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Post by ashgerbil on May 6, 2006 2:43:44 GMT -8
one of Dusty's nails have come off! i have no idea how it happened (definitely not from fighting, Suki and Dusty never fight), although she probably has just caught it on something in the tank. but anyways, her paw is a bit of a mess poor thing! of course, it actually looks worse than it really is (her whole paw's gone red with blood ) but her little finger definitely is sore!! she doesn't want to walk on it or anything she keeps holding her paw up by her chin whenever she walks around, but she's still able to eat treats so i guess she's ok really anyhoo, is there anyway that i can make sure the wound doesn't get infected or anything?? she let me wipe off a bit of the blood with a wet tissue. or do you think she'll be ok without, and i'm just being a super-paranoid gerbil mum?? lol
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caz
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Posts: 6,237
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Post by caz on May 6, 2006 5:47:53 GMT -8
Ahhh! Poor Dusty The only thing I can suggest is a little salted warm water and give her paw a bathe (if she'll let you ), but I suspect she'll look after it herself anyway Hope it gets better soon Caroline PS, While we're on the subject, do gerbils have thumb nails I only ask as I was studying Daisy earlier out in the garden (she was in her tank) and because they always sort of clench their fists it was difficult to see, but I'm sure she hasn't got thumb nails
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Post by ashgerbil on May 6, 2006 6:05:25 GMT -8
thanx caz i just checked on little Dusty and she's looking alot better she's washed her paw a bit more and isn't limping so much, the wound has even begun to heal already!! ;D so i think she'll be fine, but obviously i'll keep a close eye on her to make sure that the wound doesn't get infected or anything gerbils have got little thumbs, but i'm not sure about thumb nails they possibly have...
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caz
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Post by caz on May 6, 2006 7:01:10 GMT -8
Suppose it's a bit like dogs and cats, that when they lick themselves, they have natural antibacterial stuff in their saliva and they sort of heal themselves! Glad Dustys' feeling better Ash So you haven't noticed thumb nails either eh! Interesting...... must take a closer look at my girls later (when they bother to get out of bed! lol ) Caroline
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Post by maxthegerbil on May 7, 2006 8:12:16 GMT -8
Sorry to hear about Dusty Ash. I`m glad her nail/digit is healing fine. It`s frightening when you see blood and start panicking! You can buy syptic powder to apply to cuts that stops the bleeding and also, antibacterial powder. I`m planning to get some in for my gerbils and mice incase I ever have an episode like yours. I never thought about gerbils having thumbs! I`ll have to check that one out!
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oh dear
May 7, 2006 11:37:06 GMT -8
Post by ashgerbil on May 7, 2006 11:37:06 GMT -8
thanx max! i'll keep those syptic and antibacterial powders in mind,it'll be useful to have them if a similar situation arises but anyways, Dusty look absoluely fine today! the wound has completely healed, although i think it's still a little tender for her (she still prefers to use her other paw) i also cleaned out the tank yesterday, to reduce the risk of infection and it seems to have done the trick hmmm, i'll try and get a close up pic of a gerbil's thumb then!! ;D
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oh dear
May 7, 2006 12:28:11 GMT -8
Post by whitmoregirl on May 7, 2006 12:28:11 GMT -8
Poor Dusty! Glad she's feeling a little better - when she's walking and using it properly again give her something tasty from me
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oh dear
May 8, 2006 10:13:17 GMT -8
Post by ashgerbil on May 8, 2006 10:13:17 GMT -8
hehe she's absolutely fine today and walking perfect on all 4 paws i'm amazed at how quick she's recovered! if one of my nails came off, i wouldn't be running round mind you, i don't do much running round anyway haha oh and i gave her a huge pumpkin seed from you whit! lol here's a pic of the wound on saturday... ick - looks painful >_< and look! gerbils do have thumbs! it's only tiny, but still, it's a thumb lol but i don't think they have a thumb nail tho...
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caz
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oh dear
May 8, 2006 11:33:25 GMT -8
Post by caz on May 8, 2006 11:33:25 GMT -8
How on earth did you get a shot like that Ash!!!!!? and, nah, I didn't think they had thumb nails after all! you learn something every day huh! Bonnies nails are WAY much longer than Dusty's , gosh, wonder if they'll need trimming Ooooo! and glad Dustys' feelin' better ;D Caroline
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oh dear
May 8, 2006 11:50:46 GMT -8
Post by ashgerbil on May 8, 2006 11:50:46 GMT -8
lol! the pics took ALOT of cropping to get it that close! neither of 'em would have let me get that much of a close up otherwise some gerbils' nails are just naturally long i think. it doesn't mean that they need trimming at all (as long as you give your gerbils enough digging material) only when the nails get so long that they curl underneath the foot or are causing obvious discomfort do you take them to the vet to get trimmed
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oh dear
May 8, 2006 12:03:21 GMT -8
Post by doomgerbiluk on May 8, 2006 12:03:21 GMT -8
It must have been very sore. A wash with saline solution is adequate for most gerbil injuries. Any cream you apply will be licked off with obvious toxicity risks. As for thumbs, just think what trouble they'd get up to if their thumbs where opposable!!!!
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caz
Member
Posts: 6,237
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oh dear
May 8, 2006 12:32:05 GMT -8
Post by caz on May 8, 2006 12:32:05 GMT -8
Bonnies nails are 'just' curling on the very tips, yet only on her front paws She's ok with them, so suppose I'll just wait and see what occurs! If she seems uncomfortable or they are making her toes spread, then perhaps she'll need a visit to the vets (which she'll enjoy greatly ) - that should be amusing!!!! Caroline
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