Worried about Jocci.

lady jocardi · 12-23-2015, 03:41 PM

I am worried about my lady Jocardi. She is 18 months now and although she is still a sweet natured gal who enjoys cuddles, she is very lazy and lethargic of late. Some evenings she simply won't get out of her nest...I get so worried about her. When she is out she shows no interest in playing although on active times she still likes 10 min in her ball...but usually only 2 or 3 times a week. Also, she is breathing quite rapidly and is a little shaky when she stands still...but don't notice it when she's running about She is eating ok and drinking. Obviously, I shall take her to the vets.....just wondering if I should be prepared for bad news. She's so loved xxx

cypher · 12-23-2015, 11:40 PM

Some of the slowing down & sleeping more could be due to the time of year & her age, although not old she is getting older now & may begin to slow down just for that reason alone.
The breathing & shakiness does sound as though something else may be going on though so I think you're right to take her to the vet for a check, hopefully it's nothing too much to worry about, keep us posted.

lady jocardi · 12-27-2015, 04:02 PM

She's no better. She's barely coming out of bed...but is eating and drinking well when she does. The vets doesn't reopen until tuesday. My heart is breaking right now x

Pebbles82 · 12-27-2015, 04:53 PM

I'm so sorry. I agree it could be the cold partly. Charlie hardly comes out at all. I've started leaving a heater on all night and now he's out and about a bit more and clearly approves! Definitely keep her warm (I'm sure you do) as if there is something else going on, getting cold will make it harder for her to fight off any infection. Hope the vet can help her with something. Fingers crossed for you x

lady jocardi · 12-27-2015, 05:08 PM

Thank you for your kind word. Mostly ...I suppose I just want to hear she's not in any discomfort. I've read so much it could be.. ..none of which sound good....but...I'm trying to be positive through my tears xx

cypher · 12-27-2015, 11:16 PM

So sorry, it's really hard having to wait for the vets to open again after the break, really hope she's going to be ok until then, fingers crossed for you both.

lady jocardi · 12-29-2015, 08:54 AM

Just got back from the vets with Jocardi. The good news is she is home and the vet says her heart and lungs sound perfectly healthy. But....sadly...There is bad news. The vet came to the same conclusion I had feared.....that she has a neurological problem she can not detect for certain, possibly a tumour. She also said, although she is slowing down she looks very alert and bright. So....The vet felt, at present we should see how she goes....We have painkillers and hopefully that will help if she is uncomfortable. Also...of course the decision now lies with us how long we allow our loved little girl to carry on if nature is not being kind to her. She's gone back to bed now.....I hope she knows how much we love her. XX

racinghamster · 12-29-2015, 09:04 AM

It`s always nice to get an opinion from a vet even if you don`t come away with all positive news. The best things to do now are making sure she`s well, comfortable and her food is easy for her to eat and her water is in easy reach. All pretty obvious! She will know the layout of her cage anyway so making sure the layout stays the same will help her a lot. Spot cleans, rather than full cage cleans also, although you may already practice that!

Well wishes to Jocci. x

lady jocardi · 12-29-2015, 09:08 AM

Thank you racinghamster. Much appreciated xx

cypher · 12-29-2015, 09:27 AM

I'm really sorry to hear this, I do hope she'll continue to be bright & alert for some time yet, all you can do is keep a close eye on her & keep her comfortable, I'm sure she does know how much she's loved.
I'm sure you'll know if a time comes when she's suffering & can't manage happily but try not to dwell on it now, enjoy the time you have together.