If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. This can become an issue over time. The face is the first affected area, before the legs and trunk. But they still need a certain level of care. The symptoms of a scent gland tumor include dryness and extra baldness on your gerbils stomach, flaky skin and loose powdery dust, redness and swelling, and small hard lumpy patches. They dont result in brain damage and have no other long-lasting effects. Whatever you do, though, do it quickly. If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. Remove the bedding in the cage. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, If a gerbil cant open its eyes, or its eyes are half shut all the time, it may mean your gerbil is ill. Gerbils close their eyes when they sleep.. Alternatively, switch it off for a few days. These heal and reappear over time if your gerbil doesnt stop. Larger or bad looking wounds require cures and even sutures. This drops to around 250 during lactation. To counter this infection, the nose will produce lots of mucus. . Other signs that something may be wrong include lethargy, weight loss, and changes in bathroom habits. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. . . Gerbil Diet. Your vet might choose to excise it. By Rebecca Perring. Remove your gerbil and separate it from other cage mates. General Board. Questions and Comments about the forums. If your gerbil bites or scratches you when you attempt to handle it, leave it be. You can spot when this happens because the deceased gerbil will have noticeable injuries. I'll have to get in touch with her. If your gerbils loud at night, you might find, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. Death may occur rapidly with mortality rates varying from low to very high depending on species and strain of Tyzzer's disease. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. Take your gerbil to the vet to get specific instructions on treatment if you suspect your gerbil has a parasite. Gerbils from Asia rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague in Europe, a study suggests. If you think your gerbil is dying, there are some things you can do to try and save them. So, when they grow old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until the very end. Provide an extra layer of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth. Sham-operated gerbils without artery occlusion had the same diet as Sham-control. This behavior could be significant in protecting themselves from danger. Lastly, some people may not know how to save a dying gerbil. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your gerbil might develop a scent gland tumor. This article has been viewed 106,652 times. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! A veterinarian can check for signs of life and determine whether your gerbil is in a state of hibernation. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. The significance of recognizing the indicators of a sick gerbil cannot be overstated. Its easy to mistreat a gerbil unintentionally. This can be caused by several factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, smoke or fumes, or a dusty environment. But the main dangers in captivity that might lead to a short lifespan are improper care and a bad diet. One of the first things you should do if you think your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life. The heart can be under strain long before this, though, which has slightly different symptoms to what we understand as a heart attack.. So, when they grow old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until the very end. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Early detection and treatment are usually essential for a successful outcome when treating a sick gerbil. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Some conditions cant be cured at all, such as strokes. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Another fear with gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is alive or dead. In more severe cases, your gerbil may be entirely paralyzed. Other gerbils may grieve the loss. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. . Keep reading to learn tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to determine if your gerbils behavior is normal. A gerbil may have a seizure if its critically ill with some other condition. If you think your gerbil may be dead, check for signs of life such as movement, breathing, or a heartbeat. Therefore its critical to get your gerbil to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Replace the bedding and place your gerbils back in the enclosure. Euthanizing your gerbil will help to prevent it from suffering any further. Because your gerbil continually rubs its belly on things, it can become inflamed. Their genetics arent as healthy as they could be or as their wild counterparts. So, you might be wondering whether its safe to feed gerbils apple. Signs of broken limbs are distorted legs, limping, unwillingness to move, and pained vocalisations. There may be a reason why your gerbil has died. Even if a gerbil survives every health issue that comes its way, it wont grow that old. Gerbils live in groups and are susceptible to health issues that are easily passed on. