Seriously Ill Degu

[winterblush]

Hiya, I would appreciate any help anyone could give me. I have a degu with breathing problems, he has been to the vet and got antibiotics which are helping, there is a noticable improvement.

Only thing is he is now chewing his legs and feet, they are bleeding and look very sore. has anyones degu done the same? and if so is there any advice u could give me to help him stop doing this?

I'm very worried, many many thanks.
Holly xxx

[Phoebe67]

Sorry, no idea. Did you tell the vet? Is he degu savvy?
You didn´t say if it is a single one, if he is, he might be very loney and does this out of depression.
Don´t ever keep a single degu!
Another thing could be that you changed the litter. Cedar shavings are hazardous to the health, pine isn´t that good eiter. Try aspen shavings, maybe things will be better. But also contact your vet again. Keep me posted. Good luck.

[winterblush]

He was on his own for only short while, as his partner had recently died of the same lung condition, and she did the same (biting her legs) Their bedding was fine, and this only happened once they got ill.

Sadly, Benny has now died, he went very peacefully though and had a very happy life with us. He was the best boy I could of asked for and I will miss them both dearly.

Thanks for your help,
Holly

[Phoebe67]

Hello Holly,

I´m sorry to hear that your male died. It must be very sad for youthat you have lost two degus recently. I´m thinking of you! I don´t know about lung conditions, it is weird though that both of them chewed their legs.
Degus become easily diabetic, either inherited or by food with sugar content or fruits. Maybe they were both diabetic. I know that people have problems with their legs when they are diabetic, but that´s only an idea.