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Post by daven311 on Apr 5, 2017 3:53:42 GMT
I brought home 5 degus around 3 or 4 months ago. The lady I got them from gave me 2 of the 5 because they were born with balance issues. I assume from inbreeding or some other breeding problem, but regardless, I am a sucker for the critters such as this and Raul is my buddy now. She's eating fine as long as I separate her and drinks, but I have to make sure she's drinking enough everyday. She tries to do all things degu but she can't walk a straight line without falling over from side to side alot. I have checked out ear infections, strokes, etc. But theres not a lot out there that is similar to my situation. She had a sibling that also had the same issues that died about a month ago. I just want to know what it could be and what to expect. Any help is appreciated!!!
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Post by randomname on Apr 5, 2017 5:11:21 GMT
Hi daven311, welcome to the forum.
It's great that you've chosen to adopt little guys with special needs. Even better that you've decided to look into what to expect. Sadly there are loads of animals with neurological or genetic problems that are a result of bad breeding or natal problems, it's great to hear that you're willing to take them on. Do you know if the lady was a breeder? Do you know your guys' breeding history? (I.e are they from family members who have mated?) Are the 2 with balance problems related to the others you have? Did you see the conditions they were kept in?
Sounds like you have got the feeding thing worked out - but 2 things spring to mind. First is are you prepared to do this every day for as long as she lives? It could be any where from 7-15 years if she lives as long as a healthy degu. Also, degus, like all herbivores, can be prone to gut stasis. This means that the gut stops working & they usually go downhill very very quickly (within 24 hours). This means they need to keep the gut moving at all times - that's why they are always nibbling at hay, food, wood etc. Even if you feed nuggets twice a day, she will need access to hay & forage 24 hours a day. Is she able to manage that? Or would you be able to feed her in between meals with some hay or forage?
It sounds like she may have neurological problems by the way you describe her walking, but with out scans it would be really hard to tell. If it was an ear infection, I would expect to see her litter mates with similar problems. If the cage was filthy it may be caused by a bacteria (as happens with rabbits) but she probably would have been very ill as well. It's more likely that she was made that way, maybe because her mum was super young or old, or because of inter family breeding. If her sibling died, it may be that her life also won't be too long, it's hard to say. The other degu that seem healthy might also have issues you've not seen yet if they're related to her. I suppose that any degu could have this kind of history & we may not know it, so I wouldn't worry too much about it, but just be aware.
I would first look into finding a specialist vet. Someone who is an exotics specialist who has a lot of degu experience. If you let us know where you live, we may be able to help find you one. I'd get some input to see what they think is the problem & what you can do to help her. They may suggest scans or xrays to see if they can locate the problem. Sounds to me like it'd be a case of managing her symptoms & making sure she's not in pain - If it's neurological then I doubt they could make her better. As long as she's able to eat & drink (with your help) & is not in pain & has some quality of life then it's all good. If she can live in a group & interact with her family & isn't getting bullied then she'll be ok I'm sure.
I haven't had special needs degus, but have had to care for special needs guinea pigs & rats, but that was after illness. It's pretty intensive, but worth it.
What kind of set up do you have? Might be worth making sure she can't fall off any ledges, ladders or toys. We can help with things like that if you want to post a picture of your cage. Does she manage a wheel or is she not that able?
We'd love to see some pics of your furry friends, feel free to post cute degu pics any time.
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 5, 2017 14:37:40 GMT
Very well answered, Randomname! Thank you so much!!
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Post by yasmin on Apr 6, 2017 0:36:56 GMT
Welcome to the forum daven311. I am especially impressed by your willingness to take on special needs degus.  As randomname above said, there are many causes for issues like these. Have you noticed any improvement with her mobility in the past months? Great that she eats normally. What is the problem re: drinking water? |
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 7, 2017 10:54:04 GMT
Welcome to the forum If it's a birth defect then the main issue is probably quality of life and thinking of things that you can do to make her life as normal as it can be. Perhaps you can experiment with different types of food fed in different ways, and different ways of supplying water if she is having a problem with water. Sometimes the height of the water bottle can make a big difference, or just putting some water in a little bowl could be an option. If she is suffereing from competition for food then separating her while she eats sounds like a reasonable solution, since the company of other degus will probably be very good for her at all other times as long as they don't pick on her. Are you feeding forage in a way that it is available all the time? I think this would be good for allowing your girl to graze whenever she wants. Also, as Random says, cage adaptions, large levels and shallow wide ramps for access would be good. |
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Post by daven311 on Apr 25, 2017 2:49:11 GMT
Thank you for the welcome and responses. I have definitely done everything possible to protect my Raul (she's a girl but I celebrate her heritage).She's gotten worse. She was close to death when I originally posted and I fought hard to bring her back to life. But there is no improvement in her mobility. I had hoped if she filled out more it would help but nope. She started getting bullied so I keep her separate and with me.
