Gerbil died.... why and what to do?

[Ashley R.]

A few weeks ago I noticed a black thing on my gerbil Sprinkles' tail. I've had her for about a year and a half and had never seen it before. I thought it may have been a tumor, but my mom thought it was just a growth, and she said whatever it was we wouldn't be able to treat it because it's too expensive. After about two weeks, it popped, and she started to bleed into her cage. The next morning, I found her dead in her cage. Her sister, Violet, seemed devastated and confused when I took her sister out of her cage. I've been researching what to do but every website I look at says a different thing. Why did she die? Was it related to the black thing, or just old age? Anything will help. Also, what should I do for her sister?

[betty]

Hello Ashley R.

I'm not sure what caused the death of Sprinkle, but it could have been any number of things as the lump on the tail was never identified and it may well have had nothing to do with it?

If the lump contained a lot of fluid and/or blood it is possible that when it burst, she became dehydrated or anaemic with the blood loss - they don't need to lose too much blood/fluid to become ill? This could have had knock on effects for her if she already had something not quite right with her that you probably couldn't have seen anyway.

The lump may have been from an injury though and could have actually become infected - which could have made her poorly?

It is also possible that the lump had nothing to do with it - it was just there at the same time as another illness that she had - and depending on her age (I know she was at least 1.5 years old from your comments) but if you didn't have her from a pup - she could have actually been a bit older? I have had gerbils pass naturally at less than 2 years of age - but it isn't very common.

Hopefully, Violet will soon find herself with a new friend if you are considering starting a split tank introduction.

[rs]

I'm so sorry about Sprinkle! I wish I had something to add beyond what others have said. If another gerbil companion hasn't seemed like a good idea, just give Violet extra human attention, ongoing, not just for now. Post an update--or, if you already did and I missed it, add another!

[The one and only gerbil]

I have two gerbils, Brownie was really thin, didn't eat, slept a lot, and a reddish thing in her ear, and was really fragile, stumbled a lot, was two yrs old
we went on holiday, and she died
how did she die, plz

[betty]

Hello there - and sorry to hear about your loss.

The fact that 2 years old is at the start of the range for gerbil 'old age' if could have been a number of things going on.

The fact that she had lost weight, was weak, slept a lot and stumbled all together would suggest that she wasn't digesting enough food. This can come about in a number of forms and includes a whole range of bodily system - but is usually something to do with pain or inability to eat or digest the food being given enough to mantain weight and health.

Digestive system problems can include: missing and overgrown teeth; growths, abcesses and infections above the stomach; to gut issues, disease, and liver and kidney malfunctions below the stomach.

The fact that you weren't in the house could mean that either it was a coincidence entirely - or that her routine was changed (not being watched, no windows open so different circulation, changes to her food and water pattern, or anything else minor that was unknowingly working in her favour was stopped).

Sounds like she passed due to a number of issues bless her. But without knowing what health cheacks and treatments that you were doing alone or with advice from a vet or other carer, it can't really be narrowed down any further I don't think.

Hopefully your remaining gerbil is still healthy and active.

[The one and only gerbil]

thanks, Blackie (the other one) is happy and doing well
and she only ate oatmeal and porridge, so i guess it could be food problems