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Post by warrenc on May 6, 2021 10:11:28 GMT -8
Hi, We have two mature males 3+ years old. Started with 3 males. Darty passed away in November from what we figured out was a tumour. Cinnamon and Milky were left together, but began to get more and more aggressive towards each other, culminating in Cinnamon biting Milky and drawing lots of blood. Based on the advice I read on this forum, we have separated them into two separate enclosures, that are beside one another. Milky has been showing signs of more rapid breathing ( for a few months ). More recently, his one eye rarely closes even when he appears to be asleep, and the either eye seems to have difficulty opening. Cinnamon had a problem opening his one eye for a week or so but the problem went away. Milky seems to really seek out the sun, and sleeps in strange places as long as there is sunshine on that spot. When he is resting he tends to rock slightly. I have a video of the two of them to show what I mean. In the video I am fairly sure the eye that isn't visible is wide open. My question: is this a sign of aging or do you think there is something else going on ? They have been apart since mid March, and I and also trying to decide whether a reunification is in the cards. photos.app.goo.gl/rAz274VhpLjNTBq58 |
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Post by Thelodar on May 6, 2021 12:58:10 GMT -8
Not sure about the eyes...is the closed one sticking shut with porphyrin? (this would be like reddish eye crusties gluing the eye shut). Excess porphyrin is common if a gerbil is ill or stressed, though can also be a sign of poor environment (dusty bedding, ammonia buildup). But I have no idea what would make en eye stay open while sleeping.
But the breathing is bad, both the rate and the effort (his whole body is moving with each breath). If it's been going on for months it's likely something chronic rather than a respiratory infection. Could be heart failure leading to fluid buildup (though I'd be surprised if that would go on for months without death) or tumors taking up lung space. There is also a chance that it's not a lung issue but a pain response, being in pain can cause faster breathing. Did the wound heal ok? There's no way to be sure what's going on without a vet trip. My guess is the declan was caused by Milky's declining health, I wouldn't try to pair them back up together.
My elderly gerbil also loved to sunbathe. He had lost a lot of weight due to tooth issues and and an oral tumor so I think he had trouble staying warm sometimes. He always looked so content in the sun. Just lost him about a week ago, it was definitely time.
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jewels1171
Member
Somewhat new to gerbils, but have learned a lot!
Posts: 118
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Post by jewels1171 on May 6, 2021 12:58:44 GMT -8
He seems to be ill, yes. His breathing is indeed rapid, and he could be so ill he is likely to die. I’m not an expert in illnesses of gerbils, so I’m not sure this will be of much help.
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Post by betty on May 6, 2021 16:23:33 GMT -8
He does look like he is struggling - but of course remember that in most cases loss of an older gerbil is because of a health issue - so 3+ in gerbils means that old age and illness are most likely the same thing.
Either way, if a gerbil is in pain or discomfort - the treatment is always the same - pain relief for sure.
Whatever the reason - or the most-likely outcome - pain relief is a must until you either find out what is wrong so you can treat it - or you decide that treatment isn't an option and go full palliative.
Seeing as he is seeking out heat - perhaps a heat mat, a (properly chosen and positioned) heat lamp or other warm area (maybe a hot water bottle) would be a lovely thing for him. I always give my old or really poorly guys a cosy home too - they seem to love the comfort of the fleece inside (being ill - they never chew the bed at all).
Also, I agree with Thelodar, that this health issues most likely caused or was part of the reason they declanned - and also that noone should try to split intro a poorly animal. Not only could it affect the dynamics, it most likely won't be very nice for them. They just want to sleep in the sun!
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Post by warrenc on May 7, 2021 9:04:55 GMT -8
Not sure about the eyes...is the closed one sticking shut with porphyrin? (this would be like reddish eye crusties gluing the eye shut). Excess porphyrin is common if a gerbil is ill or stressed, though can also be a sign of poor environment (dusty bedding, ammonia buildup). But I have no idea what would make an eye stay open while sleeping. The eye thing is a puzzle. Nothing visibly wrong, no redness, no crustiness or build up of any kind. The eye that seems to stay open also sticks out a bit more than the one that he can close. I know in humans that nerve damage can cause you to lose control of your eyelids. I knew a guy who would sleep with his eyes open. Very freaky. |
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Post by warrenc on May 7, 2021 10:54:07 GMT -8
He does look like he is struggling - but of course remember that in most cases loss of an older gerbil is because of a health issue - so 3+ in gerbils means that old age and illness are most likely the same thing. I am sure the declan was the result of Darty passing away from a SGT, and then Milky's slowly failing health. Pain relief treatment is our next step. This forum is such a valuable resource. I remember coming here around the time we got these gerbils and was embarrassed to find that the habitats we were given ( as gifts ) to use, were the exact ones the forum mentioned were the absolute worst. Ugh !! Two big tanks later, lots of mesh and lots of handiwork - I think they have had pretty good places to live and explore. |
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Post by betty on May 7, 2021 15:09:28 GMT -8
The amount of mesh and handiwork I have got through in my years of owning small amimals was immense. The cupboards, units and wardrobes converted for various things - and the amount of tank lids I have made for second-hand tanks is hilarious.
All for a good cause.
You literally would not believe the first enclosure I got offered by a neighour when they heard I was getting a gerbil. I am still dumbfounded even today.
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Post by warrenc on May 11, 2021 10:56:51 GMT -8
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Post by warrenc on May 17, 2021 9:15:42 GMT -8
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Post by betty on May 17, 2021 14:09:13 GMT -8
Ah - look at that comfort snooze pose!
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Post by warrenc on May 18, 2021 10:17:26 GMT -8
We got him to the vet and we are trying some antibiotics. He's half chewed the end of the syringe dispenser off, but it seems to be making a bit of a positive difference. He is eating a bit more now. He has bursts of energy.
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Post by catnut on May 18, 2021 14:10:23 GMT -8
be careful and make sure to use a different syringe, one of my past gerbils did that and ended up with a sore in his mouth, plastic can cut a gerbil if it's sharp. I hope the antibiotics help him.
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