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Post by kelly31712 on Apr 10, 2015 17:55:50 GMT -8
hi so im kind of new to forums but two or three days ago i recently noticed that my gerbil is missing a bit of fur on the top section of his nose and is slightly red and has a scab on it. i researched and learned about the chemical that they produce that causes their mucus to appear a reddish color, and what could have caused it, like allergies etc. Except, I've had these two little guys for a little over a month and I've changed nothing in their habitat. I use carefresh and the same two houses and toys i had when i got them. The only thing is that i did just get a new cage topper and an aquarium to move them into, and i did move them into it a few days ago. i read that sudden environmental changes like this could be the cause of it, but i find it odd that only one of them is having this right now. He is acting completely normal except the fact i have been seeing him groom his face more than often. i just need some opinions. thanks so much!also, how can i add pictures of him on here to show what it looks like?
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Post by johanne on Apr 11, 2015 15:49:49 GMT -8
Red nose is a fairly common issue in gerbils. Many factors go into whether or not a particular gerbil gets it. There is a theory that they can develop an allergy at any time in their lives and which gerbils do depends a lot on their individual immune systems. It might also be a sign of stress, and different gerbils will be stressed to different degrees. It would be very unusual for every gerbil in a group to get red nose at the same time. Sometimes it will go away if you change to a different type of bedding.
I found a solution a couple years ago that's a bit unusual but it has been 100% effective for quite a few gerbils. I just put in a good sized container or jar of sand in with them and leave it there. Clean it up periodically and change it as needed. But I have never seen a red nose reappear on any of our gerbils after doing this. Some had cleared up temporarily before if I changed to a different kind of bedding but the red nose would sometimes come back later. If they have the sand it doesn't seem to matter what kind of bedding they have.
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Post by vexorg on Apr 12, 2015 2:24:25 GMT -8
Picture would help
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Post by kelly31712 on Apr 12, 2015 17:00:34 GMT -8
alright thank you for your insight! as of now he seems to be getting a bit better, a tiny bit of fur is growing back slowly but surely. i will probably try the sand substrate if that seems to neutralize the problem. what type of sand did you use? aquarium sand? here are two pictures of his nose two days ago link 1
link 2
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Post by benster on Apr 15, 2015 7:31:36 GMT -8
Hows the nose now??? Any better?
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alleyj
Member
Ever tried WARE Willow Branch balls? Gerbil crack!
Posts: 73
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Post by alleyj on May 4, 2015 19:09:02 GMT -8
Maisy had the EXACT same problem. Get them off care fresh, they're probably allergic. No idea why. I changed mine to kaytee clean and cosy. Oxbow bedding works fine too. Get some terramycin cream - you can buy them off eBay, I got mine from a friend who's a vet tech. Smear a little on the red patch once a day and in a few days your peanut will be fine!
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