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. The best time to do this is when youre reading a book or magazine and have time to spend with your pet. This is an unfortunately common circumstance that owners find themselves in. If your gerbil dies suddenly, you will have to dispose of it. Because gerbils are such active animals, they need a lot of sleep to compensate for this physical exertion. Their body size is typically 110-135 mm (4 + 1 4 - 5 + 1 4 in), with a 95-120 mm (3 + 3 4 - 4 + 3 4 in) tail, and body weight 60-130 g (2- 4 + 1 2 oz), with adult males larger than females. Gerbils are prone to circulatory system issues because their hearts work hard. If you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils passing, then you cant tell what killed it. lesions on the tail: the tail of gerbils is quite delicate and their skin comes off very easily. . If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. They occur in both people and gerbils (as well as other animals). Respiratory problems: may be caused by allergies (especially to the substrate) or by infectious processes, whether contagious or opportunistic. Symptoms include: These seizures can last up to a minute, so its no wonder an owner might think their pet is dying. Gerbils are especially susceptible because of the structure of their brains. Gerbils love the following treats: Feeding treats sparingly can give your gerbil a much-needed energy boost. At first signs of these symptoms, it's important to start addressing them and trying to make your gerbil more comfortable. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The loud noises and bright lights of a house can also cause stress. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. The most common causes of death in gerbils are old age, heart failure, stroke, neglect, Tyzzer's disease, scent gland tumors, fighting, and respiratory infection. Keep in mind that a gerbil's mucus is red. You can spot these fights before they occur. Observe them carefully for signs of illness. A friend told me she did . Gerbils become like family members. This dermatitis can becomechronic, resulting in apoor prognosisfor your gerbil. However, in gerbils mortality of 80% or more of animals showing symptoms is common. He began making what looked like involuntary bodily movements (such as kicking his legs occasionally), and he displayed lack of mobility and closed eyes. The gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its injury. You may notice symptoms change. Sometimes, gerbils can enter a state of hibernation and appear quiet when just sleeping. This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. The symptoms include: Respiratory infections can be cured, as vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms. While it is rare, gerbils are capable of fighting to the death. If you spot a lot of dark brown material in your gerbil's fur, take a piece and put it on some white kitchen paper. This is because the composition of the inside of the eyeball naturally starts to break down. [2] It is the common disease of all rodents. "I found my gerbil stretched across her cage not moving, but breathing very slowly. During their waking hours, they are full of energy and can make a lot of noise. This is a problem because good care is key to good health. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Stroke mortality represents the third leading cause of death worldwide, after coronary artery disease and cancer. Lack of appetite is another common symptom. Thesalmonellosisistransmissible to humans. Off-Topic. Gerbils can die of shock, although not quite in the way that you might imagine. The treatmentconsists of local disinfection and antibiotic therapy. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Over time, your gerbils organs like its heart, kidneys, and liver will begin to fail. But in captivity, where an animal is cared for well by a person, it can easily reach old age. They will make loud squeaking noises at one another. A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. A clean cage with toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life. Wrobel did a study of the relationship between symptoms of grief . If your gerbil used to be very athletic and amusing but now appears sluggish and unwilling to move around much, its possible that it isnt feeling well. Provide extra bedding and a possible heat pad to remain warm when your gerbil isn't able to maintain its body temperature the way it used to. This can happen if the gerbil is held by the tail, if it is fought with another partner or if the tail is hooked with some element of the cage. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. A gerbil with diarrhea is easily dehydrated. They jump up and down frequently for various reasons. This means that if your gerbils are consistently dying with the symptoms described above, Tyzzers disease is the issue. Applesauce, sugar-free baby food, lukewarm cooked oatmeal, or mashed up soft cooked vegetables are good foods for your gerbil to eat. 12:58, Tue, Feb 24, 2015 . A gerbil with heat stroke is weak, dehydrated and can convulse and die. According to Physiology, when animals are petted, oxytocin is released in their brains. Chirping is the most common sound that gerbils make. Gerbil Memorial Board. In people, this structure is a connected circle shape. In gerbils, up to 85% of affected animals show rapid decline and death, typically within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Provide gerbil-safe medication if your pet is in pain. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. The animal is used in science and kept as a small . Look for fast growth. Your gerbil will lose control of its body and may collapse onto its side or back. Or, if another gerbil challenges the dominance of the alpha male or female, a fight will surely follow. Others can only be fixed by a vet, like a tumor on your pets scent gland. This allows it to get some rest. This usually . Any change in their behavior such as lethargy, weight loss, sudden aggressiveness, dirty hair or agitated breathing can be indicative that something is not right. gerbil is unresponsive when you pick it up, Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? You must talk to a vet to obtain the correct antibiotics. Ovarian cysts manifest the fastest out of all the possible causes of a bloated look in gerbils. Tyzzers disease is far more severe than that. Tularemia. Between three and five, your gerbil may die of old age at any point. