Gerbil trying to scratch scar

[ccake79]

Our 2.5 year old male gerbil had a successful operation today to remove a weird growth from his lower back. The vet was hopeful that he wouldn't fuss with the scar. It's about a centimetre long just up from his tail. I've been watching him and although it's obviously annoying him, it doesn't look like he can reach his lower mid back with any of his legs to scratch it.

Has anyone got any experience of operation scars and anything we can do to make things easier for him? We have painkillers from the vet.

Thanks for any help. We're so relieved he got through the op!

[betty]

Poor chap - you don't often hear of other growths on gerbils - is the vet having it tested for you?

Usually the pain killers are enough to distract them - and if he can't really reach it - that is perfect! I have had plenty of gerbil surgeries and noone seems to really bother with them.

Often your vet will suggest a low dust (usually low paper substrate) and no hay for a while after the op so that no dust or long threads poke at it or get stuck to it making it more annoying for them. Also, removing anything that they have to leap on/off etc can reduce the chances of the skin around the stiches getting stretched too much just while it is fresh.

But if it looks like it IS really annoying him or you notice anything else odd with him - then just call the vet back and ask for suggestions.