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Post by vicky12 on Feb 17, 2012 21:00:21 GMT
Well I finally had enough, when I last posted the Nurse said I'd receive a call within 20mins. At 6.55pm (they close at 7pm) I called and received another apology. The vet came on the phone and said that she had gassed him down to check teeth and felt his stomach but nothing was out of the ordinary. There was no mention of checking Diegos teeth so I asked why they had charged me £50.00 when his teeth were checked 3 weeks ago. They lifted the £50 charge.
Then I was told that Sid was still not looking good and that they can keep them both for another couple of days but if he doesn't get brighter and I quote "we'll have to call it a day with one of them". The vet went on to say that she had run out of ideas. Going by advice in this thread I asked if they had, had a blood test to which I was told that they don't carry out blood tests on degus. I've had enough and told her I've spoken to a specialist.
Luckily I've got an appt with them tomorrow at 3 so I'm going to collect the pair of them and take them straight to the appt. Fingers crossed they make the journey.
So far the costing has been a hit with Sids first treatments (undiagnosed) costing £230 and the latest undiagnosed treament costing £150. The new exotic vet tomorrow wants £68 to see them and £250 deposit if they are kept in which is then 'taken off' the final bill after treatment so goodness knows what that will cost.
Hopefully I'll have better luck tomorrow!
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luna1
Burrowing Degu
Nozzle, my miracle!
Posts: 143
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Post by luna1 on Feb 17, 2012 21:14:39 GMT
I am so sorry for you and your little men. I know exactly what you are going through as when I first owned Degus, several yrs ago, I went through something of a baptism of fire!
More importantly, get them out of the PAH vets, as every one else has said, ASAP and into the exotics Vet that you have found. Regarding bloating, get them checked for Giardia, which is a stomach parasite/ ailment and does cause chronic bloating, lack of appetite and naturally, weakening of the immune system. It is also infectious and more common when they haven't had the best start in life, IE, come from pet shops. I am not saying this is the problem but it needs to be ruled out.The eye infections may or may not be related to the bad health and they unfortunately can have molar problems at this age, I rescued a Degu at approx 4/5 months of age and he had his first molar rasping as my very experienced Vet found the problem when I took him straight there from the rescue centre as I didn't like the way he was drooling. but the cause needs to be found. As you know, they go down hill so very quickly and need the right experienced treatment to recover.
I really hope that you can get to the bottom of their problems immediately and I will be thinking of them and you. Please keep us updated,
All the best,
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 18, 2012 6:51:28 GMT
I hope the best for your boys as well! Please let us know how they are. My thoughts will be with you!
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Post by Ady on Feb 18, 2012 9:46:19 GMT
Wishing lots of luck to your little guy! x
So angry with P@H, they should have sent you to specialist long time ago.
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 18, 2012 18:49:50 GMT
Any news on the boys? I'm anxious to know how you all are doing.
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luna1
Burrowing Degu
Nozzle, my miracle!
Posts: 143
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Post by luna1 on Feb 18, 2012 19:14:35 GMT
Yes so am I, how did the appointment go today?
All the best, hope things have improved!
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Post by vicky12 on Feb 19, 2012 20:01:18 GMT
Hey guys! Thanks for all your help, I appreciate it very much! I went to P@H and after a 25min wait and them trying to charge me £50.00 more I got my boys back. Here's the shocker - The very sick Degu wasn't Sid! They had been telling me the wrong degu the whole time. The degu who wasn't doing so well was in fact Diego who has been completely healthy all along. Couldn't believe it! Anyway, they didn't look well on the journey to the new vet and Diego didn't move. The new vet said that unfortunately it looked like a viral infection with secondary infections on top. She explained that they would always be a pair that need a little extra TLC and that they're more likely to contract infections as it appears this was something that was laying dormant at P@H. I got to take them home and they're now on eyedrops, critical care and baytril. Diego does look a bit chirpier today but his future is still unknown. Here's my poorly little Diego, he looks completely different and sadly is dangerously thin but happy to munch lots of food so hopefully will bulk up again. Very delicate at the moment though. The only new problem is I fear Sid may have contracted bumblefoot or something similar whilst at P@H any ideas going on this pic? Don't know whether it's bumblefoot or he's chewed at them (sorry iPhone pic). I'm so pleased to have them back in my care. They're currently fast asleep on a heatpad. Thanks again! Vicky.
