Degu hurt (broke?) Front paw.

[degumomma]

So hello guys, I have a little baby Cezsa, that is currently 6 weeks old, she is living with her mom Elle in a same cage. One morning I went to say hi to them and Cezsa was not stepping on her front paw, I became worried bc I have not seen her getting hurt (probs happened when I was asleep). Im giving her some analgetics, that vet prescribed. In my city or country in general not a lot is known about degus. Its been 3 days, she still won't step on it, but I can see little movements when she eats. She seems happy and not in pain, eats normally and drinks water. I give her medicine every day. But since none of my degus had this issue, I wonder how lng doe it take to heal? Her circulation seems normal, both paws are warm and look okay.

[savvy]

Welcome to the forum.

It can take time depending on the injury, 3 days is not long for a break to heal. As long as she is not in any pain, the foot looks normal and is not hot to the touch, there is little else to do apart from give it time to heal.

She will gradually start to use it more as it begins to feel better and you should see small improvements each day.

[ntg]

Hi, it could be possible that she just sprained her leg (and it happens quite commonly). If you take the wheel out and just give her a few days of rest then she should start to use it a bit more.

[degumomma]

She is holding it close to herself, like she is scared of hurting it anymore. When I touch it she doesn't look uncomfortable. I thought she lost feeling in it, but I think I saw her move it a bit. Really worried haven't seen anything like this on my degus before. They never hurt their joints. She doesn't seem in pain, is playful, jumps around, and acts as usual. But she is keeping it close to her and avoiding any action with it.

[winic1]

could it be sore up at her elbow or shoulder, maybe? and holding it close keeps the other joints from moving so that they don't hurt?

But as long as it looks healthy--warm and normal colored, not cold, dead, or hot and red--and she's acting normal, I would think she will just need time to heal. Poor little Cesza.

[moletteuk]

Sometimes you will see good improvement on a leg strain within 3 or 4 days, more likely is 2 weeks, and sometimes they can take 3 or 4 months to fully heal. Just make sure she is eating OK, they rely on using both hands to eat usually, it's probably worth monitoring her weight with kitchen scales to check she doesn't lose weight.

[degumomma]

Thank you everyone! Will keep her monitored and keep you updated for news.

[Bexi87]

Have you got a heat pad to try and encourage her to rest it too?

[bouncy]

One of mine insists on jumping to see his nemesis. When he's not quite quick enough, he gives a loud squeak and spends most of the night running on three paws. They can cope very well on three, and she'll use it when she's ready. How is she doing now?

[degumomma]

Hey everyone thanks for wondering about Cezsa. She is almost fully recovered so far, ive isolated her and put her to strict rest under medication. She is all dine now, back to playing! So happy!

[moletteuk]

Good news, thanks for letting us know