Lethargic gerbil, not eating, has lost weight

[PipSqueak]

I know that I haven’t been posting recently. Today I noticed one of my gerbils was breathing very heavily, and seemed to have lost weight. I decided to put him in a smaller travel cage and try to see if he would eat. I have tried strawberries, almond butter, and lettuce and he hasn't been interested in anything. Usually he loves eating and has always been on the chubbier side. He’s very lethargic, his eyes are half open, and he’s breathing heavily. I weighed him and he only weighs 41 grams. I haven’t weighed him since November 3, 2021 but then he weighed 57 grams. Not even when I first got him did he weigh this little. I’m worried. Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be wrong. I’ll upload some videos I took.

[PipSqueak]

youtube.com/shorts/xxy9-bW5cfg?feature=share

[PipSqueak]

update: i checked his teeth thinking that could be the reason why he’s not eating or drinking. he has stuff around his mouth, like mucus. i’m now thinking he could have a respiratory infection. he also is clicking when he’s breathing.

[catnut]

I would get him checked by a vet, if it is a respiratory infection, he needs antibiotics and as soon as possible. Just put food right infront of him and give him carrots,etc. if he's not drinking enough or try water on a spoon to see if he will drink.

[PipSqueak]

unfortunately i have to go to school tomorrow but my mom is going to take him to the vet tomorrow morning. i’ve put him back into his tank but sectioned a small portion off more shallow bedding so i can monitor him easier. i just tried giving him water with a spoon but he refused to drink any. he examined the food in his bowl but didn’t take anything.

[Markpd]

Sorry to hear your gerbil's ill .
Have you tried mushed up food? Or baby food?
Failing that (as an emergency option), will he lick e.g jam off your finger?