37 GMT
If he is very weak and not moving much, then the vet may be able to get an xray without sedation. But if they found dental issues they still wouldn't be able to treat those without sedation, so the only possible gain is if they found some treatable infection or other problem that would put your mind at rest about letting him go due do it not being treatable.
To be honest, my instinct is the same as our other members and I think it's probably time to let him go. If you would like to have him put to sleep ask for gas sedation first before the injection, it's more peaceful.
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Post by uglibug on Jul 18, 2016 19:27:40 GMT
Any news on Nibbles tonight?
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Post by deguconvert on Jul 24, 2016 23:28:00 GMT
Hello, Nibblescampbell. Welcome to the forum, no matter how sad the situation, welcome. I have been away and have just read your thread . . . how are you an nibbles? If he has passed by the time, I am truly sorry for your loss, as I know those that responded above will be too. We know the pain of this loss, and we ache with you. Sending you love and hugs.
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