Isolating Dying Degu

[degujen]

Hi everyone I am a newbie to this board but hoping someone might be able to give me some advice. I have three degus all of whom are in the twilight of their years. The oldest Scrappy has been getting slower and slower over the last few days and is starting to look like he may not last much longer which is quite upsetting but as he is heading towards 5 years old is inevitable. He is starting to struggle with walking in the cage today and has stopped eating (won't even take it from my hand). I will speak to the vet in the morning but I know in my heart of hearts there is nothing wrong with him other than old age and to be honest I doubt he will last the night.

My question is this - should I seperate him over night from his brother Snuffles and put him in a more comfortable place or is this more likely to distress him especially as it would be a new environment to what he is used to? Would it be kinder to leave him where he is with his brother? Any advice would be very much appreciated - Jen

[Bexi87]

Oh no Jen, I'm sorry to hear about Scrappy

I've no experience thankfully but I would imagine he would be happier with Snuffles. Can you make him as comfortable as possible in the cage? Give him something warm to lie on and make sure water/treats are close by so he can reach them if he wants?

[Maravilla]

Hello Jen,
sorry to hear these sad news.
5 years are not much for a degu, I have at least 3 degus of 5 years and I know some who are/ were about 8-9 years. Of course not all degus will be that old but 5 years is really not much. Maybe he has some pain that prevents him from walking and eating? I would ask the vet to check him because sometimes there are little things we are not aware of. Don't give him up!! Offer him some treats he's always liked. It doesn't matter how unhealthy they are, it's more important that he eats something.

I wouldn't separate him from his brother. Being alone is lots of stress for a degu. With his brother (what about the 3rd one?) he feels more comfortable, protected, at home. There is somebody who can warm him. If he really dies it can make it also easier for the others.

I keep my fingers crossed.

[degujen]

Thank you so much for your replies, when I went to check up on him a minute ago Snuffles was all cuddled up to him so think you are definitely right about leaving him in there. I have managed to get him to take some lettuce and some water but he is acting exactly the same way my first degu acted before he died so I am still not too hopeful (he had diabetes though so we knew what was wrong there). Having said that I will definitely be taking him to the vet if he is still with us in the morning, perhaps I am being too pesimistic! I can't see anything obvious with his mouth or feet that would be affecting his eating or moving but as you say it could be something I am not aware of that the vet may pick up on.

The 3rd Degu, Diego is in a cage next to the other two but seperated as Scrappy and he used to fight really badly. We bought Scrappy and Snuffles when Diego's brother died (he was the diabetic one) but no matter what we tried Scrappy wouldn't accept Diego and ended up hurting him quite badly so we got two cages and put them next to each other and that has worked really well. Not sure what we will do if Scrappy does pass away as Snuffles and Diego have never been in the same cage together??

Thank you so much again for your advice and best wishes

[degujen]

Morning, well sadly as I feared Scrappy passed away during the night so going to give him a nice burial in the garden and then try and work out the best time and way to see if Diego and Snuffles will share a cage. Fingers crossed they will get on better than Scrappy and Diego did

Thanks again for your help and advice

[Kins]

I'm so sorry to hear this, at least he was snuggled up to his buddy during his last hours. I'm sure he was very comfortable and you did the right thing by him that's for sure.

RIP Scrappy

And I hope the intro between Diego and Snuffles goes well. I would maybe give Snuffles a day or so to grieve for his lost mate, but I'm sure you know your degus well and will do what is right for them.

Thinking of you...

[Bexi87]

I'm so sorry RIP Scrappy

[Maravilla]

I am so sorry to hear that you were right about your feelings .
Scrappy RIP.

I hope Diego and Snuffles will get along better. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[deguconvert]

I had so hoped for a brighter outcome. I'm very sorry for your loss of Scrappy. I'm sure it is a difficult day today. Sending hugs to you.