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luna1
Burrowing Degu
Nozzle, my miracle!
Posts: 143
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Post by luna1 on Feb 19, 2012 20:33:55 GMT
I am so very pleased for you, and relieved!! Poor Sid. Are his feet cracked and open or just swollen and red looking? I had 2 rescues last yr that came to me with bumble foot and I treated with E45 cream. It is not harmful to Degus, needs to be applied 2/3 times a day and they tend to keep away from it as they don't like the taste I would also recommend that you make up a bumble pad in all areas of the cage, surfaces that they walk on. Use thick towels or any material that you have that is soft/padded or quilted like an old dressing gown ripped into pieces. You can buy bumble pads, mainly for Chins but it is cheaper and quicker if you use the above. When have you got to go back to the Vet for check ups? It is good that you have already seen an improvement though! You need to now work on giving them as much good food and stuff that is good for the immune system, marigold flowers boost immunity and take down swelling or chamomile. I have lots of experience with Baytril and it is a broad spectrum infection A/Biotic that can be very effective. If the improvement slows, then please get them fecal tested for Giardia as Baytril alone does not clear this. Did you happen to catch the name of the viral infection? I had a similar problem with P@H several yrs ago and would be happy to help and advise you off line if you are interested? It may help others going through the same thing, you and I clearly suffered it would be great if we could help educate P@H and stop it. I have already been in contact with their head office over this and other matters. Once again, I am so pleased for you and them. It will be a long road to full recovery, but SO worth it. I am currently going through a different problem with one of mine but I know how pleasing it is to see little improvements each day. All the best, Joanne
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 20, 2012 5:06:31 GMT
Oh, your poor boys!! Diego looks so thin and ragged, and Sid's feet just make me cringe. What a disaster from the veterinary care at P@H!!! I'm so glad you got them back and then got them over to the new Vet in time. What a blessing to have them to go to! I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts, and I hope that your boys show a spectacular recovery before long.
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 20, 2012 18:05:21 GMT
Oh, poor little fellas! But, it's fabulous news that they are eating well and are now getting the best care at home. I don't know much about bumblefoot, but I think it takes longer to come on, so perhaps they are injuries to Sid's feet. Sending all best wishes for a speedy recovery.
(When Sid & Diego are doing better, I think you should seriously consider making a MASSIVE complaint to PAH. I think they have been negligent.)
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Post by butters on Feb 20, 2012 22:05:59 GMT
What a horrible story I'm glad Sid and Diego are home now and i hope Diego is getting better soon.
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Post by vicky12 on Feb 25, 2012 12:14:01 GMT
Hi everyone,
Just thought seeing as you've followed my story that I'd give you an update.
Sids feet seem to be on the mend and he's already back to his usual self (still sneezing and has the eye infection but bounding around as usual and eating like a horse).
Diego's spirits seemed to lift a day or two after getting him home and he was eating nuggets and hay, it was taking him a very long time (around 15-20mins) just to eat 1 nugget and his energy was very low.
2 days ago he stopped eating and would nibble a few bits off of a nugget and then just drop it. I've been giving him the advised dose of Oxbow along with the antibiotics but he just seemed to be getting worse. The vet couldn't see me until Monday so I've been doing my best to keep him comfortable and encourage him to eat. He's so thin that he's been having trouble holding himself up and kept falling on his side (I put this down to lack of energy and weight).
This morning I saw him out of the nest box for a few minutes with Sid but he wouldn't eat anything. I've come to work and just had a call from the OH's dad to say he's checked on him and unfortunately he has passed away.
It's very sad and I'm definitely going to miss him. I can only take comfort in the fact that I did my best to keep him comfortable.
I've just had a text from my partner which says 'At least if he was in pain, it's over now and you did your best. Won't forget that little fluff ball'.
The only dilemma I have now is how to keep Sid company, the vet mentioned the virus and how they'd need TLC so if I got others then surely they'd contract the same infection?
Any advice on this?
Thanks to you all again.
