subie got a random lump-advice! helppp!

[jlynnx3]

I recently got 3 degus and haven't had a problem with them yet. i came home last night to find that the one (Subie) has a huge lump behind his ear...it seems like its filled with fluid.....his hair started falling off of the spot, he doesn't seem really affected by it tho....hes still eating and running around like he normally does. Anyone seen or heard anything like this before, and there is no vets that know degus around where i live....pleaseeeeeee help!!!

[deguconvert]

I would take him to a vet anyway . . . whether they know much about degus or not, they should be able to help with whatever has caused the swelling. I would suggest that you hold your degu, and make absolutely sure that they understand that degus must not be picked up by the tail as it will deglove. Don't just rest on letting the girls at the desk know, you must also make it clear to your vet. Also make sure that they know that no antibiotics that contain sugar are acceptable, as degus are prone to diabetes. Going in armed with this information, being very pro-active with it, will help to ensure that your degu gets the attention he needs. It does sound to me as though there must be an abscess there, under the skin, and I think he needs to have attention as soon as you can get him in.

[philbailey1806]

I agree with dc and smux, I think he needs to see a vet, it doesnt sound like its going to go away on its own and if left, it could even get worse

[kovu07]

It sounds like an absess, which could need draining and is common in many animals, so even if a vet doesn't know much about degus they should be able to treat it. I hope he gets well soon.

[jlynnx3]

ok well i like in Saratoga new york. this morning i work up and the other two degus bite the bump and popped it its been oozing with pus since. he still seems fine tho. i wiped the side of him down with water to get the pus outta his fur now im just worried about it getting infected.

[kovu07]

Definately sounds like an absess, and unless treated by a vet it is very likely to go septic and get infected. Is there any way you could seperate the poorly degu, perhaps he could be placed in a cage next to the other two until he has seen a vet and has had a chance to recover?

[philbailey1806]

I agree with smux, he definately needs to see a vet, baytril or another antibiotic suitable for degus in your country may clear it up with the minimum of hassle and best results.

[deguconvert]

The fact that it is oozing pus means that it already is infected . . . that's what pus is. He really needs to be treated. He may need to have the area flushed in a manner that you are not so equipped to do yourself, and he very likely needs to have antibiotics. You need to go as soon as you can. You need to realize that the other goos may not have been the "poppers", it may have burst all on it's own because of mounting inner pressure from increasing amounts of pus. Just because he is showing no signs of trouble is no reason to not take him. In his state, once you start to see him no longer eating, drinking, or playing, he may already be just hours or days away from certain death. You may feel that I am over stating this, but it is a known fact that degus do not proclaim any form of illness or injury, as this will make them a target for predators in the wild, and this trait is not lost even though they are "domesticated." He will continue to live and act as though he is well until his body is so ill he can no longer disguise it. Don't wait to get him in to a Vet.