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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 11:37:10 GMT
So this Is a bit complicate because I'm not an owner, I'm here at this house working --- I take care of this family's son (who has a spinal injury) during the day, as well as their pets.
Long story short, the wife is a teacher and "inherited" a classroom when another teacher suddenly quit. This classroom included two degus "Molly" and "Polly". A few months later the school decided there could no longer be in class pets, so she took them home this past week.
They are just in like an aquatic tank, but the husband has been building a larger enclosure for them, but it's not finished yet.
Anyway, I came to work today and everything was normal. I got the son up, showered, dressed, breakfast, etc. we went in the living room and I saw blood in the degu cage. Upon closer inspection I realized that Molly has four little babies. "Polly" who I imagine is actually more of a Paul is still in be cage.
At first Molly seemed to reject one of the babies as it was left off to the side of her and wasn't moving. At this point I started panicking because I don't want the pup to die. Eventually it started moving and whining and she rolled it back towards the other babies and is now sitting on all four (I think).
The male, Paul is on the far side of the tank and isn't bothering her or the babies. Every so often he tries to walk across the tank, Molly lashes out a bit and he retreats.
One of the babies doesn't look right; the top of his head is a bright red, but he seems to be moving and squeaking and nursing like the rest of the babies. Molly seems to be cleaning them (licking or biting?) frequently. Is this normal?
Is there anything I need to do? I know nothing about degus, I only refill their water if it runs out while I'm here. I tried finding an online guide but they all seemed way over my head.
Molly just move and I think there may actually be five babies now. I'm not sure.
I can't contact the owners because the wife is teaching --- I sent her a text message but she won't be able to respond till lunch time, and the husband is out of state at a business conference. Honestly I don't know if they'd be much help anyway. They are learning about degus as they go.
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Post by Kins on Apr 4, 2014 11:45:19 GMT
One thing that is quite important is that females are very fertile just after they have given birth. If you can remove 'Paul' that would be great as he may impregnate Polly again instantly and your 'employer' could be over run with degus very easily/quickly.
Other than that Polly should do what needs to be done. As long as she is eating and drinking fine I wouldn't worry about her too much. She may appreciate some extra food as she will be nursing and might need the extra calories.
I'm sure some other more experienced (with baby degus) people will give some more advice, but wanted to reply to you as quickly as possible.
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 12:13:01 GMT
I got a hold of the husband and he said they have a small cage that they used to take their rabbit (from their sons 4-H days) to the vet. I'm going to try and find it, clean it quickly and put Pau in it.
I've never handled a degu before, but I imagine it can't be that difficult if I use two hands? I'm just going to try and transfer him quickly and gently. The husband said. They are usually friendly and don't mind being handled.
Everything seems to be going okay, it's definitely quieted down some, and I don't think she's had any more. All the babies are moving --- sometimes I see a tail or foot seal out from under Molly.
I double checked and there is food and water available for her. I'm going to try and find the rabbit cage now.
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 12:13:35 GMT
I'm sorry I'm on my phone and autocorrect likes to take liberties with what I type.
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Post by Kins on Apr 4, 2014 12:24:17 GMT
Polly's 'super fertile-ness' will last for about 4 days, so ideally Paul needs to be out for the next few days at a minimum.
Also make sure that the rabbit cage bar spacing is small enough to keep a degu in, they are really quite good at squeezing through small gaps.
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 12:52:37 GMT
I didn't find the rabbit cage but I found an old fish tank, maybe a 5gal? It's smaller than what Paul is used to, but it's only temporary. I washed it pretty quickly but I made sure it was completely dry before putting in whatever bedding they have. I added their back up water bottle to his along with a little bit of food because he seems really stressed, making lots of noise. It's got a mesh lid that snaps in place and he can't reach it so I imagine it will hold him. Molly still has the babies covered. She's moved a few times, so I got a terrible photo of the one I'm worried about. imgur.com/zefMuwbThis is the one she originally abandoned, but took back. You can see he has a spot on his head; he isn't ever usually out long enough for me to get a good look. Whenever I do get a glimpse he seems to be behaving like all the other babies so maybe I'm worried about nothing. |
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 13:03:05 GMT
Here's a better picture of Molly and one of the babies. imgur.com/mG8Sy1WI took these through the glass so hopefully I didn't disturb them too much. |
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 13:16:24 GMT
Molly went to get a drink and I got a better look imgur.com/HZ6w4RZUnfortunately I think the one is missing a part of his skull or a flap of skin. He is smaller than the other four. He is nursing though and she's still taking care of him and cleaning him in turn. I really don't want him to die on me :/ |
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Post by yasmin on Apr 4, 2014 15:04:16 GMT
I have never heard/seen a case like this before.  Looks like his skull didn't close around his brain. Poor little guy. I doubt much can be done for him – guess nature will take its course. Perhaps nursing brings him at least that pleasure and hopefully he is not suffering any pain. I am very impressed with how you are doing all you can to help these degus. Kudos to you.  |
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 15:29:16 GMT
I have never heard/seen a case like this before. Looks like his skull didn't close around his brain. Poor little guy. I doubt much can be done for him – guess nature will take its course. Perhaps nursing brings him at least that pleasure and hopefully he is not suffering any pain. I am very impressed with how you are doing all you can to help these degus. Kudos to you. Thank you! I do love animals, I just don't have much experience with small ones. He is still kicking and climbing around with his littermates. It almost looks like it's scabbing over, so I'm hoping that maybe he somehow was just injured at birth and got scalped. I talked to the wife briefly and if the little one is still alive when they get home he's going to the vet to be humanely euthanized if neccessary. She gave the vet a call after we talked and sent me a text back. Paul seems to have calmed down a bit more. He's eaten a little and isn't making as much noise, although the babies certainly are quite vocal now! I just want them to be okay. This was not the morning I thought it would be when I got out of bed. |
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Post by yasmin on Apr 4, 2014 15:40:04 GMT
There is never a dull day in degu-land.... Glad that the owners are taking the little one to the vet. Would be interested in hearing about what happens to him. (Wouldn't it be great if it is just an injury and he's brought back home and recovers?) |
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Post by moletteuk on Apr 4, 2014 15:48:37 GMT
Gosh what drama for a working day! Well done getting Paul separated, just do what you can to keep him settled, some kitchen paper or plain cardboard might distract him for a little while. It's normal for him to be distressed on separation from his mate and pups, and he won't be terribly happy in a 5gal tank but needs must and it's not for long, the important thing is to prevent any more babies. I've never come across a birth defect like this, if the baby survives beyond a couple of days, I think it's best to go with whatever the vet advises. It does look like a complete split in the skin to me, no idea if the skull is in tact. Molly might appreciate some oil seeds and maybe the odd nut to give her a bit of a boost while she is nursing, and they make good treat foods anyway. Maybe there are some hazlenuts and sesame seeds in the house already? Safe foods are in these charts deguworld.proboards.com/thread/15602/vegetable-seed-nut-nutrition-charts |
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Post by saddlers on Apr 4, 2014 16:24:52 GMT
Firstly....well done you for noticing and then looking up what to do. A big pat on the back.
