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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/20/2011 1:33:54 PM
Posts: 10,
Visits: 16
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| Gerbils don't easily get sick, they are pretty sturdy critters. But when they do, knowing what might be wrong could mean life or death for your little gerbie. Emergency Symptoms= [If u notice ANY of these symptoms, take him or her to the vet immediately, don't wait to see what happens or it could be to late.] Appears to be in pain when handled, bleeding, cold, listless to the touch, constipation, diarrhea,paralysis,protruding or broken bone, rapid or labored breathing, refusing to eat or drink, sitting hunched, reluctant to move, weepy crusty eyes, or weight loss. RESPIRATORY AILMENTS= Affected animals tend to be lethargic, if you hold your gerbil up to your ear and you can hear a clicking noise, thats the mucus clogging his nasal passages as he breaths. Take the affected gerbil and his cagemate[s] to the vet immediately to see if they need to be treated. SORE NOSE = One of the most common gerbil illnesses. This happens when a gerbils hair on muzzle and nose loose all the hair on it, mostly from self-inflicted trauma, like rubbing his nose on wire cage bars or the type of bedding that you use. One other reason is the Harderian Gland. If the gland becomes infected by bacteria, the oils the the gland [ the bald spot on your gerbil tummy] irritate the skin which can lead to the gerbil scratching his nose, thus losing hair and causing irritation. I have learned that if this happens you can apply 1/4 tea tree oil to 3/4 oilve oil on your gerbils nose, and it will help heal the nose. Also giving Chinchilla dust daily can help keep it clean. TYZZER'S DISEASE= This is a HIGHLY contagious disease that is caused by bacteria. This is usually fatal if not treated early on. Symptoms include; Scruffy coat, lack of activity, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hunched posture, and dehydration. If you gerbil shows these signs, separate your gerbils and take them to the vet immediately. Lumps and Bumps= Check with your vet to see if the " bump" could be a tumor. KIDNEY DISEASE= Older gerbil commonly get this disease. Typical symptoms are weight loss, poor appetite, and lethargy. There is no cure for Kidney Disease, but you can prevent it by giving lot's of fresh water. As always, minimizing any stress is always helpful. STROKES= Strokes usually happen when you notice your gerbil is paralysied on one side of the body or all of the body. Also a persistent limp is common. If you gerbil doesn't recover soon, or will not eat or drink the kindest thing to do is take him to the vet and have him painlessly put to sleep. If you have any gerbil questions. Just post them and I will have an answer for you soon!
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/9/2013 4:30:04 PM
Posts: 14,
Visits: 13
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| I had a gerbil who died of an illness and I am still trying to figure out what illness. I think its cool that there is some one who knows and cares inuff to learn and post something to help other owners keep there animals healthy and what signs to watch out for!
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