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Post by poandcc on May 20, 2011 10:35:58 GMT
hi there.
My degu max is about 3 months old and hes the only one that comes out onto my shoulders and back and loves to investgate but today i woke up to find that he was still in his hammock whilst all his brothers were wide awake running around the cage! at that moment my heart sunk as normally he is the 1st one up to say good morning. i stroked him but he hardly moved! i went to work for a couple of hours as i thought that maybe he as just being lazy and then when i came back to check up on him he was still in the same place! he wont eat or drink and he wont even open his eyes properly! im really worried about him and im not sure what i can do! i have tried everything that i can think of! all he wants to do is lay in the same spot all day!
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Post by Kins on May 20, 2011 11:03:53 GMT
The only advice I can give is to take him to the vets ASAP!
Keep us updated on his progress please, sending good 'get better' vibes your way!
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sam99
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 126
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Post by sam99 on May 20, 2011 11:07:25 GMT
Sadly it sounds like it may be a trip to the vets. Have you checked him over for any wounds in case he's hiding something, maybe from a brotherly battle? Try and get him to drink something, syringe drip if necessary and I'll keep my fingers crossed that he's just having a lazy lie-in
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Post by poandcc on May 20, 2011 11:09:36 GMT
thanks. i have rung the local vet and i have an appoinment at 2.40, im just worried that max aint gonna make it that long. i would ring other vets in the surrounding area but every time i move him he gets really scared so taking him on a bus probably isnt a very good idea! i will keep you posted
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Post by poandcc on May 20, 2011 11:15:07 GMT
ive tryed water on my finger, ive tried holding the water bottle up to him and ive tried giving him every bit of food i can think of!
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cazara
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 191
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Post by cazara on May 20, 2011 11:39:14 GMT
I really hope things go well. Their is nothing worse when they are not well. Let's hope it's nothing serious wrong with him and something the vet can sort out with a bit of medicine and TLC xx
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Post by poandcc on May 21, 2011 6:18:25 GMT
Hi all, been to the vets, max livened up as soon as we walked into the room which was a problem as the vet couldnt see what he had been like all day! vet said he had never really diagnosed a degu before! he gave us antibiotics to give to him twice a day for 5 days as he things its a respiratory infection! but he is still the same today as yesterday... just sitting in his cage with his eyes shut!
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Post by poandcc on May 21, 2011 6:21:01 GMT
do you think antibiotics are going to work or should i take him to a different vet?
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cazara
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 191
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Post by cazara on May 21, 2011 6:31:31 GMT
Why not try finding a vet with more experience with Degu's. This way if the med's don't work it will put your mind at rest. I'm waiting on a new vet practice opening up in my area that do know about Degu's as I would never take my pet's to the vet near me after what happened to my cat as far as I'm concerned the guy is a butcher. I really hope Max feels better soon and good on you for getting him checked by a vet. Let us know what happens with him and all the best xx
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Post by poandcc on May 21, 2011 6:33:54 GMT
not many people in my area know about degu's, everyone i have spoken too asks what they are! do you think the vets at pets at home is a good idea as they should know a bit about them concidering they sell them?
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cazara
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 191
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Post by cazara on May 21, 2011 6:42:20 GMT
It's an option for sure. I have never used them but if ur really worried do it I would if mine weren't well. I'd go to anyone bar the vet I used for my cat.
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Post by simong on May 21, 2011 8:27:06 GMT
All I would add to this is that if he isn't eating that is a very serious problem. Degus (like rabbits) can suffer from something called Gastric Stasis. They need a constant supply of food in order to keep their guts working. If they stop eating (even for a relatively short period of time) their guts can "seize up" and it's difficult to get them going again. If they have gastric stasis their abdomens will be noticeably swollen with gas. I have lost a Degu to gastric stasis I would also definitely recommend finding a vet with experience of treating degus. It makes all the difference to have a vet who knows about degu problems. "Normal" vets do their best but can sometimes do more harm than good through not knowing about Degus.
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Post by poandcc on May 21, 2011 17:09:51 GMT
hey all. i went to the pets at home vets earlier and they have said he has a low temperature and they gave me some powder to add to water and feed him! he started drinking from a syringe today but now he has stopped again! he has just had a poo and it was green and like mush... sorry i know its a bit too much info but i want to know if anyone has any suggestions as to why it was like that.. especially as it has been normal all morning! the vet also injected some fluid into him so that he doesnt dehydrate? could that be the reason! i would be very greatful for all your comments and help! im so worried about him! i have to go back to the vets again tomorrow so they can check up on him again!
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Post by poandcc on May 21, 2011 17:56:07 GMT
i think this is the end of the road for little fighter!! he's deteriorating rapidly!
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Post by poandcc on May 21, 2011 20:31:17 GMT
jusst thought id let you know... max has sadly passed away! he was such a great character and i will never forget him! RIP my baby boy
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Post by blossombrooks on May 21, 2011 20:32:48 GMT
So sorry to hear that, poor little guy. X
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Post by kovu07 on May 21, 2011 20:33:13 GMT
Hugs, i'm so sorry. R.I.P Max
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Post by hellsbells on May 22, 2011 8:20:30 GMT
Aww sorry to hear that - RIP Max
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Post by lorrainekuk on May 22, 2011 8:36:23 GMT
Poor Max RIP x
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Post by deguconvert on May 22, 2011 16:21:23 GMT
Oh no!!! I'm so sorry, Poandcc! Once a degu starts to exhibit such a deep lethargy, it can be a sad indication. I was so hoping that wouldn't be the case for Max. You really are to be commended for not just waiting to see if the antibiotics would help, you went to get a second opinion and you worked hard to help him with all the resources you had. I wish such heroic efforts a given you a happier outcome. I am very sorry for your loss. I'm sending hugs your way.
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