Sick Degu

Question
Hi Carol
I took my Degu (Dusty)to the vet as you suggested, and they could see a small red area in his mouth by his molars. Could be the tip of something bigger, however they thought it didn't look too bad, jsut a reddened area, not oozing. They've prescribed Chlor-palm antibiotics, which I am to mix in the water, as this degu does not like being held.  That has now created a huge problem for me. He won't drink the water and won't eat. I took him to another vet the next day (as first vet not in Friday) and they figured out a mouth doseage for me and my husband to give him. It's a terrible struggle for the degu and I feel awful, but the huge problem is that it's not drinking from a bowl or now two water bottles I've supplied. I've tried adding Ribena, apple juice, (as the only thing it's still eating is pretty much slices of apple) He won't drink, he's dehydrated, his very few poos are like hard little pebbles. He's still running in his wheel and he doesn't present as ill, but I don't know what to do next. He had lost 10 grams in 2 weeks, but as of last night he was back up about 4 grams. I've put all sorts of fruit in there for him (as the vet suggested) but he's not really intersted in that. I've given him a few of my hamster's corn based pellets and he's eaten some of those. There's fresh hay and meadow grass, he won't touch it. He'll eat dehydrated peas which are very hard, so I don't think it's a pain problem keeping him from chewing. Help! I feel like I'm watching him slip away. Thanks for your time.

Answer
You don't say where you live, but many vets don't know much about degus.  I would be VERY suspicious of a vet who recommends giving your goo fruit.  They should not have it, as it is high in sugar and will cause even more health problems.  Same goes for juice.  Try lettuce, juicing carrots (but not store bought carrot juice which is mostly apple juice), celery tops, and other high water content veggies.  Have you tried frozen peas that are thawed?  They're really moist too.  

I know how you feel...sometimes no matter what you do it's just their time to die.  I wish you the best.