Odd behaviour - help!

[chaz]

Hi, I have a male degu, middle age, who was fine 24 hours ago, always been happy to see me, yesterday evening didn't want to come out of the cage, get out of bed etc.
I've checked what I can, he hasn't lost Weight, teeth are orange and healthy looking. His head is continuously pulling to the right, and his bright eye seems to be doing the same, not focusing straight. Has anyone had similar before? I'm going to get a vets appointment for him but none in my area are specialist or know much about degus, the best I usually find is someone with an interest in degus who has done some research. Any ideas would be much appreciated!

[savvy]

Welcome to the forum, I'm sorry to hear your degu is unwell.

Is he moving the rest of his body normally or is he dragging any of his legs? If not it could be an ear infection which is fairly common and should clear up with antibiotics but can mean an extended course as they can be difficult to shift.

If he is dragging his leg(s) it may indicate a stroke, which is more serious.

Obviously, we are not vets and I can only comment from experience, and seeing a vet is the best decision.

Have you looked at our vet guide to see if there are any vets in your area, or just outside? All the vets on the list have been recommended by members, from experience. Sometimes its worth travelling slightly further to find a decent degu vet. deguworld.proboards.com/thread/15521/vet-guide

[chaz]

Hiya, thank you. I've had a specialist vet recommendation from a colleague who has had some exotics also with whom I now have an appointment penciled in.
His legs aren't dragging, he has been stumbling a tad but I know from experience that an ear infection can throw balance.
I'm hoping it isn't as serious as a stroke but has come on extremely fast if it is an ear infection. Crossing everything that he is lucky and just an ear Infection which can be cleared with antibiotics.
Also Concerned about his brother- knowing that degus don't do well alone and are hard to integrate with others when adults. I've had degus previously and found that when one had passed, the second wasn't far behind despite doing my best to be the companion.
Fingers crossed isn't something more serious

[bouncy]

Fingers crossed too that it's an ear-related issue!

I agree he really should see a vet. That's the only way to get appropriate treatment. Try taking both to the vet together. It reduces the stress if they travel together. It's also a bonus if he needs to stay in for a night, because they can remain together.

I have a lone boy ATM, because his brother died suddenly last year. He has partitioned access to the youngsters below, but he's not really interested. At least he's had the option. He shows no weight loss, over grooming, and seems very content. It may not be an issue, but not one you have to face immediately.

[moletteuk]

Is the appointment soon? If it turns out to be an ear infection I think he needs to start antibiotics right away as a head tilt indicates severe infection.

[chaz]

Had an emergency appointment with an exotics specialist today, they've said they're sure it's a stroke, degu was circling and stumbling while at the vets (worsened by stresss being at vets) As it came on so fast and had been improving through the morning so fast, vet reckoned it was a stroke in frontal lobe (I think... long day, might have that wrong) but has affected central nervous system, not basic functions.
Degu is home with recommendation to have as little stimulation as possible, not too much space, no different levels in cage for now as to avoid stumbling and hurting himself further. They reckon that with this, he should improve in the next few days. It might take a while for some symptoms to get better but should see a good amount of recovery in a few days. Good prognosis luckily so far, not out of the woods but showed signs of improvement through the day

[bouncy]

Good news! Humans recover movement and balance after strokes, so why not degus! I'm sure he'll be back to charging around this time next week

Just don't get caught laughing if performs a comic fall, or he'll never forgive you!

[chaz]

😂 practising straight face incase!
Fingers crossed for a good recovery. Hes started eating voluntarily again!