cat
Newborn Degu
Posts: 9
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Post by cat on Jun 1, 2005 1:54:19 GMT
I have two three year old male degus. I was away for a couple of days (Someone else came in to feed and water them) and when I returned I saw that one of them is down to skin and bones. He is not eating anything (including his favorite treats). The only other physical sign I can see is that his teeth seem to be shorter, but they are still orange. I have a lot of experience with degus but I am stumped. If you have an idea please let me know.
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Heddy
Foraging Degu
Posts: 63
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Post by Heddy on Jun 1, 2005 7:40:56 GMT
Hello Cat,
get him to the vet and let his teeth get checked. It is quite difficult to check the molars, but a little sharp corner on them can be torture for the degu. For a vet it is not a problem to cut these corners of.
When you can see that it lost weight, it usually has been not eating well for a while, so rather see the vet sooner than later.
Until you get to the vet, soften up some degu pellets in water, or if you don't have any, mashed carrots, and try to feed him that. If he does not accept that mash out of a tray, put it in a syringe and offer it to him this way.
Whatever the reason might be, please let a vet have a look on the degu soon. They do not stop eating for no reason and they do not have much fat reserves to "eat" from.
I will keep my fingers crossed!
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northernstar40
Foraging Degu
May you always have an angel by your side
Posts: 102
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Post by northernstar40 on Jun 1, 2005 11:29:15 GMT
Cat I totaly agree with Heddy take to the vet! ASAP. It could be something a simple as a tooth or something even worse. It take a while for degu's to loose weight. I know Frat has been on a diet forever and is still very fat. Good Luck and let us know how it is going!
Peg
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cat
Newborn Degu
Posts: 9
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Post by cat on Jun 1, 2005 19:19:31 GMT
Thanks for the advice. We took him to the vet and she found a back tooth that was just sitting in the socket so she pulled it and gave us antibiotics and a syringe to fed him crushed up pellets and water. He has taken a bit of that and in the morning they will put him under to look at the rest of his teeth and to remove the root of the rotted tooth.
He is still pretty sick but the adbvice helped. Thanks.
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Post by Sunshinemeg on Jun 7, 2005 14:44:54 GMT
This is another example where I cannot stress enough to EVERYONE on the forum: IF IN DOUBT, VISIT A VET ASAP!That wasnt a dig at you personally Cat, I just worry about everyones degu! but on a lighter note, Im glad your degu is on the mend! SUNSHINEMEG  |
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Post by Aimeelou on Jun 7, 2005 15:30:06 GMT
Hi cat
glad to hear it wasnt serious,but like meg says, speak to a vet as soon as, you never know till they can give them a thorough examination.
it might take quite a while for him to build his strength up, but dont give him too much to soon. They do have delicate stomaches, so little and offen sounds better.
Aimee
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Heddy
Foraging Degu
Posts: 63
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Post by Heddy on Jun 9, 2005 15:34:16 GMT
Hello Cat,
I am happy to hear, that the vet could help him. Best wishes for the further treatment and his recovery.
Please keep us posted about what treatment is done and mainly, how the little fellow is.
I think this is a not to common case and a lot of us can learn from your information about the treatment.
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