Post by Shooting Star on Aug 4, 2007 10:08:03 GMT -8
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your gerbil may fall ill. These are by no means *all* of the illnesses that gerbils suffer from, so if you don't know what's wrong with your gerbil, your best bet is to go to your vet.
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Neurological Problems
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Seizures or Fits
(picture: web.archive.org/web/20160330235329/www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/images/fit.jpg )
Symptoms:
Episodes usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Seizures vary in intensity and duration, but can be grouped into two types.
Type 1: Mild
• gerbil lays low to the ground, ears back or twitching
• if picked up, the gerbil will be limp
Type 2: Severe
• violent convulsions
• rarely more than 30 seconds in duration
• typically followed by a long period of Type 1 seizure behavior
Causes:
Some gerbils are more prone to seizures, possibly because of a genetic predisposition. The seizures themselves are triggered by stress, due to handling, novel environments, etc.
At-Risk Groups:
Seizures are common in younger gerbils. Red-eyed gerbils tend to have shorter, less severe episodes.
Treatment:
Most seizures are harmless, and the gerbil will recover quickly. Simply put the gerbil back into its home, and place the tank in a quiet, dark area with minimal disturbances.
Rarely, the fits will be severe enough to cause serious harm. If the gerbil stays in a Type 1 seizure for an excessive length of time, Type 2 movements continue for over a minute, or there are repeated seizures without a recovery period between episodes, there is probably an underlying cause such as a brain tumor. There is little you can do aside from keeping the gerbil in a low-stress environment as much as possible.
The fits usually become less frequent as the gerbil ages; most gerbils grow out of the tendency towards them. It is unusual for adult gerbils to develop the tendency if they did not have fits when young.
Do not breed from seizure-prone gerbils. The tendency towards seizures can be passed on to offspring, though whether this is due to genetics or to environmental factors is unclear.
Further Information:
"Gerbil Care Handbook: Health Issues: Seizures." American Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20081008134621/http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/health.php#seizures
"Gerbil Health: Fits." Gerbil Information Page.
web.archive.org/web/20120817223528/http://gerbil.info/html/health.htm
"Seizures in Gerbils." By Julian Barker. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235325/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/seizures.htm
"Health - Seizures." Gerbil Science board.
gerbilforum.proboards.com/thread/6166/health-seizures
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Strokes
Symptoms:
A stroke is characterized by weakness or paralysis, typically on one side of the body more than the other.
Causes:
A stroke is what happens when brain tissue dies. There are two main causes of stroke.
In a haemorrhagic stroke, brain tissue is killed by excess bleeding in the brain, due to trauma or a burst blood vessel.
In an ischaemic stroke, brain tissue dies because it has been deprived of oxygen. Usually this is because a blood clot or cholesterol plaque is blocking an artery, preventing oxygen-rich blood from flowing to the brain.
At-Risk Groups:
Strokes are most common in older gerbils, but young gerbils with other health problems may experience them as well.
Treatment:
Keep the gerbil warm, and as comfortable as possible. Make sure it can eat and drink, until it has recovered enough to feed itself.
In some cases, the gerbil will go through a series of repeated strokes, and ultimately die. In others, the gerbil can make a full recovery.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Strokes." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Strokes
"Gerbil Care Handbook: Health Issues: Strokes." American Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20080514052214/http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/health.php#stroke
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Ears, Nose, and Throat (and Mouth!)
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Earaches and Head-Tilts: Aural Cholesteatoma
Symptoms:
The gerbil holds his head at an unusual angle, and his balance may be off.
Causes:
An aural cholesteatoma is a cyst in the middle ear, most common in elderly gerbils. Poor Eustachian tube function, resulting from allergies or respiratory infection, may cause these cysts to form. The cyst’s growth can harm the eardrum and bones of the middle ear, and often causes chronic secondary infections.
At-Risk Groups:
Cholesteatomata are more common in elderly gerbils.
Treatment:
A chronic secondary infection can be treated with an anti-inflammatory injection from your vet, followed by a course of antibiotics. Often, a reduced head tilt will remain after treatment; the gerbil will quickly adapt to this.
Unfortunately, the cyst itself is often untreatable, so the chronic phase may reoccur.
“Ailments: Inner Ear Problems” By Jackie Roswell. web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Infections
“Neoplasia in gerbils.” By Eddie Cope.
www.egerbil.com/neoplasia.html
"Health - Tumors." Gerbil Science board.
gerbilforum.proboards.com/thread/6167/health-tumors
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Nasal Dermatitis (Sore Nose)
Symptoms:
The gerbil’s nose looks red and sore, and there is usually hair loss on the irritated area. The nose may look bloody due to the gerbil’s reddish mucus.
