Growth on gerbil’s behind...tumor??

[momofjules]

My gerbil Jules is at least 2.5 years old now and what seemed like weight gain for a bit has now turned out to be a growth on his behind under his tail. I honestly have never sexed him as he lives alone, so he may be a she. Attempting to include photos for illustration. He has been sleeping in weird positions, laying flat on the bottom of his tank in large tunnels he’s made, etc. He is showing many signs of being elderly in sleeping more, slowing down, so on. But he also has bursts of energy and will eat, drink water, enjoy his paper rolls, treats, chews, all the works. He’s never liked being handled much but we interact regularly and he has been doing that and also, nicely but strangely, sleeping very publicly. As in on top of all his bedding, exposed, when he used to sleep strictly in his burrows. Is this cancer/tumor? My last gerbil was unknowingly older when purchased and started declining rapidly and suddenly, lingering for 2 days before I couldn’t witness it anymore and went to put her down. Mind you, I was a college student and not realizing my small, low-maintenance baby would require an almost $200 euthanasia procedure. I just graduated and don’t really have to funds to spend $150+ on a small critter visit, surgery, or euthanasia and as stated Jules is still functioning almost normally with mild signs of aging. Thoughts??? He’s been very spoiled lately with a surplus of toys and new healthy treats as I assumed he’s in his end of life stage. I’ve read many articles lately about gerbil elder care and cancers and wanted input on what this may be and if high-quality care til his passing is something some of you have done and felt okay about.

[catnut]

if you are referring to just below his tail, that is his scrotum, so rest easy, no tumor. When males get too warm, they will swell back there and he will be sleeping in different positions and areas to try to cool down. What is the temp. where you are keeping him? if it is over 70, that may be too warm and put a fan on, open a window and make sure he isn't too near so he can get a draft from that, or move him to a cooler place of the house. I would get a small battery temperature gauge so you can see when it's too warm. Make sure he has cool water and change it twice a day when it's hot. put a terra cotta pot in the fridge for awhile. Just watch him when it's hot as they can get heat stroke or very uncomfortable. Take care, Tammy Hope Jules cools down soon.

[momofjules]

Jun 4, 2019 15:16:25 GMT -8 catnut said:

if you are referring to just below his tail, that is his scrotum, so rest easy, no tumor. When males get too warm, they will swell back there and he will be sleeping in different positions and areas to try to cool down. What is the temp. where you are keeping him? if it is over 70, that may be too warm and put a fan on, open a window and make sure he isn't too near so he can get a draft from that, or move him to a cooler place of the house. I would get a small battery temperature gauge so you can see when it's too warm. Make sure he has cool water and change it twice a day when it's hot. put a terra cotta pot in the fridge for awhile. Just watch him when it's hot as they can get heat stroke or very uncomfortable. Take care, Tammy Hope Jules cools down soon.

I’m attaching two more photos that may better depict my concern. Let me know if this still looks like common scrotum swelling. The blackness and abnormal growth is what caused me to think tumor. We did also move more south within our state so I can see where your advice probably applies. The ceiling fan is on constantly, but he may be receiving more warmth from the opposite window than I would’ve guessed. I will definitely follow suit regardless. Here is my concern photo and a photo of his odd laying flat behavior:

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[Shooting Star]

Normal male anatomy.

[catnut]

I know they can look large and strange but it's normal but if you are really concerned then take him to a vet but i'm sure they will tell you the same thing.