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Post by moletteuk on Feb 25, 2012 20:47:08 GMT
I'm so, so, so sorry, my heart aches for you x Your partner is right, he's free from any pain now, and I'm sure he appreciated his last few days at home, knowing you loved him.
Regarding Sid, I'd see how he gets on for a while. Hopefully he will make a full recovery and a deep clean of the cage will see off any infection risk. Perhaps if you still have concerns about Sid's health longer term, you could consider introducing adults to him, who should be strong enough to cope with the slight chance of infection exposure.
Do let us know how you and Sid get on x
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 25, 2012 23:48:48 GMT
I heartily second Moletteuk's advice to you. I think it is excellent . . . and when you are ready to do so, I hope you are well able to find some adults you can introduce. Until then, let Sid have time to grieve and to continue improving in health, and hopefully completely defeating whatever this virus is.
I am so sorry for your loss of Diego!! I am so completely shocked that he has passed . . . I really didn't expect this outcome. I am very, very sorry! My thoughts are with you!
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Post by blossombrooks on Feb 26, 2012 9:31:04 GMT
So sorry to hear this, poor little guy. Rip Diego :-(
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Post by Ady on Feb 26, 2012 10:00:48 GMT
So sorry Vicky. He was lucky goo to have you!
I would too give some time to Sid to grieve and get stronger before bringing in new guy. Maybe you could ask your vet how high is the risk of the viral infection he's having for newcomer or if there is any period of time you should wait before exposing new goo to Sid, regarding Sid's health. Hope his sneezing got better soon.
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Post by vicky12 on Feb 26, 2012 14:44:13 GMT
Thanks everyone.
It was sad to get home and not see him wrapped up in the nest box but these things happen unfortunately.
Sid was up in his hammock when I arrived home and stayed there for most of the day however today seems much more his usual self. I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow evening, just to check Sid over and see how he's doing.
I'm going to ask then whether or not I can introduce a new cagemate to him. I had a quick look online this morning and spoke to a local rescue home who have two 1.5 year old brothers that were abandoned and if the vet says it's okay then I'd love to give them a home with Sid.
Will definitely keep the thread updated with how things go!
Vicky.
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 26, 2012 21:49:02 GMT
Thank you so much, Vicky!! I will be following to see how Sid is and what the vet says, and WHAT GREAT NEWS that there are two adults you could bring home anytime once you have the OK from the Vet. I'm very glad that Sid is showing improvement today and being more like his usual self. Give him some love for me?
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Post by Kins on Feb 27, 2012 9:34:38 GMT
Aww, RIP sweet Diego. You did your very best for him and he was well loved!
Fingers crossed Sid recovers completely and settles with some new friends in the not too distant future.
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Post by vicky12 on Feb 27, 2012 19:49:52 GMT
Just a quick update - I feel this thread will be of some use to anyone who sees the same symptoms in their Degus, hopefully then once a vet is told they can receive treatment quicker than my two did. I have just returned from the vet with Sid, he's doing much better and has put on 20g since last week getting him up to a much healthier 190g. His feet are still a bit sore and he squeaked a little on examination so will need to continue with some pain meds the vet prescribed. I've also got to keep him on the Baytril for at least another 2 weeks. This visit the vet explained that my boys were suffering from a viral infection of the lungs. Unfortunately she said this is likely to have been something that they had in them when I purchased them (which explains their brother being taken off due to an eye infection when I bought my two). This is usually fatal however whilst sadly Diego passed away Sids health is improving vastly so he's a lucky and strong boy! The sad part of the visit was that the vet told me that this is something rather like the coldsore virus which may reoccur (I really hope not!) Due to this I've been told that it is contagious so I will be unable to risk getting Sid a cagemate/s as there is a chance they could contract the virus and go through the same ordeal. I feel so sad that poor little Sid is going to have a lonely life, just feel miserable that he'll never have another degu to snuggle up in his hammock with. Now it's time to keep his little spirits up and give him plenty to play with and lots of human social interaction. His life may not be as fulfilling as it would if he were to have a buddy but I certainly hope that I can stop him from getting lonely by giving him lots of attention. Thanks to everyone who contributed to my thread, I honestly think I would have gone mad without speaking to people who understand why I care so much for these little animals.
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