Octodons degus are highly active rodents with an active social life, which can lead to accidents such as falls or bites resulting from fights. To prevent infections or administer emergency first aid, it is necessary to have an octodon first aid kit.
Only a veterinarian familiar with degus can make a proper diagnosis and recommend suitable treatments. Be cautious not to self-diagnose your animals, as it may worsen their health condition.
Several tools and accessories are essential in the degus first aid kit. Some medications may also be included, but they should not be administered without veterinary advice.
Transport cage
Even before addressing medical supplies, it is crucial to have a suitable transport box for your degu in case of emergency. Choose an appropriately sized box that is well-ventilated and easy to clean. Ensure it is large enough for your degu to move comfortably during transportation.
Don’t forget to add a towel or a piece of fleece for your animal’s comfort during transport and to prevent it from soiling itself.
Quarantine cage
In case of a contagious disease or the need for temporary separation, a quarantine cage is indispensable. It should be large enough for your degu to move freely and equipped with elements necessary for its comfort, such as shelters, toys, and proper feeding. You can add a large quantity of hay to keep the degu occupied and warm. Consider adapting the cage to your degu’s health issues. In some cases, fabric may be preferred over litter to maintain a cleaner cage. Make sure the cage also prevents the animal from climbing along the bars in case of issues such as fractures.
Medicalized nutrition
Medicalized nutrition is essential in case of illness, recovery, or loss of appetite in degus. Available in powder form to mix with water, it provides complete and balanced nutrition to help your animal recover. It is advisable to always have such provisions at home, whether it’s Critical Care or an equivalent brand. Pipettes suitable for the degu’s size are also essential.
Medically specialized and convalescent nutrition and force-feeding in degus
Disinfectants
Disinfectants are indispensable for cleaning wounds, cages, and degu accessories. Opt for non-toxic disinfectants suitable for normal use, as well as a solution for mucous membranes. It is also important to have saline solutions for the eyes and ears, such as physiological saline.
First aid supplies
Your first aid kit should include cotton, gauze for disinfection, and physiological saline to clean the eyes if necessary. Additionally, it is recommended to include bandages and dressings, although their application on a degu may be challenging. Ensure you also have round-tipped scissors for cutting bandages, tweezers for removing splinters, and a tick remover for eliminating ticks. A hot water bottle can also be useful for warming the animal if necessary.
List of essential equipment
- Transport cage
- Quarantine cage
- Washable fabrics and fleeces
- Hot water bottle (washable or protected)
- Convalescent food 5ml oral syringes (pipettes)
- Disinfectant
- Disinfectant for mucous membranes
- Saline solution (for ears and eyes)
- Gauze
- Cotton and cotton swabs (for disinfecting or dabbing)
- Bandages and dressings
- Tick remover
- Tweezers
- Access to clean water (if necessary, bottled water)
- Flat bowls (for the degu to eat or drink without having to stand up)
- Toothbrush (for brushing the degu if necessary)
- Degu’s health record with regular weigh-ins
- Powdered kitten milk (if females are pregnant)
- Lubricant for prolapses in males
First aid medications
It is beneficial to have some medications at home, but never administer them without the advice of a veterinarian!
- Anti-inflammatory (meloxicam)
- Anti-diarrheal (Smecta, Fibreplex, etc.)
- Medications for stomach bloating (simethicone)
- Parasiticides and dewormers
Emergency contacts
Always keep the contact details of your treating veterinarian and those of an emergency veterinary clinic on hand. In some countries, it is possible to call your veterinarian to obtain the number of the on-call veterinarian in case of an emergency, even if the rates are surcharged.