It's heartbreaking bc on one hand I don't want to give up on her and won't but I also worry I am prolonging her condition. But she looks into my eyes and I can see hown much she trusts me and she talks to me so I keep fighting. I feed her fresh veggies, hay, hold her so I know she gets water. I wrap her up and lay next to her and put her on a heating pad. She is still so spunky sometimes and it comforts me. I think her time is coming to an end soon. I didn't bother with a vet because in my heart I feel this is just the way she is. I didn't get to see the conditions she lived in and I honestly didn't ask if the lady was a breeder. I had a pet squirrel that passed and was grieving and found degus, researched them, and here I am. But I know she's had the best I can give since she's been here. Sometimes we just end up with one's that need love while they are here and we love them with all we have. I will try and figure out how to post pictures for you guys.
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Post by daven311 on Apr 25, 2017 2:55:01 GMT
Also, I have her in a cage with no ledges or heights. The others are in a different one. She can't do a wheel. She is funny though because she acts like a normal degus. She can't have a bowl for water because she falls in. She literally can't walk without falling over for more than a step. If she stands on her hind legs, she falls straight back flat on her back. It seems like she's having spasms now or seizures. I stayed up all night with her the other night and I think she had a seizure in my hands. It was scary.
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Post by yasmin on Apr 25, 2017 3:42:35 GMT
Reading about your relationship with her warms my heart. Sigh.
You are giving her the best life possible and your love – she is a very fortunate little girl.
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 25, 2017 10:25:48 GMT
I'm sorry you are in such a difficult position, I'm sure she knows how much you care for her.
I know it's hard to contemplate, but you mentioned it was on your mind, so I'll just say that it has given me comfort to have seriously ill degus put to sleep when the time is right to end their suffering (if you ask for gas sedation prior to the injection it is totally painless and peaceful).
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Post by deguconvert on Apr 25, 2017 16:11:56 GMT
What a bittersweet time for you. I am so sorry for her suffering and the pain it gives you both. I pray you will have wisdom in your care of her. I know she can feel your deep love for her!
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Post by daven311 on Apr 26, 2017 18:55:40 GMT
Thank you all very much!!! As long as she fights I will fight for her. I thinknow when she stops fighting I will have her put to sleep.
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Post by winic1 on Apr 26, 2017 19:43:13 GMT
We have had quite a few pets go to their natural death, and then made the choice for a few others, because clearly they were no longer able to enjoy more of their life than they were suffering through it.
You will know if it becomes time to help her let go.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2017 19:55:35 GMT
Well done for being so committed to her ❤
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Post by goolover on Apr 28, 2017 23:26:54 GMT
daven311 - She is so lucky to have you. I recently lost a goo and she was fighting for so long but eventually I had to put her to rest. If its any consolation to you, I took her up to the vets in a plastic carrier I use when I need to take them for checkups and the vet said that he wouldn't even touch her. He just put the gas sedation into the carrier and once she was passed out he injected her so she didn't have any stress from being handled. He showed me the drug that was going to be injected. I thought it was such a peaceful way for her to go. Once she was injected he brought her back through to me and my bf still in her carrier and she was so peaceful looking, like she was asleep. It really gave us peace, the last contact she had was being kissed and cuddled by us. I think you have given her so much love and help so far and you will know when the time is right x
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Post by daven311 on May 17, 2017 14:23:43 GMT
Hi everyone. I wanted to let you guys know Raul passed yesterday morning. She stopped standing completely so my daughter and I feed and watered her several times a day (I had surgery last Monday so was out for a week-long no worries, I had a complete hystertomy for endometriosis, IC, and ovarian cyst). She was still so feisty!!! Mother's Day she just suddenly went downhill. She passed peacefully in my hands Monday morning as we sat outside in the sunlight, I looked her in the eye and told her she was my best girl and how much I loved her. I rubbed her head and she curled her legs, peed, and I watched life leave her. I wouldn't have it any other way!! I couldn't dig her grave bc of my surgery so I put her in a little box in the freezer until my husband got home. When I went to get her out- I am not even joking- her eyes were closed and she had a SMILE her face that wasn't there before. Her mouth was open for awhile as I prepared her box so it's like she let me know she left happy. I couldn't ask for anything more ❤
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Post by daven311 on May 17, 2017 14:31:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2017 15:02:42 GMT
I'm so so so sorry for your loss.
It's lovely that she was smiling, it's definitely her way to let you know you were amazing caring for her, she loved you a great deal and she was very grateful for how super well you cared for her ❤
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Post by daven311 on May 17, 2017 15:47:06 GMT
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Post by deguconvert on May 17, 2017 15:48:51 GMT
I am so, so very sorry for your loss, Daven!! It sounds like you gave her the very best of send offs that could be given, and I am thankful for that, and I am sure she was too. Her parting smile is reassuring and sweet! RIP little Raul.
Do take care of yourself. I had both my ovaries removed almost two years ago because of massive cysts and my recovery was longer than they had expected. Be sure to get your rest.
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2017 17:31:17 GMT
Pichu, Mew and Rattata are beautiful What bedding is that? Looks interesting! I hope you recover swiftly and smoothly ❤ |
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