gerbils died, cause??

[maarten]

hi

yesterday, three of my gerbils died, without seeing a clear cause for this. One was 2year old, the other two 2 months. They were introduced to each other without any problem 2 weeks ago.
The oldest gerbil was missing his lower yaw, the other two were perfectly fine, no blood marks, no biting marks, nothing.
there is no possibility that other predator animals could get into the cage.
anyone ever seen something like this?

greetings
Maarten

[Manix]

Perhaps a few more details might help determine the cause.

If all three died in the same day with no obvious cause of death, this makes me think there was some sort or traumatic shift in their environment or even a swift acting infection. Just to be sure, were there any signs of illness in any of the three gerbils prior to the day they died? Any signs of diarrhea, respiratory problems, or allergies? Did you do something different from usual? Perhaps a change food or location? Could there have been a sudden drop or rise in temperature?


EDIT: Just re-read the part about the third gerb. What's a yaw?

[sweetie]

I am sorry to hear about your sudden loss. I imagine that it is a sad and confusing time for you.

More details may help!! Did you change the tank? The bedding?
Did you use any type of cleaner near them or in the cage?

There is a website that you might find information on www.gerbilsanonymous-Medicalindex.com

[Ritzie/Admin]

Manix said:

EDIT: Just re-read the part about the third gerb. What's a yaw?

I think he meant a "jaw"!

It can be an infectious disease, but we cannot say that for sure. Tell us more, and you might consider calling an experienced vet.

[sweetie]

So a diseas is called a jaw? What are the symptoms, how is it transmitted. ANy information will be helpful.

[lydia]

You've slightly got the wrong end of the stick here Sweetie,Peter was explaining Maarten's typing error,yaw=jaw.

The reference to disease was Peter offering an explanation as to why the gerb's died,not calling a disease yaw or jaw......... .

Sorry if I've made this more confusing,maybe you should just re-read the whole thread.........

Lyd

[Ritzie/Admin]

Indeed...The oldest gerbil was missing his lower jaw! Manix asked what a he meant with yaw. So I explained.

And the disease it could have had may be contagious or not, cannot say for sure.

It was indeed not very clear! It looked like it belonged together. But were two answers on two questions! ;D

[sweetie]

Thanks for the explainations and clarifications. I was very confused it appears. Of course at my age it does not take much to confuse me! LOL

[lydia]

LOL,never mind Sweetie,I'm permanently confused as well.......

Lyd