Gerbil lost 1 tooth

[amzpinkchick]

I took my gerbil to the vet today because I noticed she wasn't able to eat. He took her into another room to clip her teeth and when he came back he told me when he clipped her top teeth one just fell out :/ When I got home and had a good look at her teeth he's cut the bottom ones really short and left her top one long, and she still cannot eat. I'm really worried because she's somewhat of the runt and is quite small, can she eat with her teeth like this? How long until it grows back? And what soft foods can I give her? Should probably note she's only had them done like 3 hours ago.. so will she be able to eat later today?

Sorry for all the questions, just in panic mode at the moment! I don't want her to starve

Kind regards Amy

[qtoffer]

I've had two gerbils lose teeth. They take about 2 weeks to grow back completely. She should be able to function with three teeth, but her mouth may be sore from the clipping and/or the broken tooth for a day or two. In addition to her regular food, try offering soft whole grain bread, yogurt, rolled oats, and shelled pumpkin and sunflower seeds. If she's having trouble with these, you can soak the bread, oats, and whole grain cheerios in milk to soften them. If she's still not eating well after a few days, bring her back to the vet.

[amzpinkchick]

Thank you, she's still not eating and I've tried a few of the foods you suggested. I think the vet has left her top tooth way to long, and it looks like it's really bothering her. I will not be taking her to that vets again :/ Think I may have found one that specialise's in small animals so I'll be taking her there if she doesnt get better in two days. Thanks for the advice.
Kind regards Amy.

[amzpinkchick]

I took squeak to the vet today as she was getting very weak and still not able to eat. The vet was pretty horrified at the state the other vet had left her in and found her remaining top tooth was really loose and causing her a lot of pain. He tried to trim it because it was way to long and it just fell out. He's give me pain medication for her and told me to feed her some baby food via a syringe.
The only problem I face now is getting that food in her! She haaaaates it, and I can't seem to hold her still enough for fear of hurting her. Any good ways to give meds/food orally?

[qtoffer]

Try mixing equal amounts of a sweet baby food like banana or pear with the less palatable meat-based baby food. You could also try mixing in some maple syrup or honey - start with 1/4 teaspoon per 1/4 cup baby food. If the food is tasty enough, you won't even have to hold her - she will grab onto that syringe and lick the food as it's pushed out. You could also try mixing in one tablespoon of sweetened berry yogurt per 1/4 cup baby food.

[catnut]

vets sell a food for sick gerbils called critical care,it's expensive but it may help squeak eat, you can call to make sure they have it or else just try anything you know she likes and what qtoffer suggested. even mushy apple, if she likes apple.