Sneezing and runny nose - Paw Talk

MañasMom · #1 02-19-2008, 12:04 PM

My little angel has been sneezing and has had a runny nose since Saturday night.

I immediately set her up a heat source (which she absolutely LOVES), and called to get her into the vet yesterday (Monday). Our normal vet is out of the office this week, so I called all the other clinics in the phone book until I found 1 other vet who has seen 1 other Degu. (Sheesh!)

Anyhow, we went in the morning yesterday. His feeling is that she doesn't have an infection at this time because her nasal discharge is totally clear. Also, since being on the heat source, she's sneezing less, and the discharge is less. He didn't want to put her on an antibiotic just yet, since he didn't see evidence of infection, rather he recommended adding a vaporizor/humidifier to her heat therapy.

So I've got that going now. She loves the steam too. It seems to be helping, as she seems to have much less "stuff" coming out of her nose.

One thing I decided to do today is log all her sneezes, what time they happen, and what she's doing when she sneezes. I thought that might help me figure out if there is a pattern, or just what might be exacerbating her symptoms.

I just wanted to get some input from more experienced Degu owners. Does this sound reasonable? And is there anything else I can be doing to help speed her recovery? Any foods that are good for helping sickies feel better?

She had lost a little weight the last time I weighed her, maybe because she was getting sick? So any advice in the food department would be welcome too! (Her normal vet wasn't concerned at all about her weight loss, but as the Mom, I am a little! She is still at a normal weight for a Degu, just less than she used to weigh. She weighed in at 251 grams on Feb 7 and had weighed 264 back in Jan. and 281 back in Dec.)

Amethystbelle · #2 02-19-2008, 02:03 PM

I've already answered you elsewhere

But just wanted to say keep up the warmth and keeping her hydrated

MañasMom · #3 02-21-2008, 02:21 PM

We're now running a 2 week course of Baytril for Imana. I am worried sick! We're continuing the lamp and vaporizer, and I'm continuing to try to boost her appetite with some goodies.

I'm hoping and praying it all helps her, and that she'll feel better soon. I'm not ready to lose her yet!!!

Binky · #4 02-23-2008, 04:41 PM

Get better soon Imana! All my goos are sending you get-well kisses! x3

I hope everything turns out alright and that she gets better real soon.

MañasMom · #5 02-23-2008, 08:50 PM

Thank you so much for all the kisses!

Our report for today is much less sneezing this evening, so that's good news.

I've also started her on an emergency supplement, which must taste yummy because she likes it. I think it is giving her loads of energy, because she has been running TONS in her wheel.

Thanks for the support! She seems to be feeling better tonight, so hopefully it will continue this way! *fingers crossed*

Mousey · #6 02-24-2008, 06:22 PM

I hope she continues to get well. *hugs)

petluvr01 · #7 02-25-2008, 05:43 PM

Hope she gets better!! Give her hugs from me and tell her that I told her that she had better get better!!! LOL

It's a good thing you have good vets around you that know what they're doing!

MañasMom · #8 02-27-2008, 04:50 PM

Things are going better with Imana!

I have been continuing to log her sneezes, and they are MUCH MUCH less. Way less than half of the sneezes she used to have.

I took her in to the vet's to be weighed yesterday (Tuesday). She's gained 3 grams since Thursday.

She's eating more, and doing more of her normal everyday activities. It really looks like we're going to beat this upper respiratory thing!

petluvr01 · #9 02-27-2008, 05:20 PM

Thats Great! I'm sure shes on the right path!

MañasMom · #10 02-29-2008, 02:00 PM

Imana continues to feel better! She is still sneezing a little bit, but seems totally back to her normal self. Yay!

I thought I'd add a few photos! (Click on them to make them bigger.)

This is me when I first got sick. I was glad to have a little heat, I wasn't feeling well at all!

After my first dose of high calorie supplement, I had so much energy! I ran in my wheel for a little while, but then had to take a nap in my hammock.

This is me just a few days ago. I was already feeling better! I decided to start napping in my hay foraging box - it's a ready made nest, and very comfy!

Thanks for remembering me, and sending me so many get well wishes!

~Imana

petluvr01 · #11 02-29-2008, 07:54 PM

Awww cute pics. I am so glad that she is better!

mulder · #12 03-04-2008, 07:36 AM

awwww she's so cute! im so glad she's doing better, shes such a little bundle of joy!!