Please keep us informed on how they are all getting on...and I thought I had been on the receiving end of a hectic Friday!!!
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 16:32:23 GMT
The boy I'm carring for suggested a branch since his rabbit liked them; so we went outside in the rain with a handsaw and I got a small section of an apple wood branch, which Paul seems to be really enjoying playing with it and nibbling. I put his tank close to the other one and since he can see Molly again he's really calmed down. The husband called again to see how it was going. As soon as he gets back from his trip he'll finish the cage he's building. Looks like they will need to make it a bit bigger anyway.
I did find some unseasoned pumpkin seeds the family had toasted for the degus... Made a big batch in the fall and froze them to keep I guess. I put a few in there. She's venturing away from the babies for longer periods of time, like to get a drink or eat. They are amazingly mobile for newborns! This has become our entertainment for the day.
The little one is still going strong, and is right in with his brothers and sisters crawling and rolling about.
I will keep you updated as to what happens with the little guy. I won't be working this weekend, but will be anck where in the next week.
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 18:08:49 GMT
I'm sad to update the little guy expired. The boy alerted me Molly was kicking up bedding ferociously before returning to the nest. About ten minutes prior all the pups were nursing.
I checked and my fears were confirmed. He had passed away. I triple checked, and held him in a warmed towel and rubbed him a bit. No signs of life, unfortunately.
I do think his brain was pretty much exposed except for a thin membrane. I did take a closer picture, I can post if there is interest, as morbid as it is.
I know they were going to ask the vet about it regardless because he was interested. I saved the body in a small bag and wrapped it up. I don't want to bury before the family has a chance to see, I suppose. I hope I didn't cross a line by removing the body. I didn't want to see it trampled.
On a happier note the rest of the babies are fat and have very shiny fur. They are happily squeaking and rolling about.
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Post by anita on Apr 4, 2014 18:19:39 GMT
the owners are lucky to have had someone as caring you on hand you have been a real star.
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Post by Kins on Apr 4, 2014 18:19:58 GMT
Unfortunately I thought that might happen with the little guy. Sleep sweet baby goo, at least you knew love and comfort if only for a short time :-(
You did the right thing taking the body out and keeping it for the family.
Sounds like Mum is doing a grand job and Dad is more settled next door.
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Post by yasmin on Apr 4, 2014 19:47:54 GMT
Sleep sweet baby goo, at least you knew love and comfort if only for a short time :-( RIP little one.  |
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Post by ilikedegus on Apr 4, 2014 21:20:46 GMT
Great choice of apple branch - I'd say it's the best wood for them, nearly every degu loves the bark and it's the sort of thing they eat in the wild.
Well done for being such a great degu-sitter.
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Post by degubabysitter on Apr 4, 2014 23:08:49 GMT
I just got a phone call from the wife who was returning from the vet. She said the vet had suspicions he knew what it was but wanted to see to confirm.
The degu had an abnormality called anencephaly. He was born without a skull cap, and likely an underdeveloped brain. He would also be blind and deaf, but thankfully unable to feel pain. The vet said he probably would have been very happy, warm, with a full tummy when he passed, and probably didn't know any difference.
It can be caused by many different factors, such as not having enough folic acid while Molly was pregnant, tainted food, being exposed to chemicals, it can even be genetic etc. the vet said considering this was the only one born this way to was most likely just a mutation that happened, especially since he considered this a very minor form. Usually the eyes and ears are inflamed or mutated, but this little guy --- Rainy --- had just underdeveloped eyes. The vet didn't have small enough tools to look in the ears but said more than likely they were under developed as well.
It's a rare mutation that can occur in any species, but is far more common in humans apparently. I do not suggest googling this unless you have a strong stomach.
The vet said based off the pictures and reports the rest were very healthy. The wife said even Mr. Paul is back to chirping and meeping (her words not mine). As a side note, she did thank me for removing it and bagging it for her to take the vet. She really appreciated it.
Thank you all for the help and reassurance today. I was pretty lost but I made it through.
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Looks like his skull didn't close around his brain. Poor little guy. I doubt much can be done for him – guess nature will take its course. Perhaps nursing brings him at least that pleasure and hopefully he is not suffering any pain. 