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the first step is to contact a veterinarian. Mot gerbil owners who keep pairs and have lost one will have experienced this, but probably to a lesser degree. There are many, Theres nothing sadder than if your pet dies. Things like bird perches (for some gerbils), hide-outs, edible logs, chew sticks, and cleaned sticks from outside to climb on are all great toys. The fights become more fierce because of this. Unfortunately, this damages the skin irreparably and can cause tumors. But this may not be possible. Do not use sawdust or anything pine or cedar based. Treatment involves antibiotics and rest. If you observe any of these indicators in your pet gerbil, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. It must be borne in mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are zoonotic. If this is the case, they may not notice that their pet is bloated, inactive, or has a dull coat. You mustnt give your hopes up, though. They stop the gerbil from breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound. This is true if you compare gerbils to other pets. They will also do this to assess their safety or situation. The treatment consists of pruning each week if the cause comes from there. As a result, youll need to ensure that your gerbils kept at the right temperature and isnt at risk of getting too hot or cold. In the case of a poor diet, it will be necessary torebalance the diet. They are often malignant, especially in the male because it is often on his ventral gland. Consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. And during stress, a gerbils heart can beat 600 times per minute. Like people, these pets can experience many health issues. Chirping. The possible lethal mechanisms behind each . It plays a role in the appearance ofnasal dermatitis. The first time you see your gerbil have a grand mal seizure, its exceptionally worrying. Signs that your gerbils are fighting include loud squeaking and chasing. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to help a gerbil that has a stroke. This cant be done at home. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. As a result, its natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to prolong their gerbils life. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. Gerbils are very sensitive to temperature changes, and something as innocent as keeping your buddy's cage too near an AC vent can cause problems with your little pet. You can do this by: Once youve determined for sure that your gerbil has died, its time to say your goodbyes. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times. Of the 21 moribund gerbils, 17 were females while the majority of the surviving individuals were male (14 out of 19), yet all the surviving gerbils with no symptoms, were female. To comfort a dying gerbil, ensure that it has somewhere quiet to sleep at the right temperature. Where the blood vessel burst in the brain, the local brain tissue will be affected. Many owners take comfort in burying their pet gerbils in their back yard or another special resting spot where they can visit them often. Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. It has been demonstrated that in Mongolian gerbils, a unilateral hemispheric cerebral infarction can be produced following unilateral occlusion of the carotid artery because of the absence of connecting arteries between the basilar and carotid systems in these animals. can feel like a death sentence. Diarrhoea can be a sign of Tyzzer's Disease although other infections like E. coli and Listeria can have similar symptoms. Its body may also twist in an odd shape. If any of these indications appear in your pet gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian immediately. The disease is also often fatal even with great care, so earliest intervention is important. To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Similarly, to stop your gerbil from getting too warm, follow these steps: According to Popular Science, glass traps light and heat. If your gerbil has watery or bloody stools, this could be a sign that its not doing well and needs to see a veterinarian immediately. The bacteria that causes it, Clostridium piliforme, spreads through spores and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics. This doesnt help your pets health. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Unfortunately, because gerbils only have a short lifespan, theres not a lot you can do once their bodies start to shut down. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. Respiratory illness. Some of the more common health concerns are listed below. You have to go urgently to the veterinarian. In this article, well discuss the symptoms of a gerbil dying, what to do if your gerbil is dying, and how to save a dying gerbil. I have no experience of this in Mongolian Gerbils, however, I know that this is a very serious problem that some have . Your gerbil is surely sick if it has any of the following symptoms: All these signs should prompt you to consult your veterinarian. Should an infected animal recover, the spores of the . But gerbils can take you by surprise in that way, too. Thesalivationcan take over. In captivity, a defeated gerbil has nowhere to escape, forcing the fight to go on until death. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. List of the main diseases that affect gerbils. I have a rubber gerbil and cat ears! Externally, gerbils are quite ratlike. Seizures usually begin a gerbil when a gerbil is 2 to 3 months old. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them. The treatment willconsist of cleaning the cage, changing the litter and putting a less irritating one. The tumors must be removed surgically, today there are many clinics prepared for it. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. The two fighting gerbils will stand facing each other, perhaps pressing noses.
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