HELP gerbil tail

[kate2]

Hi Emmie and Rosie are losing hair on their tails ???They arnt being picced up by theyr tails are anything:( I noticed Emmie's tail cause she is white. she has a worse tail then Rosie. help anyone what should I do are they sick and I cant see it? none of the other gerbils have it,but their not in the cage with Emmie and Rosie. Please reply asap. Thanks- Catherine

[AndreaS15]

How old are they?
Is there any scabbing, or dry skin?

Could be a parasite, But then I would think it would show on all parts of their bodies and not just the tails.
Could they be getting the tails stuck in something like a wheel, and it's rubbing the fur out?

Maybe try a bit of polysporn on the tails, and check over that there is nothign for them to rub the fur off with. If it's still the same, OR other gerbils in your home are having the same thing, I'd suggest seeing your family Vet.

Good luck, and I hope your gerbies are feeling better ASAP

[sweetie]

Hey Kate,

This has been discussed in one or two threads in the past. I believe the consensus was that it is from over grooming. If there are no signs of scabbing or inflamation, it is probably from over grooming.

One other possibility was that it might be a vitamin deficency. I believe that it was lack of Vitamin C. Try a tiny piece of pulp from an orange. Even if it not, it won't harm them and gerbils like fresh foods any ways.

Regardless of the etiology, the hair will grow back in a week or so unless they continue to overgroom.

[meriones]

I was just looking at another gerbil forum, and they have the same question their:

here is the link:

www.petshub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31241

It is interesting how many people are having this problem recently

[sweetie]

I agree. It is odd that different peole in different areas are experiencing the same incidents at the same time!!

[1cakelady]

HI all...not only is Kate having this 'problem'...but my little Ginger is having a bit of it too...but...only on her nose. I think though that it is from trying to climb out of her cage...and biting the metal...wearing the hair down! At night these two really get carried away with activity...but...guess this is normal. I try not to handle them too much at night...they are so very active! Thanks for the tip about the orange...we'll try it. Hugs, Cathie (1cakelady...Kate's mom)