I think my degu is sick

[DeeC]

Hello everyone.

I got 2 degus yesterday, one of them seems to be ill. He keeps urging like he is going to be sick and seems to have a string of saliva coming from his mouth. He is still quite active when i try to get him out but if i just leave him he will just sit in the corner rather subdued? Anybody have any ideas??

[Degutopia]

Hi there,

You need to get your degu checked over by a vet with degu experience right away.

The symptoms- your degu is not heaving as degus are unable to vomit. The presence of saliva and the 'open mouth chewing' you are probably seeing could be caused by one of two things:
1. Your degu has eaten something distasteful/toxic. Check if they have found anything on the floor or anything in their cage is missing. Veterinary attention should be sought without delay.
2. Your degus teeth are overgrown. This is quite common and can be very painful. Check the front incisor teeth for signs of overgrowth or malocclusion. If all seems fine, it could be the back molar teeth that are lacerating the cheeks- bruxism. More info can be found on Degutopia's illness section. Either way, your vet needs to check the teeth- this will involve a general anaesthetic. They can then get a proper look and decide what needs to be done (e.g filing down, antibiotics, etc).

Please try and find a degu vet, you can save a lot of time and stress for your degu by getting someone who knows about degus!

Chloe

[DeeC]

Thank you degutopia, I did take him to the vet and all teeth were fine. They have put it down to the stress of being moved (as he only came to me sunday). He seems fine now but i am keeping a close eye on him.

Dee x