Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 12, 2020 6:42:38 GMT -8
Good for Bubbles! let's hope she carries on well, although I guess her teeth could get a bit long. I always heard the first symptom of a tooth problem such as falling out, breaking or becoming overgrown was normally that they rapidly lost weight, but my Storme hasn't either, and has pretty good teeth too. Her top one's coming in nicely. Hoping it'll go well for Bubbles, if there are any more updates let us know on here It is a bit odd, isn't it? I actually became more worried when she said that it wasn't really an option, and I've become a bit anxious to try it myself. But Storme is a very calm girl luckily, and doesn't mind me doing things she doesn't particularly like such as checking teeth. Same goes for Rolo. My clippers arrived this morning as well, they're really nice and sharp. They're the ones you thought would be okay, Betty, and they seem great. Thanks for advising me on what to get. Now it's just down to my abilities! (of course they don't need trimming at the moment though) To nobody in particular: Storme's claws are also a bit long, I know they aren't as big a problem as teeth are in general, but when my boy's claws got too long I didn't think there was anything to do and some unfortunately fell out. They got on fine until they grew in a bit, but with the clippers can I trim Storme and Rolo's claws? I'm not sure if that's possible. I have to trim my cat's (Asher) all the time, so wondering if you can with gerbils in a similar way... lol But if not I'm sure it isn't a problem!
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 13, 2020 0:07:12 GMT -8
Just an update: Storme's front teeth are now lined up (who knows how?!) which is great, but her back teeth have grown a tiny bit in only 3 days so I'll probably clip them a little tomorrow. I know it's super fast, not really sure why. They aren't 'overgrown' as of now, but I can imagine they will be soon enough if I don't do anything... their teeth grow amazingly fast!! Poor Storme
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Post by betty on Aug 13, 2020 3:55:37 GMT -8
I'm not sure how you are checking their back teeth - or what you are comparing them too - but I don't think their back teeth grow continuously - and may have nerves in them like our teeth - so please don't clip them until you have read more.
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Post by betty on Aug 13, 2020 3:58:16 GMT -8
And yes, you can clip their toenails with those clippers - however, make sure you always go longer than you think to avoid nicking the blood vessel. Gerbils claws really are longer than your expect - so don't get clipper-happy!
Some people just put rough tiles or large smooth stones in their enclosures - or sheets of sand paper in their runs - to help scuff off the edges of claws to keep them down without the need for clipping.
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 13, 2020 5:04:21 GMT -8
Thanks Betty! I've clipped some of her claws, but only a tiny bit.
And I'm very sorry, I didn't mean back teeth! I'm not able to see them, anyway, but I'm sure her back teeth are fine. What I MEANT to say was bottom teeth-are they okay to clip? I can check them very easily, and I'm pretty sure they are meant to be always growing...?
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Post by betty on Aug 13, 2020 5:23:36 GMT -8
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 15, 2020 5:17:45 GMT -8
We've clipped a tiny bit of the top to make it neater, but struggled to get to the bottom without her tongue getting in. I felt sorry for her so put her back in the cage, but I think getting used to the feeling of things in her mouth will help. I've also tried to use a file but she nibbled it a bit when I tried. I've seen that you can use a small cocktail stick to separate the tongue and teeth while cutting, so no damage is made. I might try this soon, if that's okay? Overall she was a really good girl and stayed very still, but was clearly a little stressed. I think it's possible to do from home!
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Post by betty on Aug 15, 2020 5:28:17 GMT -8
Yes, if they get used to it happening more they relax more generally - same goes for us humans too.
My latest tooth guy just laid back - put his little paws on my thumb to get comfy and the vet did the clipping.
Over in a few seconds.
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Post by Markpd on Aug 15, 2020 8:42:41 GMT -8
Aww bless!
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 15, 2020 23:57:54 GMT -8
Great to hear! It went more smoothly than I guessed but I decided enough had happened for the day and that getting used to the feeling first was easier on her. Aw, that's so sweet! He must trust you a lot
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 23, 2020 8:12:19 GMT -8
I've been away this week at a relative's house and I was able to bring my gerbils. I've filed down Storme's teeth a bit, she was very good. Hopefully I'll be able to stick to this technique in the future rather than going to the vet...?
Has anything happened to Bubbles?
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 27, 2020 0:57:58 GMT -8
Is there a way I can keep her tongue out of the way when clipping? I want to try to properly clip her teeth today, but her tongue really scares me!!
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Post by betty on Aug 27, 2020 4:02:31 GMT -8
That is a further benefit of the curved clippers - as once you have made contact and check for pressure - they sink in a grip on a bit - and as they are curved - there is very little room for a tongue to suddenly squeeze in the gap.
Not sure if you would need another pair of hands if you were trying to manipulate the tongue too - and it might feel too weird for them?
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 27, 2020 11:44:07 GMT -8
Phew, thanks! Her teeth aren't super long right now, so I might leave it a couple of days. She's doing fine, just trying to get her used to the clippers! And thankfully the growth seems to have slowed down a lot, which is a huge relief! I see what you mean about the curved clippers, my only issue now is how she wriggles once it's actually in her mouth. She's getting a lot better, though, and doesn't fuss too much.
Also, my mum's amazing with little pets- she doesn't work with them but she can hold Storme on her back firmly but not uncomfortable for her. So I've been doing the clipping/filing while she holds her. She's also good with the filing, so has done some of that too! I don't think I'd be able to do both at once, I need more than two hands for a job like this!
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Thea
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Post by Thea on Aug 31, 2020 6:45:28 GMT -8
I've just clipped Storme's teeth! She stayed still almost the whole time, and they're a much better length now ! Thank you so much for all your advice, if nobody had taken the time to reply, I would have never tried and gone to the vet every 3 weeks.
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