Causes:
Sore noses are fairly common, and are most often caused by an allergic reaction to the gerbil’s bedding.
Gerbils kept in cages often get sore noses from constantly chewing at the bars. The repetitive action rubs the fur off the gerbil’s nose and irritates the skin beneath.
Sore noses can also be caused by Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria which causes sore throats in human hosts.
At-Risk Groups:
Gerbils that are kept in barred cages are more likely to develop sore noses.
Treatment:
If the affected gerbil lives in a cage, switch to a tank. If you are using wood shavings, switch to corncob or a paper based bedding such as Carefresh or Megazorb.
If the irritation persists, or a secondary infection sets in, go to your vet. They will probably prescribe a topical antibiotic to be applied to the affected area.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Sore Noses." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Sore
American Gerbil Society website > Care > Red nose.
www.agsgerbils.org/gerbilpedia/items/Red-Nose
"Gerbil Health: Sore or Red Nose." Gerbil Information Page.
web.archive.org/web/20121101000600/http://gerbil.info/html/health.htm
Bresnahan JF et al. 1983. Nasal dermatitis in the Mongolian gerbil. Laboratory Animal Science 33:258-263.
europepmc.org/article/med/6876731
Farrar PL et al. 1988. Experimental nasal dermatitis in the Mongolian gerbil: effect of bilateral harderian gland adenectomy on development of facial lesions. Laboratory Animal Science 38:72-76.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3367626/
Thiessen DD , Pendergrass M. 1982. Harderian gland involvement in facial lesions in the Mongolian gerbil. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 181:1375-1377.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7174464/
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Respiratory Infection (R.I.)
Symptoms:
Sick gerbils are lethargic, with a rumpled coat and labored breathing. There is a characteristic “clicking” sound as the gerbil breathes, caused by fluid in the respiratory tract.
Causes:
There are several agents which can cause a respiratory infection: viruses, bacteria, and environmental irritants (the most common being bedding dust).
At-Risk Groups:
The gerbils most susceptible to respiratory infections are the young, the elderly, and those under stress.
Treatment:
If your gerbil has a respiratory infection, your vet can prescribe the correct dosage of antibiotics. Enrofloxacin (Baytril), Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and Tetracycline derivatives like Chlortetracycline (Panmycin, Ornacycline) and Oxytetracycline (Terramycin), are the most commonly prescribed medications. As always, carefully follow any and all instructions, and complete the full course of antibiotics.
Chlortetracycline can be purchased over-the-counter, but use without a prescription is NOT recommended. Dosages are difficult to calibrate, and dissolving tetracycline in the water bottle will not deliver antibiotics effectively. There is no way to regulate the timing or dosage of medicine. Tetracycline breaks down in sunlight, so medicated water will quickly become useless in a transparent water bottle. Tetracycline also becomes less effective when taken with food or milk replacer.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Respiratory Infections." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Respiratory
"Enrofloxacin / Baytril." By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide.
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/enrofloxacin_baytril.php
American Gerbil Society website > Respiratory Infection
www.agsgerbils.org/gerbilpedia/items/Respiratory-Infection
"Oxytetracycline." By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/oxytetracycline.php
"Tetracycline Hydrochloride" By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide.
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/tetracycline_hydrochloride.php
"Tetracyclines." By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/tetracyclines
"Trimethoprim Sulfa" By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/trimethoprim_sulfa.php
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Overgrown Teeth
Symptoms:
Rapid weight loss is usually the first sign of overgrown teeth, as the gerbil is unable to eat properly.
Causes:
• The teeth will become too long if the gerbil is not given adequate gnawing material.
• If one of the front teeth is broken, the opposite tooth can grow too long without the missing one to grind against.
• Elderly gerbils may not gnaw as much, causing their teeth to grow too long.
At-Risk Groups:
Overgrown teeth occur most often in older gerbils, which are no longer gnawing as frequently.
Treatment:
Like all rodents, gerbils’ teeth grow constantly, so it is important to provide safe gnawing material to keep teeth at a manageable length.
Check all gerbils’ teeth regularly, to catch any problems before they affect the gerbil’s ability to eat.
