Constant Sneezing - maybe something in nose

[conpatshe]

Hi - recently my degu has been sneezing however I came home tonight to find her constantly sneezing and pawing at her nose. It seems like theres something in there like dust or something similar.

Obviously, I'm going to change the bedding and any other things that could have affected her respiratory system however what I can't understand is that shes had this same type of bedding for as long as I can remember - why would it start affecting her now?

Is this a problem I need to take further? The closest vet(s) towards me didn't even know what a Degu was!

[deguconvert]

She may have a sinus infection, the roots of her teeth may be growing up into her sinus cavity, her molars may be over grown in other ways, she may have a cold . . . to name a few possibilites. Really you need to take her to your vet to have her looked at. All of these would need vet intervention to some degree to be treated, whether it be the application of antibiotics by you at home on a daily basis, or the burring down of teeth . . . she needs help that is beyond the basic ability of most owners. Unless you have the blessing of being a vet? In which case . . . do I know so people that would like to meet you!! Any of these can be treated by your vet, even though he doesn't know what a degu is, as these problems will be very similar to those experienced by other rodents. They aren't degu specific ailments. Baytril is a common antibiotic used with degus, and metacam is a pain reliever also often used to relieve degus in discomfort.

[luna1]

Hi there,

I wholeheartedly agree with DC. Unfortunately I have had experience of this and in every case the symtoms were related to either sinus issues or teeth. Normally an allergy to anything in the cage shows itself within a short period of time. I live in dread of seeing my Degus sneezing, wheezing or pawing at the nose.

A Vet will be the only person who can help, most Vets are willing to research conditions by consulting other species experienced Vets, especially if you point them in the right direction