Post by cashewpeanut on Oct 12, 2023 12:11:06 GMT -8
Hi all,
My gerbil Peanut is approaching 3 years old and has been slowing down over the last 4 months. He sleeps more, chews less etc. His cage mate passed about 8mos ago but he's been doing great in general, still digging, building his nest up, eats like a champ and loves free roam time, of which he gets lots.
Late last week he was even more lethargic than usual, but still eating and free roaming fine. I THOUGHT I saw him walking in large circles but it was inconsistent and my family said they didn't see it. I had a vet apt booked but on Tuesday he seemed to rebound a ton. Was super active, not doing circles, regained his balance so I was happy, and canceled the visit.
Then yesterday (Wednesday) night I came home from work to find him lying prone on his side in an unusual spot. When I startled him he started doing these HORRIBLE tight and fast corkscrew rolls (on his side, not rolling forward) which left him exhausted. They seem to have lessened today but still occur during stress, I think. He has a head tilt and kind of drags himself around his tank. I have downsized the area and took out anything he could hurt himself on, and gave him water, water veggies, organic baby food, critical care, tofu, and some nuts throughout the night. My sweet boy lives to eat and she he did take it all.
This morning I rushed him to the vet, who said that he believes they are epileptic seizures, more severe than is typical. He said there can be no medication given, I just have to keep Peanut hydrated and comfortable and see if his condition improves in one week. I know gerbils are quite resilient creatures but Peanut seems in a pretty bad way. He mostly just lays there and flops around occasionally. Still eating and drinking via dropper, but he looks so tired and weak. The vet outright said he did NOT recommend having him PTS. But now that Peanut is home doing more of the same I am questioning myself and his quality of life.
Anybody have any experience with extreme corkscrew spinning, head tilt, and balance loss?? Stroke vs seizure vs ear/neurological?
IK the most common cause of these symptoms is an ear issue but the vet looked at his ears and made no comment. Peanut does have feeling in his back legs, just little control. They seem to stick out a lot. Poor boy peed all over himself at the vet. It's horrible to see him like this. I will give it another day or two but if he doesn't improve, I really can't bear watching him suffer. He is such a vivacious gerbil. So full of life and sass. Any experiences anybody has would be greatly appreciated!
My gerbil Peanut is approaching 3 years old and has been slowing down over the last 4 months. He sleeps more, chews less etc. His cage mate passed about 8mos ago but he's been doing great in general, still digging, building his nest up, eats like a champ and loves free roam time, of which he gets lots.
Late last week he was even more lethargic than usual, but still eating and free roaming fine. I THOUGHT I saw him walking in large circles but it was inconsistent and my family said they didn't see it. I had a vet apt booked but on Tuesday he seemed to rebound a ton. Was super active, not doing circles, regained his balance so I was happy, and canceled the visit.
Then yesterday (Wednesday) night I came home from work to find him lying prone on his side in an unusual spot. When I startled him he started doing these HORRIBLE tight and fast corkscrew rolls (on his side, not rolling forward) which left him exhausted. They seem to have lessened today but still occur during stress, I think. He has a head tilt and kind of drags himself around his tank. I have downsized the area and took out anything he could hurt himself on, and gave him water, water veggies, organic baby food, critical care, tofu, and some nuts throughout the night. My sweet boy lives to eat and she he did take it all.
This morning I rushed him to the vet, who said that he believes they are epileptic seizures, more severe than is typical. He said there can be no medication given, I just have to keep Peanut hydrated and comfortable and see if his condition improves in one week. I know gerbils are quite resilient creatures but Peanut seems in a pretty bad way. He mostly just lays there and flops around occasionally. Still eating and drinking via dropper, but he looks so tired and weak. The vet outright said he did NOT recommend having him PTS. But now that Peanut is home doing more of the same I am questioning myself and his quality of life.
Anybody have any experience with extreme corkscrew spinning, head tilt, and balance loss?? Stroke vs seizure vs ear/neurological?
IK the most common cause of these symptoms is an ear issue but the vet looked at his ears and made no comment. Peanut does have feeling in his back legs, just little control. They seem to stick out a lot. Poor boy peed all over himself at the vet. It's horrible to see him like this. I will give it another day or two but if he doesn't improve, I really can't bear watching him suffer. He is such a vivacious gerbil. So full of life and sass. Any experiences anybody has would be greatly appreciated!