If their teeth do become too long, your vet will be able to trim them. Gerbils with misaligned teeth or a missing tooth may need to have their teeth trimmed regularly.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Overgrown Teeth." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Overgrown
"Gerbil Care Handbook: Health Issues: Overgrown Teeth." American Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20081008134621/http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/health.php#over
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Illnesses Affecting the Digestive Tract
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Diarrhea-Causing Illnesses
Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease!
Symptoms:
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, runny and/or discolored stools.
Additional symptoms such as lethargy, rumpled coat, weight loss, and refusing to eat or drink are probably signs of a bacterial or viral infection. Gerbils displaying these symptoms should be taken promptly to a vet for diagnosis.
Causes:
Diarrhea can be caused by too much wet food in the gerbil’s diet. This problem is easily solved by feeding less fruits and vegetables.
However, diarrhea is also a common symptom of more serious viral and bacterial infections, the most common being:
- Tyzzer’s Disease (see below)
- Salmonellosis
- E. coli infection
- Listeria infection
Tyzzer’s Disease does not affect humans, but Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are dangerous to humans and can be fatal to the young, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
At-Risk Groups:
Diarrhea is usually seen in pups that have just been weaned. They are no longer relying on the antibodies in their mother’s milk, so their immune systems are more vulnerable to attack from diarrhea-causing diseases like E. coli.
Treatment:
If diarrhea is the only symptom present, stop feeding wet food.
If the diarrhea does not clear up or gets worse, or other symptoms appear, take the affected gerbil(s) to a vet for proper diagnosis. He or she will probably prescribe oral antibiotics. As always, follow the vet’s instructions carefully, and complete the full course of antibiotics.
Isolate the “sick” tank(s) from the “healthy” tanks; if the sick gerbils are suffering from a contagious disease, it has probably already spread to their tankmates, so do not split up clanned gerbils. Thoroughly clean everything that comes into contact with a sick gerbil, including your hands. The infections that cause serious diarrhea are easily spread, so hygiene is key. Some, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria infections, can be passed on to humans as well.
Olson GA et al. 1977. Salmonellosis in a gerbil colony. J Am Vet Med Assoc 171:970-972.
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Tyzzer's Disease
Symptoms:
Symptoms include refusal to eat, lethargy, rough coat, weakness, and diarrhea. Affected animals do not always develop diarrhea.
The disease-causing agent produces a toxin that can cause widespread organ failure. Damage to the heart and nerves causes paralysis and loss of coordination.
In gerbils, up to 85% of affected animals show rapid decline and death, typically within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
Causes:
Tyzzer’s is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium piliforme. The various strains are usually species-specific (i.e. there is a mouse strain, a rat strain, etc.), but gerbils are vulnerable to several different strains.
C. pilforme spreads via spores in the feces of infected animals. Gerbils ingest the spores when grooming themselves after coming into contact with infected bedding. Individuals who survive the initial infection can continue to produce spores for up to two weeks, and the spores can survive in infected bedding for an unknown duration (over two years).
Rarely, individuals can carry the disease without apparent symptoms, but develop acute infection when under stress (due to overcrowding, change in environment, or additional disease).
At-Risk Groups:
It is most common in young pups, but can be contracted by gerbils of any age.
Tyzzer’s affects rats, mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs as well as gerbils. Mice and rats can carry the disease without symptoms, so a gerbil colony may catch Tyzzer’s from wild rodents if they come into contact with them.
Treatment:
If you suspect Tyzzer’s, take your gerbil to a vet immediately for diagnosis. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics; make sure to follow all instructions, and complete the full course of antibiotics. Even with treatment, death is common, but subcutaneous fluids and a heat source may provide time for the antibiotics to kick in. Treatment of exposed individuals before they develop symptoms may help prevent the infection from becoming life-threatening.
Antibiotics will treat the visible symptoms of Tyzzer’s, but they will not eliminate the contamination present in the colony. All exposed gerbils need to be kept isolated from outside animals, permanently. Do NOT bring any new gerbils into the colony, and do NOT allow any gerbils from the infected colony to leave.
After the initial outbreak, anything that may have come into contact with the spores should be sterilized if possible, and destroyed if not. To kill spores, they need to be kept at 80˚C for 30 minutes. Surfaces can be disinfected with a bleach treatment for 5 minutes.
Further Information:
"Some Notes on Tyzzer's Disease." By Julian Barker.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235316/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/tyzzers.htm
Carter GR et al. 1969. Natural Tyzzer's disease in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Lab Anim Care 19:648-651.
