Sick gerbie

[lizzy]

Thankfully not one of my girls. I took home one from work today because he's all puffed up, skinny, tiny, dehydrated, his eyes are half-shut, etcetera.

I thought he wasn't eating or drinking, but I've seen him drink and he's also had a good nibble on a bit of food, hay and treats I've put in his cage. Hes very friendly and although lethargic, quite active (not active as he should be, but its not like he stays in one corner of the cage)

I thought it might be tyzzers but he is still eating and drinking and although it looked like he might have diarrhoea it seems ok now. Plus all the other gerbils are absolutely fine.

Ive put Poly-Aid in his water (found on www.ratwarehouse.com/shop_view.php?cat=11 )

I'm thinking about taking him to the vet but do you think his symptoms are due to maybe being the runt of the litter and not being able to get enough food and will clear up with some TLC or is a vet trip definitely necessary?

[lydia]

He sounds as if he is improving with you,but,in this instance,I would recomend that you err on the side of caution and do take him to your vet for a check.
Due to their fast metabolic rate,gerbils can become ill very quickly,on a positive note,they can also recover very quickly.

I'm sure you are already doing this,but,make sure you wash your hands before and after handling him,or his food bowls etc.Might be a good idea seeing to your other gerbils first,then washing your hands before feeding him etc.
If he does have something contagious or infectious,you don't want to pass it on to your gerbils.

Hopefully,all that is wrong with him was incorrect care in either the shop or previous owner,and he will become healthy with you.
Let us know how he does.

Lyd

[lizzy]

Took him to the vet today, she listened to his breathing and said it sounded very rough which indicated a respiratory infection and gave me some meds to give to him for it. She also reccommended giving him fruit/veg puree, and luckily the tomato puree he doesn't mind eating too much.

She informed me also that his outlook wasn't good at all, but it was worth giving him a chance.

Fingers crossed.

[lydia]

Oh dear Lizzy ,hopefully the R.I. will clear up,how is he today ?

Lyd

[sweetie]

Hey Lizzy,

I hope all is well with you both. It is a good thing you took him to the vet. I hope the medication works.

Keep us posted.

[AndreaS15]

I have always given Apple sauce to my sick gerbies.
Hope he get's better real soon.

oohh.. Add some extra protine (cat food) I fidn that is a big helper also.

[janet]

Lizzy, you are a good person! Let us know how the little guy is doing - I am thinking he will pull through!

Janet

[lizzy]

Hi thanks everyone,

great news, he seems to be getting better.
Ive given him his meds twice a day and he seems to be improving. He doesnt sit hunched up in his cage anymore and runs around quite a bit. Hes started trying to dig too, which is a good sign I suppose as he wasnt interested before! his eyes are nice and clear and bright with no discharge unlike last week when they were half shut and sometimes bleeding I havent seen much diarrhoea, and his breathing seems to be ok.

I'm taking him back to the vet tomorrow for a check up. Hopefully everything will be alright and maybe he'll start eating proper food soon- hes still very picky and will only eat millet and rarely a couple of dog biscuits and egg food. any ideas on what i could do to encourage him to eat more? hes drinking fine, and i've put a vitamin supplement in his water.

[janet]

That is great news Lizzy!! ;D I had a good feeling about this one! You are a good gerbil mom

Wish I could advise on food but I am still at the stage of getting to know mine and I do know he is a pickier eater than I am!!

Janet