One of my gerbils had a stroke, should I separate him?

[sam0320]

Update** im not sure if I should delete this post now or not, but my gerbil passed away. I now have to figure out how to keep his cage mates social needs up and have that worked out. Thank you for all the help and ideas.
I have two gerbils that are about 3 almost 4 years old. I believe that one of them just had a stoke. I went to pick him up to check on him, and he bit to the point that I started to bleed. He has never bitten me before. He also is displaying other signs of a stroke. I’ve been keeping gerbils for years but I’ve to experience my gerbil having a stroke. His brother is as healthy as can be, and I’m just wondering, should I separate them? What steps should I take right now? It’s currently my mom taking care of them since I had to move for school and am unable to take them with me, but I am home often enough when I can be.

[LilyandDaisy]

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear your gerbil seems to have had a stroke. I wouldn't separate them because a friend will be a comfort to him at this time. There isn't any treatment for a stroke, so it's mostly about making things as easy as possible for the gerbil and keeping an eye on quality of life. Depending on how your gerbil is affected, you might need to make the enclosure all one level and eliminate any places where they need to climb or jump up. Consider having the food and water close to their nest or tunnel entrance so it's easy to reach. Be careful with water bowls if you have one as a disabled gerbil can fall face first into one and drown. Keep an eye on how your gerbil is eating as he may struggle with holding food in his paws and shelling seeds. He may benefit from some soft food.

In some cases gerbils recover (or partially recover) from a stroke, while in other cases they continue to have more strokes.

[mygerbilprince]

I agree that you should keep the gerbils together. When it comes to older gerbils, you may need to make accommodations in their enclosures for a variety of reasons. My gerbils has some arthritis in his back legs and hips so I had to make some changes to be sure he can live comfortably. For example, I made sure that any platforms I had were easily accessible by a ramp. He still likes to be active, he will climb onto his platforms and run in his wheel, but I try to offer him alternatives so he doesn't have to be so active. I don't scatter feed him anymore, and just pile the food right near his water. I think moving your food and water to the burrow entrance or at least in a flat, central area in the enclosure would be a wise idea. The gerbils will definitely take comfort in each other.

I have just seen your update now, but I will keep the information above for anyone who may find it useful. You don't need to delete the post, others may find it helpful. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your little guy was in pain so at least he is at peace now. I hope his friend will be alright! Prioritize his comfort and quality of life, especially in his old age. Again, I'm so sorry to hear your gerbil passed. Sending love to you and the widowed gerbil <3

[LilyandDaisy]

I'm so sorry to hear that your gerbil passed away. Almost 4 is such a good age for a gerbil and he would have appreciated your care for him during his last days.