2.5 weeks ago, eating slowed down. She lost 10% body weight in 10 days. Took to vet - examined digestion/ temperature/ teeth - seemed ok. Gave mineral supplement (1/day) and meal "bonus" paste (2/day).
She then lost further 10% body weight over next 4 days.
Back to vet, who filed down her back molars, but was not 100% convinced this was real source of problem.
She's been back home for 3 days still on the supplements above.
She will eat grains/ hay, although in small quantities and not with the usual ease.
She will not touch water - she walks up to dropper, but then away from it (there is nothing wrong with dropper - the other GP doing fine).
She will eat mashed veg (cucumber/ carrot/ pear), but not bite it in solid form.
She appears to have some difficulty in any form of biting with front teeth (although vet checked all teeth before filing molars).
What I'm finding totally bizarre is her inability to take in water - I'm giving it to her by hand for time being, but given she must be thirsty, I don’t understand what is stopping her from drinking herself – we even tried giving her a bowl of water for ease and she would not touch it!
Her spirits are variable - she is weakened by lack of food and sits lethargically in cage, at other times (later in day) she is quite bouncy with her buddy.
She does not appear in pain, but does appear very miserable. Her weight has stablised now, but low.
Am stuck to know what to do for her well-being - on one hand, she is miserable with poor quality of life, on the other until I know what she has and if it is treatable I do not want to end her life without trying.
Please help if this seems a familiar case.
ANSWER: Hi
Leaving the water consumption aside for one moment, the problem seems almost certainly to be a teeth issue. Everything you describe shouts teeth problem at me.
I had a pig once that I discovered actually had sores in his mouth from pieces of particularly hard hay piercing the gums and that caused him to lose weight rapidly. Is there a vet near you that has particular experience in exotic pets as many vets, particularly in Uk and seemingly USA dont have much knowledge on such animals.
I cant think of a condition that leads to not wanting to take water other than some kind of water retention which seems unlikely by what you have told me. I can only presume she gets sufficient water from the mashed veggies you are giving her.
In terms of deciding what action to take next, I definately think the teeth angle is still worth persuing as I would be very surprised if this isnt the root cause.
Andy
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION:
Thank you.
I actually took her to the vet yesterday. Vet (a rongeur specialist who is really excellent) ruled out elongated roots (other symptoms would include problems in nasal passage, etc which she does not have) or other teeth problems.
Physical examination showed pain in jawbone - hence she can't open her mouth properly (e.g. to get water from dropper), but can chew from side to side. Could be inflammation in joint.
Makes initial logical sense to me.
Gave pain killer injection to ease pain, and tablets to take orally this week.
No signs of improvement to report yet,
Do you know anything about jawbone problems, and if there is anything additional I could be doing (I'm even gentle massaging area to give her comfort)?
Answer Hi again
Yes,I agree, that diagnosis does make perfect sense. Jawbone problems is something I havent ever personally come across but I gather anti-inflamatory medecine is normally given.
At least you now know what the problem is it can be treated.
