How to Know if a Pet Wallaroo Is Ill

Wallaroos are subject to many of the same illnesses as more typical domestic animals, with parasites and pneumonia being the largest problems. It's helpful to have a checklist to determine whether you have an ill pet wallaroo or whether your wallaroo is stressed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand the diseases and health problems wallaroos are prone to, including parasites like roundworms and tapeworms, ringworm, necrobacillosis (Lumpy-jaw), coccidiosis and pneumonia. Read a comprehensive macropod book like David McCauley's "Macropods, Their Care, Breeding, and the Rearing of Their Young" to help you identify health problems.

2. Correct environmental stressors if your wallaroo is acting differently. Wallaroos are sensitive animals and may have sudden changes in overall behavior if their environment stresses them in some way. Changes in weather, a higher or lower level of interaction with people than usual, new animals or people in the household, and harassment by children or dogs are common environmental stressors.

3. Monitor your wallaroo for changes in activity level. If your formerly active wallaroo becomes lethargic, or your easygoing wallaroo becomes hyperactive without any changes in the environment, the wallaroo may be ill. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

4. Watch for changes in eating habits. A wallaroo that is eating more food but loosing weight may have a parasite. A wallaroo who goes off her feed may have a fever or another health condition.

5. Check for soft stools. They could indicate a reaction to something your wallaroo shouldn't have eaten, or they could indicate coccidiosis, especially if the stools are watery or contain blood or mucus. If soft stools continue for more than a day, your wallaroo needs medical attention.

6. Be aware of any eye or nasal discharge. Discharge may indicate respiratory problems and can be a sign of pneumonia. If discharge is not accompanied by other symptoms, your wallaroo is probably not ill.

7. Examine the quality of your wallaroo's fur. Thin or rough fur can indicate nutritional problems or may be an early sign of necrobacillosis. Have your veterinarian examine your wallaroo's nutrition, and ask the vet about the possibility of necrobacillosis.

8. Prevent illness by getting your pet wallaroo's regular checkups done by a veterinarian who understands the medical needs of a wallaroo.

Tips & Warnings

• Wallaroos are sensitive to a number of antibiotics, and some can cause permanent harm. Be sure your veterinarian understands this and has researched appropriate antibiotics for your wallaroo.