ASK THE VET
Q: Why is my four-year-old male degu losing its fur? PAUL LEONARD, Northumberland (Note for readers; A degu is a Chilean rodent which looks like a cross between a rat and a rabbit.)
A: Further information about the degu will be needed to determine this along with an examination of your degu by a veterinary surgeon to be able to determine the exact cause of fur loss. Skin problems represent about a third of all visits to the vets for pet degus so it is a common problem.
Usually the problem is either behavioural or due to parasites. Fungal skin disease has also been described. One of the mites they can get can also cause skin problems in humans. If you notice yourself getting a skin problem too, it may be worth a trip to both your vet and your GP. Your vet can carry out a skin scrape and look under the microscope for evidence of mites. A hair pluck can also be cultured for fungal disease. Absence of an infectious cause would make a behavioural cause very likely (although there are rarer possibilities).
Degus kept alone or without optimal foraging opportunity can develop behavioural problems ■■Keeping degus in pairs. ■■Regular human companionship. ■■Tunnels and hiding places within the cages. ■■Loud noises and inappropriate lighting levels should be avoided. ■■A low-energy, high fibre diet should be provided comprising high-quality grass hay, fruits and tree branches with leaves, grass and pelleted foods for degus/chinchillas.
Please note that advice in this section is for general guidance, and if your pet is very unwell you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible as this advice does not replace the need for a clinical examination of your pet.
Rory Thomson is part of the team at St Clair Veterinary Care in Croft Road, Blyth. If you have a question, fill out the online form at chroniclelive. co.uk/askthevet