Poorly gerbil

[lozkins]

Hi,

I have joined the forum to see if anyone has had any similar experiences with their furry friends.

I had 3 gerbils from babies, but they were from the RSPCA and on reflection I'm fairly sure they will have been inbred.

One died after 2 years from suspected epileptic seizure, he went into trances, took him to the vet who said seizure, then he went rapidly downhill and died before I had chance to take him to be put down

The other two seemed fine, other than one had a scent gland tumour. Vet said it could be operated on but not really worth it as gerbil probably wouldn't survive and to leave him unless it got worse (it didn't, it remained small and he was fine).

A few weeks ago (gerbils now aged about 3), the third gerbil became ill. He was subdued and lifeless, one eye half closed with mucus on it, he was all puffed up and very unbalanced when I got him out.

When I put him back, the other gerbil started attacking him (he was always more dominant, but he was really going for him) so I separated them as the poorly gerbil just wasn't up to it. I took him to the vet who seemed to put it down to old age, but for me it was too quick to be that.

After a few days on his own he seemed to perk up a bit and started eating a few foods. When he was out he was running around again, albeit still unbalanced.

Before I had chance to reintroduce them, the other one went downhill in a very similar fashion! Lethargic, not wanting to move, puffed up and looking unwell. He then died overnight (which in honesty is what I thought would happen to the other one, I was amazed when he seemed to pull through).

So I'm now left with one gerbil, he is quite thin (but certainly eats) and is still just a little unsteady. He is also very jumpy. He was always the shy one, but he seems terrified when I go to pick him up. He'd always try to run away, but now he tries to leap out of my hands.

I don't know what is wrong with him or why he is so jumpy. He's ok when he is out, still runs around and is inquisitive. Seems quite quiet in his cage though, usually in bed and doesn't really chew anything anymore.

I have googled for the symptoms but can't really find anything the same. Has anyone got any ideas?

[helen88]

Hi I had a similar experience with one of my gerbils a few weeks ago. He became really lethargic and was very unbalanced. His head was tilted to one side as well slightly. I took him to the vet and he had a severe ear infection of the middle ear. He prescribed anti biotics which I had to give him everyday via syringe ... Wasn't easy. Unfortunately I had to take him back after the weeks course as he was no better and he was put to sleep and my vet said he would have been in pain. Hopefully you will have a better outcome but take him to the vet and get him checked out. Also make sure they check his ears if his balance is out! Maybe if u catch it quick enough u can sort it....good luck hope he feels better soon x

[ljoly]

I was going to say, it sounds like an ear infection, but could be anything from a genetic defect, to a stroke, to a brain/ear tumor. I am so sorry to hear about your gerbils. 3 years is fairly old so at least he lived a long life. Maybe try another vet? When my gerbil passed away in July, the other gerbil (who was the submissive one) became nervous, stopped eating, and slept a lot- so it may be that your little one is feeling sad and less confident without his buddies. I got my gerbil a new friend and he is doing much better, so getting your gerbil a new gerbil buddy may be something for you to consider. If you don't want more gerbils just make sure you give him lots of attention and treats. Hope the little guy is okay!