Gerbil is Not Eating

[andrea]

Hey guys,

I have had my two male gerbils for almost 4 years now. Ever since I got them, Ezio was the dominant and it always seemed to work. However, last week, I noticed Ezio's eye was completely crusted shut. A couple of days ago, I was able to open it and clean it up and it seems to stay open this time... However he has lost a lot of weight. A lot of weight, very quickly... He's bony, and he isn't eating. I gave him a spinach leaf and some kale and he did eat some of it. My other gerbil, Cesare, however, is incredibly fat - he was usually the smaller of the two, and now he's pretty big. So, I guess it's safe to assume that he's taken dominance, probably attacked Ezio... I've separated their cages for now, however I'm far more concerned about getting Ezio to eat. I've already purchased vitamins to put in their water and food but none of that will help if he doesn't eat. I'm considering buying a syringe and somehow forcing him to eat (no idea what I would feed him though).

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? The closest vet that can take care of gerbils actually isn't very close, and the exotic pet vet is not in every day. Thank you!

[gerbillover9612]

Im sorry to hear that he is not eating ive never had a gerbil with this situation but he maybe have overgrown teeth which is causin pain when he eats however it is fairly noticeable to see over grown teeth. Another suggestion would be too soak some of his food like the crunchy food such as oxbow essentials and the 'biscuity type' food and soaking it it water and seeing if he'll eat that, if not then try syringe feeing a little amount of giving him a little bit of peanut butter to give him abit of energy until someone comes up with some better ideas. Sorry i cant help much hope he gets better <3 they both are at a very ripe ol' age. You've definitely taken care if them well <3 best of luck xxx

[crittercrazy]

Like gerbillover9312 said, check his teeth to see if they're overgrown.
Honestly, though, at four years old there may be little you can do. But if you can get to a vet that would probably be more effective, there's only so much advice we can give.
Also as said, I would try giving him some soft foods.
Good luck, hope your little guy is okay.

[andrea]

Thank you both for the suggestions. Soaking his food has helped a bit - his teeth are overgrown I think. I have set an appointment to take them both to the vet on Wednesday so I am hoping he makes it until then!

[gerbillover9612]

Your'e welcome aw, i hope he does too xx