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Post by cgreat on May 24, 2021 18:02:24 GMT -8
I made my own divider with chicken wire and other stuff and the younger gerbil climbed over the divider was attacked by the older gerbil. The younger gerbil isn't bleeding anymore but I'm scared that she might have an infection or will. I have a rep payee and he thinks its not worth taking her to a vet. She can't open her eyes and has some raw flesh showing. I read online that you use warm water with salt. But I'm scared that that might hurt her. Anything I can do? I would show a picture but it's too graphic.
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Post by teambenji543 on May 25, 2021 5:20:55 GMT -8
If you can't bring her to the vet then I would try warm water with salt. It helps to clean the wounds and kill some bacteria. If she has raw flesh showing, I would change the bedding to towels. Change them out often to prevent infection. Is the wound big? If it's pretty big then she might need stitches. Did the older gerbil attack her eyes? She really needs to go to the vet to get some antibiotics and pain medications.
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Post by betty on May 25, 2021 5:42:30 GMT -8
Bless. Yes, she really needs some pain meds at least - so let your rep know that they can specify this to the vets before the appointment - asking that nothing other than pain meds is given or prescribed without consulting you first. This way it almost becomes fixed rate - something a lot of people are much happier about. Vets can be so stressful for some.
That way not only can your gerbil be pain free - but you and your rep can hear a bit more about it's seriousness - or whether it should heal nicely without further veterinary intervention. They may even be able to supply you with some simple care items (like a spare fedding syringe or samples of something) for little or no cost. If something IS going to cost money and is strongly recommended by the vet - then your rep will be able to hear that and make a decision then and there with all the facts.
If she is still moving around without falling over, and nothing is overly swollen, warm, red, or being over-groomed - than she may well have escaped serious injury. Any of those things or laboured breathing are potentially quite serious (but easily treatable). As above as well, if the eyeballs are swollen, bleeding or damaged this can be incredibly painful so really does need veterinary attention.
Gerbils can hide pain well, so even if it doesn't 'look' bad, it can still benefit from pain relief - and if it DOES look bad - then it is usually really bad.
Fingers crossed for her.
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Post by betty on May 25, 2021 5:47:24 GMT -8
Also remember that your older gerbil didn't attack the younger one out of anger or hatred - they only did it as that is the normal way a gerbil must react to another unknown gerbil to 'survive'.
It doesn't mean that she can't still be friends with your younger gerbil once they are healed and have gone through a full secure split introduction - or that she wouldn't be friends with any other gerbil (after a full secure split) either. (Although females can sometimes take longer to make friends)
It most importantly doesn't mean that she will be mean to humans either (assuming she wasn't before). Gerbils react to humans totally differently than they do to other gerbils so carry on as normal with her - it wasn't her 'fault'.
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Post by Markpd on May 25, 2021 11:35:57 GMT -8
OT, rep payee??
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Post by betty on May 25, 2021 15:51:39 GMT -8
How is she doing cgreat? We haven't heard in a while - any improvement? I hope you rep came round and let you care for her whie she was poorly. Do let us know if you still need help as there may well be a breeder close by (check with the American Gerbil Society) who might be able to help if a vet is still not possible. Anyway, we won't keep chasing you for details after this - but if you can and have time - we'd love to hear from you again. Someone is always online on this forum for a chat - and we are a friendly bunch. Take care. |
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Post by cgreat on May 25, 2021 16:05:19 GMT -8
Thank you so much. She's doing better. I'm keeping an eye on her wounds so they won't get infected. Her eyes are open now and she's running in her and her sister's wheel for the first time. I have an idea to help make sure my girls won't climb over the divider. I've been putting warm salt water on her skin. Thankfully no need for stitches. Thank you so much for your concern. |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on May 25, 2021 16:10:20 GMT -8
Good to hear she's doing better. Hopefully she'll heal quickly.  |
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Post by Markpd on May 26, 2021 12:28:39 GMT -8
(deleted question, has been answered ) cgreat Glad she's doing better btw |
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), late 70s
