|
Post by hpdegus on May 28, 2021 21:24:39 GMT
Just picked up the benadryl, I'm going to start with half a drop (15uL) and see what happens.
I will say he does look slightly better today. Its got cold last night so windows are closed and the AC is off. It also rained (and should do so for the next several days) so that helps with reducing pollen.
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on May 29, 2021 4:50:59 GMT
That's good and hopeful news!! So glad for that, Hpdegus!
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 29, 2021 10:53:38 GMT
It might be worth delaying trying the benadryl if the pollen has subsided, I'm thinking it will be hard to be sure if it's the reduction in the pollen or the benadryl working.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 31, 2021 14:14:29 GMT
I had already given a small dose of the benadryl before seeing your post, Molette! I was still seeing potential signs of allergies (snotty, weepy eyes) but no visible adverse reactions to the meds.
I have been giving him small doses (half a drop 12 hours apart) since things hadn't cleared to baseline. I know it's now difficult to disentangle drop in pollen vs benadryl, but he seems to be doing so much better. I only need to wipe his nose in the morning and even his eyes looked good today.
|
|
|
Post by teemu on May 31, 2021 14:37:30 GMT
As long as he's doing better, that's the main thing for now If the pollen situation picks up, we'll see how well the benadryl really works. For now it sounds like things are much better for Ollie. Have you noticed changes in his demeanor otherwise? I imagine cooler weather and being able to actually breathe through your nose will help anyone feel better.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on May 31, 2021 17:13:14 GMT
Absolutely, he was so miserable and I'm honestly surprised he wasn't mouth breathing at the worst of it.
For sure, though I think the season should be over within two weeks at the latest. I've never checked on pollen counts this frequently!
Everyone has been taking plenty of naps the last few days. Oh. Well. Just caught him *cleaning* down there. So clearly feeling at least a bit better!
|
|
|
Post by teemu on May 31, 2021 17:34:20 GMT
That does sound like a big improvement. He's obviously feeling more normal right now. That's a relief, then! Having some nasty pollen allergies myself, I can imagine how much better he's feeling!
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on May 31, 2021 19:26:49 GMT
I'm glad it seems to have worked, that's the main thing.
Watch out for any drowsiness or digestive issues as side effects.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 1, 2021 1:06:28 GMT
Well, his weight has been slowly dropping over the past few weeks, and is still dropping now. I might hold off on the benadryl starting tomorrow morning.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 2, 2021 0:45:50 GMT
I'm uncomfortable with his weight at the moment. He's down to 187g just now, this is closest to the lowest he's ever weighed. Think I'm going to start him on critical care/nut mixture.
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Jun 2, 2021 3:42:54 GMT
You do that, it sounds like a good thing to do!
|
|
|
Post by savvy on Jun 2, 2021 8:20:43 GMT
He might find the critical care easier to eat if he's been feeling a bit snuffy.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Jun 2, 2021 9:16:54 GMT
Don't let me mentioning side effects put you off. It's just a new drug to us for degus on the forum, so would be sensible to watch him closely.
If you are a bit concerned but want to use it, I wonder if it would be possible to mix a couple of drops with some water so the dilution would allow you to try a smaller dose. Otherwise, I think a 7 day trial at the undiluted dose would seem reasonable.
I think Savvy has a good point that allergies could reduce his appetite.
How is he diabetes-wise?
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 2, 2021 15:26:41 GMT
I only withheld yesterday mornings dose since he started getting quite snotty again.
Oh thats a good idea! I think I'll keep with the undiluted dose for a week (0.5 drop morning and night) and see how it goes. If this needs to be a long term thing though, it may be good to dilute. Also, might be good to give it in smaller doses more frequently. I know it's only good for 4-6 hours in kids. No idea what that converts to in degus though!
Absolutely, very much agree with that point Savvy. I was really happy that he ate the entire playtime though. I had him sat on my lap with a critical care/seed mixture.
Not the best, diabetes wise. He has mature cataracts in both eyes. But he doesn't get any other sugary treats, so hopefully this won't be too bad.
|
|
|
Post by moletteuk on Jun 2, 2021 16:37:42 GMT
Is his drinking and peeing stable? Any overactivity followed by over tiredness type of cycle?
I'm just thinking it would be good to keep an eye on these types of symptoms if you are supplementary feeding, hopefully you won't see a difference in them.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 2, 2021 16:44:23 GMT
Great questions! Definitely things to keep an eye on.
I'm not noticing anything like that at the moment. He is definitely more on the sedate side and spends a lot of time napping or just hanging out.
I put some softened pellets in the cage last night and I think he's eating them now? He is eating, but since he's sat between three different food bowls its hard to pinpoint which one he's pulling from! EDIT: He just grabbed some of the softened pellets.
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 2, 2021 16:45:29 GMT
Only overactivity I see is when I put him back in the cage after wiping his nose--he likes to go running on the wheel then!
|
|
|
Post by hpdegus on Jun 3, 2021 0:59:16 GMT
Not a huge thing, but I'm counting this as a win. He weighed in at 189g today! This is the first time since May 12 where he's gained any weight at all.
|
|
|
Post by deguconvert on Jun 3, 2021 7:19:19 GMT
That is worth cheering about! WOO HOO! May it be a continuing and healthy trend!
|
|
|
Post by teemu on Jun 3, 2021 7:57:22 GMT
Ooh, obviously he likes the softer pellets. Do keep at it, this is great news
|
|