Koopman JP et al. 1980. An outbreak of Tyzzer's disease in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Z Versuchstierkd 22:336-341.
Port CD et al. 1970. Tyzzer's disease in the gerbil. Lab Anim Care 20:109-111.
Port CD et al. 1971. An ultrastructural study of Tyzzer's disease in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Lab Invest 25:81-87.
Waggie KS et al. 1984. Experimentally induced Tyzzer's disease in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Lab Anim Sci 34:53-57.
White DJ, Waldron MM. 1969. Naturally-occurring Tyzzer's disease in the gerbil. Vet Rec 85:111-114.
Yokomori K et al. 1989. Enterohepatitis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) inoculated perorally with Tyzzer's organism (Bacillus piliformis). Lab Anim Sci 39:16-20.
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Temperature Extremes
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Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke)
Symptoms:
As the gerbils are affected by the heat, they will lie stretched out to allow the most body heat to escape, often pushing bedding out of the way in order to rest directly against the cooler glass bottom. They may also begin panting.
In severe cases, the gerbils will be wet around the mouth, and may lose consciousness. If the gerbil’s temperature is not lowered soon, it will die.
Causes:
Even though gerbils are from a rather extreme climate, they avoid the worst temperatures by burrowing underground. The burrow temperature varies much less than the aboveground temperature. So although they are adapted to extreme temperatures, gerbils can suffer from heatstroke, particularly if they are left in direct sunlight and areas with poor ventilation.
Above 25˚C (77˚F), gerbils will become less active and lie spread out when at rest. Even if the temperature in most of your house is at a safe level, strong sunlight can make a room much hotter than the outside temperature, and a poorly ventilated room can develop pockets of higher temperature in the still air.
At-Risk Groups:
Gerbils whose tanks are in direct sunlight, in an outbuilding with no cooling system, or in a room with too little air circulation may be at risk of becoming overheated.
Prevention:
Make sure to keep tanks out of direct sunlight. A fan will help prevent pockets of warm air from developing in the hotter parts of the room. Since hot air rises, even moving tanks to a lower shelf or the floor can make a difference. When you know it will be warm, you can keep large rocks, tiles, or ceramic pieces in the freezer, then put them in the gerbils’ tanks so they can lie on them to cool off.
Treatment:
In mild cases, moving the tank to a cooler area, and providing a cool surface to lie on should do the trick.
In more severe cases, the most important thing to do is lower the gerbil’s body temperature as quickly as possible, or it will die. Do this by bathing the gerbil in cool, but not freezing, water. You also need to try to get the gerbil to drink some fluids. Again, not freezing cold; if the bath or fluids are too cold, the shock of the difference in temperature can kill the gerbil. You need to get the gerbil to a vet as soon as possible; if the gerbil is not strong enough to drink, he may need fluids injected subcutaneously.
Further Information:
"Heat Stroke and How to Avoid It." By Jackie Roswell.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235314/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/heatstroke.htm
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Hypothermia
Symptoms:
Affected gerbils will be cold to the touch, and usually huddled together with their tank-mates for warmth. A “torpid” gerbil will not respond when touched.
Causes:
A gerbil may develop hypothermia when exposed to very low temperatures for too long. The figure most often quoted as the lowest safe temperature is 10°C (50°F). Keep in mind, though, that a wet gerbil will rapidly lose heat regardless of the weather, without its fur for insulation.
At-Risk Groups:
Any gerbil left in a place exposed to severe low temperatures may develop hypothermia. Remember that warm air rises, so a basement or cellar will be colder than the upper floors of a house.
Prevention:
Keep temperatures in the gerbils’ area well above freezing, and ideally above 10°C (50°F). When it is cold out, give the gerbils plenty of nesting material to keep warm in.
Treatment:
A gerbil with hypothermia needs its body temperature gradually raised. You can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or even your own body heat to revive a torpid gerbil. Don’t give up if nothing seems to be happening; it can take an hour or more before the gerbil starts moving.
Once the gerbil is moving again, offer fluids, and make sure it is kept comfortable. It is also a good idea to take the affected gerbil(s) to a vet, to make sure they are okay.
Further Information:
"Heat Stroke and How to Avoid It." By Jackie Roswell.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235314/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/heatstroke.htm
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*** If you have a (good) picture of a gerbil suffering from one of the ailments that we don't have a picture for, please PM me (shootingstar), and I will edit it in. Thank you!
