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* Hair falls out in large quantities, large areas of baldness, patchy fur coverage
Allopaetia, Stress, Allergy, External parasites: Allopaetia- not common in degus but can occur due to a poor diet or lack of iron in the diet. Can be congenital and brought on by stress. May be a thyroid problem. Stress- numerous causes, specific to each individual. Allergy- caused by exposure to an allergen specific to the degu. Could be a wide variety of allergenic substances such as disinfectant, sawdust, or dietary component.Parasites- usually mites or fungal ringworm affecting the skin. Often contracted through direct contact with infected degu/cage or transmitted from hay
Quarantine new degus before allowing contact. Treat hay that is brought from an open bale before feeding. Isolate infected degu. Determine source of allergen by process of elimination and remove from environment. Check degus diet and change if necessary. Do not breed from a degu with a history of allopaetia. Determine the source of stress and remove from the degus environment. Remember that fur shedding is perfectly normal during shedding season, but your degu should never appear bald
* Dull, dry coat, fur matted and sticking up in places. Coat appears greasy, may be smelly.
Nutritive deficiency, Obesity, Dental fracture/malocclusion: Various causes depending on circumstance. Degu may be unable to groom themselves properly due to mechanical issues, or diet is inadequate. May also be caused by lack of dust bath access.
Always provide regular access to a dustbath, at least twice a week. Always check to make sure your degu is able to groom themselves properly and look for any other signs of illness.
