Fractured Tooth

[goofan]

Well, it just wouldn't be normal if I didn't have something tragic to report every month.

I let Flora and Fauna go home with a family over the Thanksgiving holiday. The family reported no problems or incidents, but when I got them back yesterday, I noticed that there was some loose stool. They both seemed to be acting normally.

Today, I noticed Fauna was lethargic, looked greasy, and was creeping around the cage. She also looks like she's lost weight. I'm assuming that she is the one with the loose stool. So, I pulled her out of the cage and examined her (of course this has to happen during the school day while I have students.)

I noticed the day before, kind of as an afterthought, that her teeth looked different. They were still orange, but it looked like she had chipped an upper tooth...one was shorter than the other. Well, when I looked closely at her today, I noticed that really, the one that is longer is a tooth that has been dislodged in a way.

Called the vet and get her an appointment today. Took her in (with her cagemate this time) and the doctor confirmed that she has a fractured tooth. The one that looked longer has actually been fractured at the gum. Of course, it's infected as well. So, she kept them.

She'll be anesthetizing her and removing the fractured part. She'll be placed on antibiotic,and I will have to support her with syringe feeding, etc. until she is able to eat on her own. In addition, I'll have to have her back in every 2 or 3 weeks to have her lower tooth filed since she won't be able to keep it trimmed without the upper tooth until the upper tooth grows to meet the intact one.

Total estimate? Just for today it'll be between 150-250 dollars. Every time thereafter I'll have to pay 12-15 for the filing plus at least 30 for anesthesia if it's required.

Question...is it just me, or am I having incredibly bad luck with these degus? It is so difficult for me to justify paying this money when we're strapped for cash right now, but I can't not do it. I love the little critters. UGH!

-Amy

[ra]

What a shame. Poor girl, poor you! It's time for your bad streak of luck to go now.

You sure do take good care of those girls. Hopefully this will be the end of your Degu troubles. Hey, they are an educational tool - couldn't you get some class room funding?
It's a thought.

[Aimeelou]

oh dear, you realy have had your fair share of bad luck with your Degus! But dont give up there worth it!
But what Ra said sounds like great idea, your kids will surely raise some money for a good cause!

[deguqueen]

Yeah, don't give up. I know how it seems when eveything piles up all at once and it's overwhelming but the great thing is that you ARE getting her treated. And also, it's not forever but it will help in having your degus around longer and in great shape!

You're also lucky to have what seems to be a very knowledgeable and helpful vet.

Good luck with everything!

[goofan]

Good News!

I can't believe how fast those teeth grow!

Within 2 weeks, the tooth that was fractured at the gumline has caught up with the other tooth. I didn't have to get the bottom one filed at all. I'm so relieved. Fauna's doing great.

Thanks for the support.

-Amy

[ra]

That is good news and very good to know.

[gracie]

Well done to Fauna and you, on her quick recovery.