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Neurological Problems
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Seizures or Fits
(picture: web.archive.org/web/20160330235329/www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/images/fit.jpg )
Symptoms:
Episodes usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Seizures vary in intensity and duration, but can be grouped into two types.
Type 1: Mild
• gerbil lays low to the ground, ears back or twitching
• if picked up, the gerbil will be limp
Type 2: Severe
• violent convulsions
• rarely more than 30 seconds in duration
• typically followed by a long period of Type 1 seizure behavior
Causes:
Some gerbils are more prone to seizures, possibly because of a genetic predisposition. The seizures themselves are triggered by stress, due to handling, novel environments, etc.
At-Risk Groups:
Seizures are common in younger gerbils. Red-eyed gerbils tend to have shorter, less severe episodes.
Treatment:
Most seizures are harmless, and the gerbil will recover quickly. Simply put the gerbil back into its home, and place the tank in a quiet, dark area with minimal disturbances.
Rarely, the fits will be severe enough to cause serious harm. If the gerbil stays in a Type 1 seizure for an excessive length of time, Type 2 movements continue for over a minute, or there are repeated seizures without a recovery period between episodes, there is probably an underlying cause such as a brain tumor. There is little you can do aside from keeping the gerbil in a low-stress environment as much as possible.
The fits usually become less frequent as the gerbil ages; most gerbils grow out of the tendency towards them. It is unusual for adult gerbils to develop the tendency if they did not have fits when young.
Do not breed from seizure-prone gerbils. The tendency towards seizures can be passed on to offspring, though whether this is due to genetics or to environmental factors is unclear.
Further Information:
"Gerbil Care Handbook: Health Issues: Seizures." American Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20081008134621/http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/health.php#seizures
"Gerbil Health: Fits." Gerbil Information Page.
web.archive.org/web/20120817223528/http://gerbil.info/html/health.htm
"Seizures in Gerbils." By Julian Barker. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235325/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/seizures.htm
"Health - Seizures." Gerbil Science board.
gerbilforum.proboards.com/thread/6166/health-seizures
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Strokes
Symptoms:
A stroke is characterized by weakness or paralysis, typically on one side of the body more than the other.
Causes:
A stroke is what happens when brain tissue dies. There are two main causes of stroke.
In a haemorrhagic stroke, brain tissue is killed by excess bleeding in the brain, due to trauma or a burst blood vessel.
In an ischaemic stroke, brain tissue dies because it has been deprived of oxygen. Usually this is because a blood clot or cholesterol plaque is blocking an artery, preventing oxygen-rich blood from flowing to the brain.
At-Risk Groups:
Strokes are most common in older gerbils, but young gerbils with other health problems may experience them as well.
Treatment:
Keep the gerbil warm, and as comfortable as possible. Make sure it can eat and drink, until it has recovered enough to feed itself.
In some cases, the gerbil will go through a series of repeated strokes, and ultimately die. In others, the gerbil can make a full recovery.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Strokes." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Strokes
"Gerbil Care Handbook: Health Issues: Strokes." American Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20080514052214/http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/health.php#stroke
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Ears, Nose, and Throat (and Mouth!)
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Earaches and Head-Tilts: Aural Cholesteatoma
Symptoms:
The gerbil holds his head at an unusual angle, and his balance may be off.
Causes:
An aural cholesteatoma is a cyst in the middle ear, most common in elderly gerbils. Poor Eustachian tube function, resulting from allergies or respiratory infection, may cause these cysts to form. The cyst’s growth can harm the eardrum and bones of the middle ear, and often causes chronic secondary infections.
At-Risk Groups:
Cholesteatomata are more common in elderly gerbils.
Treatment:
A chronic secondary infection can be treated with an anti-inflammatory injection from your vet, followed by a course of antibiotics. Often, a reduced head tilt will remain after treatment; the gerbil will quickly adapt to this.
Unfortunately, the cyst itself is often untreatable, so the chronic phase may reoccur.
Further Information:
Aural Cholesteatomata by Pet MD www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/ears/c_ex_gb_aural_cholesteatoma
“Ailments: Inner Ear Problems” By Jackie Roswell. web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Infections
“Neoplasia in gerbils.” By Eddie Cope.
www.egerbil.com/neoplasia.html
"Health - Tumors." Gerbil Science board.
gerbilforum.proboards.com/thread/6167/health-tumors
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Nasal Dermatitis (Sore Nose)
Symptoms:
The gerbil’s nose looks red and sore, and there is usually hair loss on the irritated area. The nose may look bloody due to the gerbil’s reddish mucus.
