blood?? in an odd place

[RitzieAnn]

My newest, Bandit is very quiet now. He likes to sleep a lot and just curl up. When I take him out, he purks up in less than a minute, but today I noticed some clumpies on his butt. At first I though he had poo stuck down there, but it's not a poo color. I wiped it off with a tissue, and he certianly did NOT like that (can't blame him!) But it looked like it was bloody. It wasn't in the shape of "normal" gerbil poo, but it was a mizture between the normal color, and a bloody color. I see no cuts/tears down there, so if it's blood it must have come from inside of him. I'll see how he does tomorrow, but I'll probably take him back, unless somebody has better advice. However, I think I'll demand the store to just give me the medication so I can treat him myself, sicne I've heard horror stories in the forum from somebody who worked at a PetsMart/PetCo store. I hope they let me treat him. If not, at least their policy gives me the opportunity to get him back if he gets better.

[maxthegerbil]

Hi RitzieAnn. I can`t offer too much in the way of advice, but if you think this blood in his poo is internal, he will need to see a vet and possibly need antibiotics incase there is infection there. Have you had him long? If the store you bought him from offer vetinary advice, then I can only suggest that you inform them that the gerbil they sold to you is ill and they are responsible for paying for any treatment he requires. However, some stores give you a certain amount of days to complain if you have any comeback. It`s worth asking what their policy is and if they are eligable to pay for the gerbil to be seen by a vet. Failing that, I would still seek advice from a vet. If he`s passing blood in his stools, there is definately a problem. Although it`s hard for me to say exactly what this is. let us know how you get on? And the best of luck to you and your little man. x

[doomgerbiluk]

To reassure you, I have friend working in a US Petsmart and he has actually rehomed himself a gerbil who was sick. It seems they do have a 'hospital' area for sick animals and tend to foster them to staff rather than rehome. Of course I have no idea if most are like that but it is reassuring.
Yes take him back, explain the problem. It does sound serious UNLESS hes eaten something of that colour (I remember one thread on GSUK about a gerbil with red poos and eventually it was discovered he'd eaten part of an oil pastel!!!!!!)
Keep him warm with plenty of fluids and get him help asap.

[RitzieAnn]

I've only had Bandit for 3 or 4 days. Super early this morning I was awaken to 3 gerbil wheels (which made me angry because they usually don't run at night) so I checked up on him, and it was terrible! I gave him some drops of water and put him in my little critter carrier and put it in bad with me so that the blankets would help keep him warm. That was at 1:30 this morning, and I woke up at 7 to find he'd passed.



At least you're not sick now little guy....

[sandy]

Aw, you poor thing! That is tragic! Such a pretty fellow, too.

[maxthegerbil]

I`m so sorry RitzieAnne. That`s sad. He`s obviously had something genetically wrong with him, poor little man. He was lovely. Rest in peace Bandit. x

[lizzy]

Awwww I'm so sorry -hugs-

[janet]

Hi Ritzie:

I am so very sorry to hear of your little friend You made his last moments better for him than what many others out there would never get - he was lucky you took him home. That is nature but know that you are a special person.

Janet

[pixytwinkle]

i am so sorry about bandit he was really beautiful