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Post by teemu on Dec 4, 2021 16:37:56 GMT
Pulla managed to reach a plastic bag of degu pellets through the cage bars and chewed off a corner to get to the pellets. I've been carefully going through the cage, but I can't find any shreds of plastic, so it's likely he ate them...
How worried should I be for him? It happened just now, so it's impossible to judge his wellbeing yet. It was soft, translucent plastic, and the amount he likely ate is not great. Just chewed off enough of a corner to get the pellets out, so I think the piece might have been about as large as a pinky fingernail, or smaller. I'm wondering whether it will pass through or cause a blockage...
I'm feeling really stupid and guilty right now. I accidentally left the pellet bag on top of the cage after filling their bowls. I didn't realize he'd reach it. I can't even get access to a vet who could do anything about this until monday. Really not sure what to do now.
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Post by bouncy on Dec 4, 2021 18:18:11 GMT
I should think he'll be ok. You can't often spot plastic they've shredded with their teeth, so you can't be sure how much he's eaten. Just keep an eye on his behaviour, pee, and poo for the next couple of days.
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Post by savvy on Dec 4, 2021 18:51:32 GMT
Its also possible he's spit the pieces some distance in order to get to the good stuff.
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Post by teemu on Dec 4, 2021 19:23:26 GMT
Yes, I'm hoping this is the case - either that he's shredded the plastic and I just couldn't find it, or that it's fine even if he ate some of it. I am watching him very carefully in any case, and I've switched the bedding and hay around the area where the plastic would have fallen down. I also read that if something like this happens to a guinea pig, you should ascertain that they eat as much hay and pellet as possible so it'll keep their intestine active and digestion moving. I fed him a big helping of Critical Care, and he's eating hay and drinking water at the moment in any case. I will keep watching him very closely, of course. And I'm absolutely not going to make this mistake again...
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Post by moletteuk on Dec 4, 2021 20:27:27 GMT
We all make mistakes. I think he should be fine.
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Post by teemu on Dec 6, 2021 1:06:21 GMT
Pulla's been fine all day and has been as gluttonous as always. No signs of trouble, at least yet. I've been giving him some CC in the morning and in the evening to make sure he's eating his fill and keeping his bowels moving fine.
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