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Post by hellohefalump on Apr 10, 2005 11:05:58 GMT -8
I have a five week old gerbil who appears to have broken her leg over the weekend. She isn't putting weight on it and is dragging it behind her. She doesn't seem to mind... but maybe she does, I dunno. Her leg has always been fine up to now. Could it be broken? What should I do? Will it heal by itself or do I need to see a vet? aren't gerbils too small to have operations because the anaesthetic could kill them cos they're so tiny? HELP!!
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Post by AndreaS15 on Apr 10, 2005 11:11:17 GMT -8
<hugs> No wories. It will heal on it's own and in a couple of weeks. I would remove the wheel for at least a week to help with the healing. There is nothing else you can do for them, but maybe add a little more calcium to their diets (I belive though yoghurt drops) I've had 2 pups with broken legs, and both are older gerbils with no problems. I find they don't even notice, and will continue to do what they usually do but with the broken leg. Don't worry he/she will be ok  |
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Apr 10, 2005 11:17:21 GMT -8
Quite right
Gerbils do break limbs through falls or fights.
These heal rapidly unless the break is complex or becomes infected.
I had one baby gerbil whose mum bit her paw and it was turned back, I really thought the injury was irreperable but it doesnt even show now!!!
On other occasions I've seen broken limbs mend in less than a week......quite miraculous.
Broken tails tend to end up 'lumpy'.
so unless you signs of illness/infection you can stop worryign and let nature take its course.
IF you see signs of infection or she seems generally unwell see a vet.
Gerbil limbs MUST NOT be splinted. this would result in a weakenen and brittle bone.
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Post by hellohefalump on Apr 10, 2005 11:24:21 GMT -8
oh thankyou thankyou thankyou that's great news! I've never had a gerb with a broken leg before and I was really worried, but puzzled that she didn't seem to care.
about yoghurt drops... are they something you buy from the pet shop, or do you mean drops of normal unflavoured yoghurt like humans eat?
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Post by doomgerbiluk on Apr 10, 2005 15:22:07 GMT -8
thye are a treat sold for small rodents
you can get yoghurt, chocolate and milk drops
soem gerbils will prefer one, some another
Most pet shops sell them
whether they have any nutritional calue is another matter
you could try Shaws eggs biscuits too..my gerbils enjoy them, I give them a small amount not a whole biscuit.
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Post by hellohefalump on Apr 11, 2005 22:29:31 GMT -8
thanks!
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