If you suspect your gerbil has a wound, change the bedding to towels to prevent infection. Arrange to take your gerbil to the vet as soon as possible for antibiotics. If you are not able to get to your vet within 24 hours, clean the wound with salt water or diluted Hibiscrub to reduce the risk of infection.
How quickly do gerbils heal?
Fractures generally heal quickly in gerbils. With appropriate care, a lot of progress can be made within 7-10 days of initial treatment . You will need to place your gerbil in a small cage or enclosure to limit its movement so that healing can progress quickly.
Can gerbils heal themselves?
If the gerbils scratch the sores, they will bleed. Sometimes these sores heal by themselves , but more often the infection gets worse. Your veterinarian can diagnose these infections. Treatment includes careful cleaning of the affected area and application of a prescribed antibiotic ointment.
How do I know if my gerbil is hurt?
- Behavior. If your gerbil is in pain, he may squeak or nip at you.
- Hiding. Like many animals, gerbils sometimes hide when they aren't feeling well. ...
- Runny Eyes/Nose. Gerbils produce mucus that has a reddish tint. ...
- Fur Loss. ...
- Lethargy. ...
- Diarrhea. ...
- Problems Eating. ...
- Temperature.
Why do gerbils bleed?
Male gerbils kept with other males are particularly prone to scent gland tumours which is caused by excessive marking of territory. It usually starts off just looking like a pimple, and sometimes never develops beyond this stage, but sometimes it grows rapidly and starts to bleed.
Can you get diseases from gerbils?
There are disease concerns with both wild (rats, mice) and pet (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) rodents and rabbits. They can carry many diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella .
Why are gerbils eyes crusty?
Gerbils normally secrete a sticky, reddish- brown material from the corners of their eyes called porphyrins as part of their body chemistry and metabolism.
What happens if you drop a gerbil?
Shock: Shock can occur if a gerbil is dropped or even surprised; this can lead to convulsions . Usually, gerbils will recover naturally.
What causes head tilt in gerbils?
A tendency to go round in circles or hold its head in a tilted position suggest an inner ear problem. It could be an infection, so antibiotic treatment is a good precaution. However, the cause is more likely to be a small cyst-like growth in the ear . Once a gerbil has developed a head-tilt, it will never go away.
What does a sick gerbil look like?
Your gerbil, if infected, will not eat and will appear lethargic , possibly hiding more than usual. He or she may have a hunched over posture. He or she may lose weight and appear emaciated very quickly. When you pick up your sick gerbil, he or she may seem limp or tired.
How expensive is a gerbil?
A Mongolian gerbil, the commonest species available, usually costs between five and twenty dollars per animal . This varies depending on your source of pet.
What do you do if your gerbil has a tumor?
Your veterinarian will likely recommend surgical removal of the tumor because as it grows, it may become cancerous and spread to other locations in the body. Early removal of tumors or cancers allows for the best outcome with the least chance of complications and recurrence.
What do I do if my gerbils nose is bleeding?
Your veterinarian will begin by cleaning the porphyrin deposits and irritated parts of the face and applying topical medications to encourage healing. If your gerbil has scratched to the point that there are lesions, further treatment will be necessary.
Do Vets treat gerbils?
Veterinary Care
Make sure your veterinarian has experience in treating gerbils . Your veterinarian will examine your gerbil, record its weight, and discuss housing, proper diet, and appropriate toys. A fecal sample should also be examined for parasites. ... Older gerbils should be checked by a veterinarian twice a year.
What bedding do you use for gerbils?
Carefresh or cardboard shavings – This is soft, cozy bedding that is great for tunnelling. It's digestible, and gerbils can't get tangled up in it. Shredded paper – A long as the paper is ink- and dye-free, shredded paper can be a good choice of bedding, and has the benefit of being cheap too.
