M&P
Foraging Degu
Posts: 93 
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Post by M&P on May 15, 2023 9:08:27 GMT
So I posted in the introductions thread that Pippin has been off colour recently. He’s an old boy now (8 years old) and he’s been losing weight. We’ve nursed him back to eating but he’s still not gaining weight, just maintaining at around 185g. I tried to get a good look in his mouth, which looks fine to me, but I’ve no idea what I’m looking for. Here’s the best image I could get. Anyone see anything out of the ordinary here? I wasn’t sure about the molar at the back- is it too large? photos.app.goo.gl/x1pGUjg67rfLksbA6Thanks for your help  |
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Post by teemu on May 15, 2023 15:08:33 GMT
There could certainly be issues with his teeth, but unfortunately it's basically not possible to check for this with just a by-hand inspection (As you have just observed). The teeth that cause issues are very small and in the cheek, where it's not possible to check without basically opening their jaws to the absolute maximum point and pulling back the edges of the mouth. I think the "molar" you mention there is a flap of tissue in his mouth (which is normal).
A vet would need to do it by sedating him and then doing a thorough check. There are always risks with this, unfortunately, especially since he has been poorly lately.
Usual signs of teeth being an issue are things like him pawing at his mouth, doing weird mouth movements while eating (like something is clearly bothering him), drooling etc.
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Post by moletteuk on May 15, 2023 19:09:48 GMT
They use a magnifier with a torch called an otoscope (or abbrevieated to 'scope) to look further back in the mouth. Depending on temperament of degu and vet, the vet may be able to get a partial look without sedation. I think in the circumstances it's worth getting his teeth properly checked.
If they did happen to sedate to do a full check and didn't find a problem, then I would suggest getting the vet to do a body xray while he is sedated to see if that picks anything up.
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M&P
Foraging Degu
Posts: 93
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Post by M&P on May 15, 2023 19:30:39 GMT
He wouldn’t let the vet look into his mouth on previous visits and he’s too old for sedation sadly. They said it’s just too risky for a degu of his age.
Honestly the vets around me haven’t been all that good in the past either. I’ve been told to put down my degus that are perfectly healthy before and just had small issues. Really wish I’d done my vet research prior to getting them!
I’ve been hand feeding him and he does take smaller chunks but he definitely doesn’t have the same appetite he used to.
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