How to go about finding a vet? - Paw Talk

pixidance · #1 10-26-2007, 02:16 PM

I adopted 5 degus late this summer, and one of them is losing weight and her teeth are white. She was smaller than the others when I got her and her teeth weren't as orange as they should be. She just keeps getting worse.

She's alert and spry and isn't acting sick. I'm planning on feeding her separately from the other 3 girls for a while to see if I can fatten her up.

I'm concerned for her. The problem is, I can't find a vet near me that even knows what a degu is! I've called most of them in the phone book at this point and everyone says no. Any suggestions?

thanks so much

Amethystbelle · #2 10-26-2007, 02:50 PM

I always suggest people look for a vet with experience with chinchillas as they often will know how to treat a degu with them being simular. Try asking vets of they have experience treating chinchillas and if they do ask if they would have a look at your degu. It sounds like it might be a tooth or mouth problem with the teeth being white, i hope you get your little girl sorted

pixidance · #3 10-26-2007, 03:11 PM

Thanks for the advice

Do I mention that they're similar? Or should I assume that the vet knows that ?

Amethystbelle · #4 10-26-2007, 04:24 PM

I would ask if they have chinchilla experience and if they have ask whether they would be willing to look at your degu. If they haven't heard of them before maybe explain they are related to chinchillas and if you can take some info with you. Any good vet will look up something if they are unsure. If that particular practice can't help you they might know what that can

pixidance · #5 10-26-2007, 04:47 PM

YAY, I found someone who's willing to take a look at sweet, little Daisy

I continued calling vets from the phonebook, and I kept getting the usual, "We don't but (insert name here) might"

So, I kept calling and found a vet that specializes in "wildlife" we'll see how that goes

At least they'd heard of degus before, which is a step in the right direction!

Amethystbelle · #6 10-26-2007, 05:07 PM

aaaawwww thats great news

I hope it all goes well for Daisy at the vets and keep us informed on how you get on

to you and daisy

MañasMom · #7 10-26-2007, 09:43 PM

Great news! I'm so glad you found a vet to take a look at Daisy.

I was going to suggest looking for a vet who works with "exotics", but now you don't need that suggestion - I'm so glad.

Please let us know how Daisy gets on, and what the vet says!

**Sasami** · #8 10-27-2007, 01:42 AM

Wow, deja vu. Just read this on the LJ degus community.

I'm glad you found a vet! Keep us updated

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