I think my degu is developing cataracts

[pappy1264]

I just noticed the other day one of my degus (Cheeky) is developing what I believe is cataracts. I notice the pupil is pale white. It is within the past couple of days. They don't get fruits (sugars), they eat alot of hay, marigold, healthy flowers, etc, along with degu pellets. One thing they really love is almonds, and I have to admit, I have been a little too giving with them. Could almonds cause this? I will try to get a pic. She doesn't seem to be having any difficulty seeing. I know in sugar gliders, they can develop cataracts from too much fat in the diet. Does that happen in degus, too? Can I do anything?

[pappy1264]

Btw, Cheeky is around 3-4 yo female.

[luna1]

Has she seen a Vet? A Diabetes test would be my first thought either through urine or blood testing. If that is ruled out then it is a process of elimination.

I think that it depends on what has caused the cataracts as to what you can do about it. I am sorry that I can't be anymore help for you! I really hope that Cheeky doesn't have Diabetes

[Ady]

Hi pappy,
sorry to hear that. I would too check her urine for sugars. You can buy testing strips in drugstore. Although blood test is much more accurate.

Here is thread about cataracts deguworld.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=health&action=display&thread=9481 hope it helps a bit

[deguconvert]

Don't go into a full on panic though . . . cataracts are caused by many more issues than just diabetes. It won't hurt to know if diabetes is present, but the fact that she is growing cataracts does not mean she absolutely has it.