|
|
Post by billyalex on Mar 14, 2012 17:09:34 GMT
Hi Everyone, I have a question to ask... One of my degu's has what looks like a parting appearing on her back. She has a tiny scab there but there apprears to be more hair missing than there was before. I wasnt worried to start with as her fur looks in general good condition (except for the obvious!) and her skin looks good (appart from the little scab.) She isnt flacking or sratching and she isnt pulling at it as far as I can see. Any ideas as to what it may be? Thanks  |
|
19Uhr30
Warbling Degu
Keep calm and DFTBA
Posts: 40
|
Post by 19Uhr30 on Mar 14, 2012 18:46:49 GMT
It could be that the other degus overgroom her.
But it could also be a parasite of some kind.
|
|
|
|
Post by billyalex on Mar 14, 2012 19:05:27 GMT
None of the others are showing symptoms if that helps
|
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Mar 14, 2012 19:25:07 GMT
My degus occasionally look like they have a parting in their fur at the top of the back from grooming the hair each way, it's just from vigorous grooming. I've just noticed my goos seem to be starting to moult (I'm covered in degu hair), so they could be grooming more than usual.
If there seems to be hairloss and a scab then it could be more serious so I'd say keep a close eye and consider a vet visit.
|
|
|
|
Post by billyalex on Mar 14, 2012 19:54:16 GMT
Ok Thanks Moletteuk. It doesnt seem to have changed the last few days/week so I will keep a close eye and make sure it doesnt get any worse. Thanks for your advise xxx
|
|
|
|
Post by yasmin on Mar 14, 2012 19:55:42 GMT
My degu Lilac suffered from loss of fur after she gave birth. I have read that degus can suffer from alopecia just like humans. This loss of patches of hair can be caused by stress and hormonal changes; however, the fur does grow back. Lilac's bald spot on her back disappeared within a week or two.
|
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Mar 14, 2012 21:02:28 GMT
Degus are also known to experience spontaneous alopecia on occasion, which will normally correct itself after a brief span of time. Just keep an eye on it, and be looking for flakey skin, pink/redness in the skin, other patches beginning to show. If you are seeing any of these symptoms, it wouldn't hurt to have her checked out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Karma on Mar 15, 2012 0:55:07 GMT
If the area is pink/flaky and gets bigger - possibility is ringworm (fungal infection). It is contagious to humans and other mammals but would have had transferred from someone else. Normally starts with a bald flaky patch that increases in size and becomes pink and sometimes raised. This is probably the least likely reason when compared to the other reasons so don't worry too much just keep an eye on it. |
|
|
|
Post by billyalex on Mar 15, 2012 7:30:03 GMT
no flaking thats why Im so confused. It isnt painfull as she will happily let me have a good look. I am keeping my eye on here xxxx Thanks for the help xxxx
|
|
|
|
Post by aya0aya on Apr 8, 2012 10:05:50 GMT
That happened to one of my degus. I panicked and took her to the vet. He took a bit of hair and skin and did researches if anything is wrong. Well, he found out that Bambi is completely fine, and I shouldn't worry about the bald spot. There are only two options. Her cagemate did her a nice haircut or she have harmless alopecia areata. Just in case he gave me "kuterid genta" creme. But I don't use it much since I'm worried that her cage mate would lick it off her. I rather bought them algae food that suppose to help fur growth. Surprise, surprise. Bambi doesnt lie it, while Sefi, the hairdresser, goes crazy about it As time goes by I saw another haircut on Bambi's head. I tried to put even more toys in the cage and trying to play with them as much as I can since she may doing it from boredom. |
|
