I don't know what to do with My Degu!

[twistedunicorn]

Today my Degu was bleeding because when I was shutting the cage she jumped up and got her front paw stuck an se yanked it out. She seems to be rolling around in the soft tube Hanging from the top of the cage. Is there anything I should be worried about? When Kandee goes near her to play she growls :/

[kovu07]

I think that it would be a good idea to bath the wound in warm water to see if you can see the injury underneath, and then you can assess how badly she caught it. However this depends on how tame your Degus are, if they don't like being handled it could be tricky to do and could cause her to become even more frightend than she probably already is. The only other suggestion I have is to take her to the vets and see if they can do anything, but this could be a little drastic if she has just got a simple cut underneath the blood.

Also does she seem herself, as in running around and eating? If yes it could just be she's growling at kandee because she's in pain and wants to be left alone, if not I would be more concerned and would be more inclined to take her to the vets.

I hope that helps

[twistedunicorn]

Cookie(injured Degu) is just lying in a corner looking sad shes got blood on her fur now because the wound. And it's all up close to her. Is it okay to put in a dust bath? Because she always goes to the dust bath when it's in the cage. IT LOOKS LIKE SHE'S EATING HER HAND :0

[kovu07]

I'm not sure about the dust bath, but if she's not running around and the wound is bothering her so much she is trying to chew at it I would go to the vets.

[twistedunicorn]

I haven't tried the warm water yet. So I'll try that before I decide about the vets

[kovu07]

Ok, please me know how she is after the warm water, and be careful when cleaning the wound.

[philbailey1806]

I'd advise going to the vets. Degus are notorious for having a very high pain threshold, and can get really hurt without showing it, so the fact that she's even in pain seems to me like a major indication shes really hurt. If she has a bad wound then she may need antibiotics so that it doesn't get infected.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[deguconvert]

Hi Twistedunicorn. Just wondering how Cookie is doing? Did you manage to bathe her foot? Can you tell if she is chewing it? If you have been unable to get her to come to you . . . using your sandbath as a lure, waiting for her to jump in it, then picking it up and out of the cage may work for you. I hope she is showing a easing of pain. Looking forward to hearing.

[twistedunicorn]

Hey guys. I bathed the paw in warm water. She tried to roll in it Lol. I went to the vet and she said keep bathing the paw and it should heal itself. I am so relieved. She was just licking her paw so it's ok. And she's stopped bleeding after 20 minutes so it's okay She is eating with her paw and Kandee is encouraging her to walk on the sore paw Lol. So it's good.

[kovu07]

I'm so glad she's ok, and i'm sure she'll be back to herself in no time. Also if you need anymore help don't be afraid to ask

[twistedunicorn]

Thanks

[kovu07]

You are most welcome

[deguconvert]

;D You're right, I didn't mention it. I would suggest a mild salt solution myself, no need to make if more painful than is necessary. Also, if you use too strong a solution, you will actually increase the damage as the acidic solution can kill the tissue rather than promote healing.