cloudy eyes

[Degumagic]

we have two sets of 3 male degus in two different cages.

we got them from an RSPCA center and we think their about a year old.

the largest one Hector, has developed cataract in both eyes which we believe is caused by diabeties. He seems happy enough.

we feed all the degus the same food. "Supa Ginuea" and they only have one or two sunflower seeds each a week.

we do give them the odd bit of brocilli.

what veg should i give them regularly and is there anything i can give Hector to help him.

thanks.

[diet otaku]

they don't really need vegetables as much as hay! lots and lots of timothy hay. as for hector, it does sound like he's got diabetes... make sure he's getting plenty of fiber and absolutely no sugars, and ask your vet if he offers insulin treatments for small animals. as long as hector seems comfortable and happy, just make sure his diabetes doesn't get any worse.

[rhedette]

Ziq had catteracts, and was a bit fatter...hence why we drew to the conclusion he was diabetic. Luckily Tails looks fine Just watch what he eats, and he should be ok Unfortunately Ziq did die, but not to do with his diabetes.

[rhedette]

And unfortunately, it looks as if Tails has a cateract forming in his right eye...*sigh* I think this catteract is most likely the hereditary sort, most likely his parents had them.

(lesson 1 - Buy from a breeder not a commercial shop)

[stoney]

Merry developed cataracts about a year ago we think he's almost totally blind now but you'd not suspect it from the way he moves round his cage, it's only when he's out his lack of vision shows. As long as you keep to a strict Degu friendly diet hopefully diabetes will not follow, and Merry seems to prove lack of vision is a minor problem for a happy gu.

[Sunshinemeg]

Any animal can cope in its home environment if it has lost its sight, but I would advice you dont make drastic changes to the cage set up, as this can cause unnecessary stress. We didnt know how much sight Marmalade had, so generally only made small gradual changes to the cage so that he could adjust easily without hurting himself by bumping or falling!!

[rhedette]

Yeah the only changes I can see us making is giving him new toys to destroy hehe