Degu with femoral fracture

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Rob Davis — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:36:22 GMT

Thanks for that, Mark. We are trying to confine him in a small cage, but the little bugger managed to chew his way through the top of the plastic cage and excape (not quite sure how he managed to get to the top of the container up the smooth sides!).

I will leave and monitor for now and hopefully repeat the x-rays next week and probably remove the pin then if looking ok and continue to try to keep confined for a while longer.

Are there likely to be issues reintroducing him to the other Degu when I'm happy to do so?

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Mark Rowland — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:27:09 GMT

Nice job. I would be happier getting it to 3 weeks before I removed it. I would get it in a small cage with no access to jumping and no sand bath and rexray in a week. It will have callus but I would leave a bit longer. Pushing back in won't serve much purpose IMO Good luck and well done :-)

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Rob Davis — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:44:18 GMT

Update, and seeking further advice.....

Femur pinned 16 days ago:

Degu has been doing very well - bright and using leg well, but has now (16 days post op) has developed swelling over the proximal end of the pin. X-rays today show pin migration:

There are obviously signs of healing, but I am concerned about taking the pin out this early. I suspect just pushing it back in will not last long. I am concerned that if I leave it and it migrates any further, the distal end of the pin will act as a fulcrum at the fracture site.

What do people think?

1) Leave pin for longer and remove when more fully healed

2) Push pin in again and then 1)

3) Remove pin and cross fingers

4) Any other suggestions......

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Rob Davis — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:16:00 GMT

Thanks again.

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Mark Rowland — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:06:47 GMT

Oops sorry dose as for chinchilla. Something coming out soon that will cover any shortfalls :-)

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Rob Davis — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:16:56 GMT

Thanks Mark. I have looked at your analgesia chart (again....I'm a frequent visitor to that one!), but you don't have degus listed. Do you have any suggestions for analgesia given the difficulties medicating this little chap?

Re: Degu with femoral fracture

Mark Rowland — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:40 GMT

Hi I would pin this as you suggest. Don't forget the analgesia (chart on my website) Goodluck :-)