Blue puget roadblock....

[Albert Clark]

After taking my pair of blue pugets out of a 3.5 month brumation 3 days ago my male breeder has presented with complications. He appeared to be suffering from various forms of posturing and twirling and also had a severe head tilt. He was okay out of brumation the first day crawling normally with no apparent issues. The next day was when i noticed this behavior and recognized it as possible thiamine deficiency called the vet and went in asap. My suspicion was confirmed by the vet and the poor guy was given a thiamine injection and we were sent home with two more injections to be administered 3 days apart. His prognosis is suspect and right now he still has some neurological issues. Crawling sideways, backwards, and also he still seems to have a slight head tilt. Totally unexpected and surprised as he was on a rodent / smelt diet during his quarantine and prior to being conditioned for brumation. I will update his progress going forward. I believe this post should be in the "urgent care" section but since this was a favored breeding project i thought it would be appropriate to place it here. If you care to move it , that's fine.

[guidofatherof5]

Keep us posted on this situation. How did the Vet. diagnose Thiaminase deficiency?

[Albert Clark]

Firstly it was history of present illness, physical exam and blood panel. The real sad part is there is a possibility of blindness in his case as it probably existed prior to brumation as per the doctor but bc of the cooling temps it didn't manifest until the temps were increased. The exotic vets at the centers for avian and exotics are the best..

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for the info.

[Albert Clark]

Thanks for the info.

Sure. He is showing signs of improvement by righting himself at times and not crawling backwards anymore. The twirling and head tilt are still present. The next week to 10 days will be telling. The female is fine and looks very healthy. I will get some pics up tomorrow of both of them. My other projects all look promising. He is due for injection #2 on Tuesday, fingers crossed. Thanks, I will update.

[Albert Clark]

This is his presentation tonight. Going forward will be tough....image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgTime will tell...

[BLUESIRTALIS]

I hate to hear this albert!

[Albert Clark]

I hate to hear this albert!

Thanks Shawn! I hate to see it, can you imagine? He does seem better today with his pace quickening up as he was prior. Always had the super speed initially so i've seen a improvement there. Offered food (pinky) but he wouldn't take it. Doctor said she expected that but it would be wise to tube feed the "Carnivore Care" starting tonight with vitamin B complex 1ml .
He still twirls and has the head tilt but is definitely crawling in a forward rectilinear motion. Keeping the female in the tub with him as a tactile stimulant. Fingers and toes crossed moving forward.

[sirtalis01]

This really sux Al...hope he gets better..

[Albert Clark]

This really sux Al...hope he gets better..

. Yep. Thanks for the support J. It's been a hard pill to swallow for sure. Totally unexpected and acute. One day after being brought out of brumation was the start of it. At least he was treated immediately so the best chance at recovery was given. I really don't get it. Sad, really sad.