large swollen belly

[Deleted]

One of our gerbils has a very swollen belly. We think it has happened over the past week or so, today was the first day that we noticed it.

I'm hoping to take him to the vet tomorrow. In the meantime, I'm wondering if the swelling looks familiar to anyone. The size of the swelling is slightly bigger than a nickel I think.





thanks

[betty]

I'm no expert, but if it has come up that fast it is most likely fluid filled and in the top image it looks separate the his main body so to speak - like a fluid filled sack. I've not seen anyone share pictures of a lump like that over the past few years - but not to say someone else had this and just didn't post images.

I would hope for an abscess as they are easy to treat, but it could be a number of unusual things really including intestinal hernia or tumour of course as it is where the scent gland should be, but most scent gland tumours are focused on growths on the gland itself? I can't see his scent gland in the image is it visibly different?

I will be interested to hear what the vet says, poor little mite... But if your local vet isn't a small animal specialist they might offer different treatments to a vet who is - as this will be based on their own skills, so ask lots of questions at the appointment before making any decisions.

[Deleted]

The vet wasn't sure exactly what it was. She thought that maybe it was tumour, but that she'd have to do a biopsy to be sure. We both agreed that the gerbil was active and didn't seem distressed.

After about a week the swelling had pretty much disappeared but there was a small lump by the scent gland. I believe it is infected. Both of our gerbils are about 3 years old, so we're watching to see if he gets uncomfortable at which time we'll put him to sleep. So sad, I love these little guys.

[betty]

How very strange.

Good news that it all drained away though so the poor little mite didn't have to carry it around for too long.