Hind leg amputation

[gerryandbilly]

Hi, does anyone have any experience of their gerbil having a hind leg amputated? My poor boy had one of his hind legs amputated last week and I have lots of worrries, although back at vet in few days for check up. Will he be able to stand up like before? Will he be able to sit on his haunches like before so he can eat and drink from the water bottle? He’s currently in a separate cage on one level drinking water out a dish while he recovers. I am also worried incase they De clan while being kept separately although the cages are right next to each other and I’m swapping bits of their substrate. Thank you x

[catnut]

Sorry to hear your gerbil had to have his leg amputated but from what i've read, most learn to adjust without a leg and just watch to make sure he can eat/drink as before. Ask the vet when you go if you have any concerns, but many things like this is try and see, offer both types of water once he is better and see what he likes or finds easier. Let us know how he is doing and fingers crossed he will be okay in the future.

[Markpd]

To be on the safe side, you'd better do a split intro setup before reintroducing them.

How's he doing anyway?

[gerryandbilly]

I am pleased to say Billy is doing really well three weeks on from his leg amputation. He used running as fast as his brother and playing together as usual and he is back living in the gerbilarium with his brother. He cannot stand as not got the balance but I have things for him to stand against. :-)

[betty]

Great update, and glad to hear he is back with his buddy.

Keep an eye on his cleaning 'downstairs' though, as sometimes when they lose balance they often end up either coming into contact with waste more regularly (most likely sitting in it), or not being able to swing themselves round to clean the area thoroughly.