Causes:
Sore noses are fairly common, and are most often caused by an allergic reaction to the gerbil’s bedding.
Gerbils kept in cages often get sore noses from constantly chewing at the bars. The repetitive action rubs the fur off the gerbil’s nose and irritates the skin beneath.
Sore noses can also be caused by Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria which causes sore throats in human hosts.
At-Risk Groups:
Gerbils that are kept in barred cages are more likely to develop sore noses.
Treatment:
If the affected gerbil lives in a cage, switch to a tank. If you are using wood shavings, switch to corncob or a paper based bedding such as Carefresh or Megazorb.
If the irritation persists, or a secondary infection sets in, go to your vet. They will probably prescribe a topical antibiotic to be applied to the affected area.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Sore Noses." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Sore
American Gerbil Society website > Care > Red nose.
www.agsgerbils.org/gerbilpedia/items/Red-Nose
"Gerbil Health: Sore or Red Nose." Gerbil Information Page.
web.archive.org/web/20121101000600/http://gerbil.info/html/health.htm
Bresnahan JF et al. 1983. Nasal dermatitis in the Mongolian gerbil. Laboratory Animal Science 33:258-263.
europepmc.org/article/med/6876731
Farrar PL et al. 1988. Experimental nasal dermatitis in the Mongolian gerbil: effect of bilateral harderian gland adenectomy on development of facial lesions. Laboratory Animal Science 38:72-76.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3367626/
Thiessen DD , Pendergrass M. 1982. Harderian gland involvement in facial lesions in the Mongolian gerbil. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 181:1375-1377.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7174464/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Respiratory Infection (R.I.)
Symptoms:
Sick gerbils are lethargic, with a rumpled coat and labored breathing. There is a characteristic “clicking” sound as the gerbil breathes, caused by fluid in the respiratory tract.
Causes:
There are several agents which can cause a respiratory infection: viruses, bacteria, and environmental irritants (the most common being bedding dust).
At-Risk Groups:
The gerbils most susceptible to respiratory infections are the young, the elderly, and those under stress.
Treatment:
If your gerbil has a respiratory infection, your vet can prescribe the correct dosage of antibiotics. Enrofloxacin (Baytril), Trimethoprim Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and Tetracycline derivatives like Chlortetracycline (Panmycin, Ornacycline) and Oxytetracycline (Terramycin), are the most commonly prescribed medications. As always, carefully follow any and all instructions, and complete the full course of antibiotics.
Chlortetracycline can be purchased over-the-counter, but use without a prescription is NOT recommended. Dosages are difficult to calibrate, and dissolving tetracycline in the water bottle will not deliver antibiotics effectively. There is no way to regulate the timing or dosage of medicine. Tetracycline breaks down in sunlight, so medicated water will quickly become useless in a transparent water bottle. Tetracycline also becomes less effective when taken with food or milk replacer.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Respiratory Infections." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Respiratory
"Enrofloxacin / Baytril." By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide.
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/enrofloxacin_baytril.php
American Gerbil Society website > Respiratory Infection
www.agsgerbils.org/gerbilpedia/items/Respiratory-Infection
"Oxytetracycline." By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/oxytetracycline.php
"Tetracycline Hydrochloride" By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide.
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/tetracycline_hydrochloride.php
"Tetracyclines." By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/tetracyclines
"Trimethoprim Sulfa" By Karen Grant. Rat Medication Guide
ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/trimethoprim_sulfa.php
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Overgrown Teeth
Symptoms:
Rapid weight loss is usually the first sign of overgrown teeth, as the gerbil is unable to eat properly.
Causes:
• The teeth will become too long if the gerbil is not given adequate gnawing material.
• If one of the front teeth is broken, the opposite tooth can grow too long without the missing one to grind against.
• Elderly gerbils may not gnaw as much, causing their teeth to grow too long.
At-Risk Groups:
Overgrown teeth occur most often in older gerbils, which are no longer gnawing as frequently.
Treatment:
Like all rodents, gerbils’ teeth grow constantly, so it is important to provide safe gnawing material to keep teeth at a manageable length.
Check all gerbils’ teeth regularly, to catch any problems before they affect the gerbil’s ability to eat.
If their teeth do become too long, your vet will be able to trim them. Gerbils with misaligned teeth or a missing tooth may need to have their teeth trimmed regularly.
