jan
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Post by jan on Jan 9, 2015 13:40:00 GMT -8
Our girl Daisy has been acting very odd as of earlier today. She is quite lathargic with heavy, laboured breathing. Her eyes are only half-open. I'm thinking It could be a respiratory infection, a seizure or a stroke. Is there any way to narrow it down more?
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lizb
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Posts: 140
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Post by lizb on Jan 9, 2015 14:23:39 GMT -8
Is the vet an option?
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jan
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Posts: 12
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Post by jan on Jan 9, 2015 18:30:32 GMT -8
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We decided to take her to to vet late this afternoon. The doctor performed and exam and x-Rays were done. Daisy has fluid in her lungs and possibly abdomen. We are starting a 10-day regimen of antibiotics. Hopefully that clears it up the problem. If it turns out to be more serious, we will have her euthanized. She's old enough that it doesn't surprise me she's having health issues.
Her tank mate, Lilac, has been so sympathetic and supportive it's unbelievable. I've never seen behaviour like it before.
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Post by catnut on Jan 10, 2015 16:36:36 GMT -8
Good wishes to Daisy and hope the antibiotics help her and that Lilac is looking after her, some gerbils can be soo sweet when another isn't feeling well and it can help them feel better, I've seen it in some of my gerbils. Just try to get her to eat (hand feeding and if she can't drink, water by syringe)to keep up her strength.
Take care,
Tammy
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jan
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Posts: 12
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Post by jan on Jan 27, 2015 10:58:53 GMT -8
An update on Daisy:
The antibiotics worked very well - no more breathing problems! Unfortunately the mass in her abdomen is still there, and slowly growing. We dont know what it is, without getting a chest tap. For the time being, she is able to eat and drink like she normally did. She seems to spend a lot of time in their nest sleeping, and doesn't seem too interested in chewing. I can't imagine having to carry around that extra weight, as she's already a heft girl to begin with.
My question is: at what point can a person tell if a gerbil is suffering? I don't want to put her down and later regret the decision. We have had her for 2.5 years, and don't know what her actual age is.
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Post by betty on Jan 27, 2015 11:35:03 GMT -8
Unless there are really obvious signs of discomfort, injury, weight loss, etc - only you as the owner can decide when the time is right.
You see them every day and you will be the one who misses them when they are gone - so unless the vet advises otherwise, it will be your decision to make when you are ready. It's always sad though.
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