Diarrhea?

[francescabc]

I think Sadie Mae has diarrhea, but I'm not 100% certain. I'm not sure what the cross over from soft poop to diarrhea poop is. If it is diarrhea, what do I do?

[Philogirl]

There are a lot of posts about this, so you can scan through and see what the seasoned hedgie owners have to say.

But from what I know, if it doesn't hold shape, it's diarrhea. My hedgie was off and on for about a month when I switched his food. So if you gave your hedgie anything new in the past day or so, he could just be adjusting to the new food. If giving him just his normal food doesn't resolve itself within 24 hours, you need to see a vet. My hedgie has had 3 intestinal infections since Christmas and diarrhea for more than a couple of days can be very bad for hedgies. Make sure that yours is drinking and try to syringe some water into him if he isn't. Small animals can get dehydrated very quickly and it can be fatal.

[francescabc]

I got a vet appointment for tomorrow since it's been about two days. Hopefully she'll be okay. I'm thinking it might be due to a change in water from the breeder's place to mine? I haven't fed her anything different.

[Nancy]

Is it on her wheel or in her bedding. If on the wheel it could very well be poop mixing with urine.

How often is it happening? If frequently, they can dehydrate very quickly. Pinch her skin and hold it for a few seconds then let go. If it pops right back to normal she is fine, if it stays pinched, she is dehydrated and needs fluids asap.

You can give her a bit of unseasoned canned pumpkin which will help firm up the poop. :)

[francescabc]

it's not on her wheel, and she does it all the time. that's why I'm so concerned. I will try that pumpkin idea though

[francescabc]

I gave her some of the pumpkin and she seemed to really like it. She's been drinking normally, but probably not enough to compensate for what she's putting out. I'll try syringing her some water if it gets worse overnight.

[francescabc]

Oh I forgot to mention, there was an awfully adorable moment when I was feeding her the pumpkin. She got this little blob of it on the tip of her nose and it was just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. My room mate ran to get the camera, but right when she came back Sadie tucked her head down and the pumpkin fell off. I wish I had that picture to show you guys!

[francescabc]

Went to the vet and it went pretty well. They think she needs a bit more food like veg and fruit and maybe some egg. So it's not a big crazy infection like I thought it might be:D

Sadie was very good at the vet. She hardly spiked at all! She did get a bit motion sick again in her carrier on the walk home though :|