Further Information:
"Ailments: Overgrown Teeth." By Jackie Roswell. National Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20160325002706/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/ailments.htm#Overgrown
"Gerbil Care Handbook: Health Issues: Overgrown Teeth." American Gerbil Society.
web.archive.org/web/20081008134621/http://www.agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/health.php#over
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Illnesses Affecting the Digestive Tract
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Diarrhea-Causing Illnesses
Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease!
Symptoms:
Diarrhea is characterized by loose, runny and/or discolored stools.
Additional symptoms such as lethargy, rumpled coat, weight loss, and refusing to eat or drink are probably signs of a bacterial or viral infection. Gerbils displaying these symptoms should be taken promptly to a vet for diagnosis.
Causes:
Diarrhea can be caused by too much wet food in the gerbil’s diet. This problem is easily solved by feeding less fruits and vegetables.
However, diarrhea is also a common symptom of more serious viral and bacterial infections, the most common being:
- Tyzzer’s Disease (see below)
- Salmonellosis
- E. coli infection
- Listeria infection
Tyzzer’s Disease does not affect humans, but Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria are dangerous to humans and can be fatal to the young, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.
At-Risk Groups:
Diarrhea is usually seen in pups that have just been weaned. They are no longer relying on the antibodies in their mother’s milk, so their immune systems are more vulnerable to attack from diarrhea-causing diseases like E. coli.
Treatment:
If diarrhea is the only symptom present, stop feeding wet food.
If the diarrhea does not clear up or gets worse, or other symptoms appear, take the affected gerbil(s) to a vet for proper diagnosis. He or she will probably prescribe oral antibiotics. As always, follow the vet’s instructions carefully, and complete the full course of antibiotics.
Isolate the “sick” tank(s) from the “healthy” tanks; if the sick gerbils are suffering from a contagious disease, it has probably already spread to their tankmates, so do not split up clanned gerbils. Thoroughly clean everything that comes into contact with a sick gerbil, including your hands. The infections that cause serious diarrhea are easily spread, so hygiene is key. Some, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria infections, can be passed on to humans as well.
Further Information:
American Gerbil Society website > Care > Diarrhea
Olson GA et al. 1977. Salmonellosis in a gerbil colony. J Am Vet Med Assoc 171:970-972.
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Tyzzer's Disease
Symptoms:
Symptoms include refusal to eat, lethargy, rough coat, weakness, and diarrhea. Affected animals do not always develop diarrhea.
The disease-causing agent produces a toxin that can cause widespread organ failure. Damage to the heart and nerves causes paralysis and loss of coordination.
In gerbils, up to 85% of affected animals show rapid decline and death, typically within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
Causes:
Tyzzer’s is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium piliforme. The various strains are usually species-specific (i.e. there is a mouse strain, a rat strain, etc.), but gerbils are vulnerable to several different strains.
C. pilforme spreads via spores in the feces of infected animals. Gerbils ingest the spores when grooming themselves after coming into contact with infected bedding. Individuals who survive the initial infection can continue to produce spores for up to two weeks, and the spores can survive in infected bedding for an unknown duration (over two years).
Rarely, individuals can carry the disease without apparent symptoms, but develop acute infection when under stress (due to overcrowding, change in environment, or additional disease).
At-Risk Groups:
It is most common in young pups, but can be contracted by gerbils of any age.
Tyzzer’s affects rats, mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs as well as gerbils. Mice and rats can carry the disease without symptoms, so a gerbil colony may catch Tyzzer’s from wild rodents if they come into contact with them.
Treatment:
If you suspect Tyzzer’s, take your gerbil to a vet immediately for diagnosis. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics; make sure to follow all instructions, and complete the full course of antibiotics. Even with treatment, death is common, but subcutaneous fluids and a heat source may provide time for the antibiotics to kick in. Treatment of exposed individuals before they develop symptoms may help prevent the infection from becoming life-threatening.
Antibiotics will treat the visible symptoms of Tyzzer’s, but they will not eliminate the contamination present in the colony. All exposed gerbils need to be kept isolated from outside animals, permanently. Do NOT bring any new gerbils into the colony, and do NOT allow any gerbils from the infected colony to leave.
After the initial outbreak, anything that may have come into contact with the spores should be sterilized if possible, and destroyed if not. To kill spores, they need to be kept at 80˚C for 30 minutes. Surfaces can be disinfected with a bleach treatment for 5 minutes.
Further Information:
"Some Notes on Tyzzer's Disease." By Julian Barker.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235316/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/tyzzers.htm
Carter GR et al. 1969. Natural Tyzzer's disease in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Lab Anim Care 19:648-651.
Koopman JP et al. 1980. An outbreak of Tyzzer's disease in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Z Versuchstierkd 22:336-341.
Port CD et al. 1970. Tyzzer's disease in the gerbil. Lab Anim Care 20:109-111.
Port CD et al. 1971. An ultrastructural study of Tyzzer's disease in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Lab Invest 25:81-87.
Waggie KS et al. 1984. Experimentally induced Tyzzer's disease in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Lab Anim Sci 34:53-57.
White DJ, Waldron MM. 1969. Naturally-occurring Tyzzer's disease in the gerbil. Vet Rec 85:111-114.
Yokomori K et al. 1989. Enterohepatitis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) inoculated perorally with Tyzzer's organism (Bacillus piliformis). Lab Anim Sci 39:16-20.
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Temperature Extremes
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Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke)
Symptoms:
As the gerbils are affected by the heat, they will lie stretched out to allow the most body heat to escape, often pushing bedding out of the way in order to rest directly against the cooler glass bottom. They may also begin panting.
In severe cases, the gerbils will be wet around the mouth, and may lose consciousness. If the gerbil’s temperature is not lowered soon, it will die.
Causes:
Even though gerbils are from a rather extreme climate, they avoid the worst temperatures by burrowing underground. The burrow temperature varies much less than the aboveground temperature. So although they are adapted to extreme temperatures, gerbils can suffer from heatstroke, particularly if they are left in direct sunlight and areas with poor ventilation.
Above 25˚C (77˚F), gerbils will become less active and lie spread out when at rest. Even if the temperature in most of your house is at a safe level, strong sunlight can make a room much hotter than the outside temperature, and a poorly ventilated room can develop pockets of higher temperature in the still air.
At-Risk Groups:
Gerbils whose tanks are in direct sunlight, in an outbuilding with no cooling system, or in a room with too little air circulation may be at risk of becoming overheated.
Prevention:
Make sure to keep tanks out of direct sunlight. A fan will help prevent pockets of warm air from developing in the hotter parts of the room. Since hot air rises, even moving tanks to a lower shelf or the floor can make a difference. When you know it will be warm, you can keep large rocks, tiles, or ceramic pieces in the freezer, then put them in the gerbils’ tanks so they can lie on them to cool off.
Treatment:
In mild cases, moving the tank to a cooler area, and providing a cool surface to lie on should do the trick.
In more severe cases, the most important thing to do is lower the gerbil’s body temperature as quickly as possible, or it will die. Do this by bathing the gerbil in cool, but not freezing, water. You also need to try to get the gerbil to drink some fluids. Again, not freezing cold; if the bath or fluids are too cold, the shock of the difference in temperature can kill the gerbil. You need to get the gerbil to a vet as soon as possible; if the gerbil is not strong enough to drink, he may need fluids injected subcutaneously.
Further Information:
"Heat Stroke and How to Avoid It." By Jackie Roswell.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235314/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/heatstroke.htm
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Hypothermia
Symptoms:
Affected gerbils will be cold to the touch, and usually huddled together with their tank-mates for warmth. A “torpid” gerbil will not respond when touched.
Causes:
A gerbil may develop hypothermia when exposed to very low temperatures for too long. The figure most often quoted as the lowest safe temperature is 10°C (50°F). Keep in mind, though, that a wet gerbil will rapidly lose heat regardless of the weather, without its fur for insulation.
At-Risk Groups:
Any gerbil left in a place exposed to severe low temperatures may develop hypothermia. Remember that warm air rises, so a basement or cellar will be colder than the upper floors of a house.
Prevention:
Keep temperatures in the gerbils’ area well above freezing, and ideally above 10°C (50°F). When it is cold out, give the gerbils plenty of nesting material to keep warm in.
Treatment:
A gerbil with hypothermia needs its body temperature gradually raised. You can use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or even your own body heat to revive a torpid gerbil. Don’t give up if nothing seems to be happening; it can take an hour or more before the gerbil starts moving.
Once the gerbil is moving again, offer fluids, and make sure it is kept comfortable. It is also a good idea to take the affected gerbil(s) to a vet, to make sure they are okay.
Further Information:
"Heat Stroke and How to Avoid It." By Jackie Roswell.
web.archive.org/web/20160330235314/http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/heatstroke.htm
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*** If you have a (good) picture of a gerbil suffering from one of the ailments that we don't have a picture for, please PM me (shootingstar), and I will edit it in. Thank you!