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Post by bobngerry on May 29, 2024 14:23:13 GMT -8
Hi everyone I have two gerbils bob and gerry they are both 3 and a half, gerry passed away yesterday and I have a few questions and concerns about it, when we found him the night before he had no strength in his legs and was shaking from side to side when he walked he was not eating or drinking and looked obvious he was going to go that night, was this just old age or do you think he was sick and a vet could of saved him? we found him in the morning a couple steps out from where we left him lying on his side and he has passed away  one thing we noticed aswell is he had a little hole in what looked like his stomach, I’ve heard some stories about the other gerbil eating them so they don’t attract predators do you think this was just the case or any ideas if it was something else? And lastly I feel sorry for Bob who is all on his own now. I’ve read things about getting 2 new gerbils for him but I simply don’t have the time in the next few years to get new ones unfortunately, will he be ok on his own if I give him lots of attention, he seems fine as of now but I feel like he’s missing Gerry. Any advice on what I can do to help Thank you |
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Post by catnut on May 30, 2024 12:30:50 GMT -8
sorry to hear about Gerry, Bob will adjust and be okay by himself with extra attention and things to do- give him more cardboard, etc. that is safe. It could be both or just old age. Take care and know you gave him a good life.
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Post by betty on May 31, 2024 5:23:25 GMT -8
Yes, he should be fine on his own at such a ripe old age - especially with more things to do with his hands and brain (rather than strength and physical activity).
If he was the submissive of the pair - he might even enjoy his retirement - nice and stress free. Just watch his behaviour and if he becomes more inquisitive and appears more laid back - then he's on to a good thing.
His symptoms could have been a number of things but overall weakness like that could indicate a stroke or seizure or some other organ failure in his old age, bless him.
The hole in his tummy could have been a scent gland tumour that had become infected and burst on his death. It is unlikely that your other gerbil would have broken the thick skin of the abdomen after his death (they often will chew at already damaged or 'shiny' areas such as the face or feet if they even act this way - it is reasonably rare in of itself).
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Post by bobngerry on May 31, 2024 23:59:03 GMT -8
Thank you so much for your help guys bob is doing fine looks very Rolexes and is eating and drinking 👍
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Post by betty on Jun 1, 2024 11:15:18 GMT -8
All good news - glad to hear it.
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Post by bobngerry on Aug 13, 2024 11:20:02 GMT -8
All good news - glad to hear it. Thank you for all the help unfortunately Bob was put down unexpectedly yesterday after a casual check up at the vet, glad there back together again ❤️ I’m absolutely heart broken but I’m glad there both out of pain 🕊️ |
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Post by catnut on Aug 13, 2024 11:32:06 GMT -8
soo sorry to hear about Bob but they are back together, it's hard as i'm going through a gerbil with a serious illness and may need to put my girl down any day. take great care, they had a good life together and hope time helps you heal. RIP Gerry and Bob. |
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Post by betty on Aug 13, 2024 12:12:50 GMT -8
Oh no - that was unexpected.
Bless him - as free as the wind...
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Post by bobngerry on Aug 13, 2024 12:50:08 GMT -8
soo sorry to hear about Bob but they are back together, it's hard as i'm going through a gerbil with a serious illness and may need to put my girl down any day. take great care, they had a good life together and hope time helps you heal. RIP Gerry and Bob. Thank you so much, hope all goes well with your little one, and just know your giving it everything, it’s crazy how attached you can get to such a small little animal, the best little animals I’ve ever had ❤️ |
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Post by bobngerry on Aug 13, 2024 12:50:40 GMT -8
Oh no - that was unexpected. Bless him - as free as the wind... I’m glad they are both out of pain Thanks again for all your help and support |
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Post by bobngerry on Aug 14, 2024 4:15:56 GMT -8
Yes, he should be fine on his own at such a ripe old age - especially with more things to do with his hands and brain (rather than strength and physical activity). If he was the submissive of the pair - he might even enjoy his retirement - nice and stress free. Just watch his behaviour and if he becomes more inquisitive and appears more laid back - then he's on to a good thing. His symptoms could have been a number of things but overall weakness like that could indicate a stroke or seizure or some other organ failure in his old age, bless him. The hole in his tummy could have been a scent gland tumour that had become infected and burst on his death. It is unlikely that your other gerbil would have broken the thick skin of the abdomen after his death (they often will chew at already damaged or 'shiny' areas such as the face or feet if they even act this way - it is reasonably rare in of itself). Hi betty I know I’ve asked a lot of question but do you think this scent gland tumour or his symptoms was painful for him as I feel extremely guilty that I should have noticed this sooner |
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Post by catnut on Aug 14, 2024 11:43:29 GMT -8
i get very attached to my gerbils, they are like my babies, so it's hard to see them not well and caring for them. thanks, can i ask what was wrong with Bob? soo sorry his visit turned into not bringing him home, take great care. |
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Post by bobngerry on Aug 14, 2024 12:48:32 GMT -8
Not exactly sure at the start the vet had a listen to his heart and looked pretty worried and told me the best option was to put him down, tried my best to hold it in😞 after they put him to sleep they realised he had fluid in the lungs so I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore, the most amazing thing happened we were sitting in the car waiting for the vet and seen 2 butterflies chasing each other and then the vet walks round the corner, I pray everyday that was then to back together ❤️ I felt like I’ve had them for life and has felt like a year since Gerry died it’s only been 2 months, they were my first ever gerbils and I’m not sure if I’ll end up getting other ones as I feel like I can’t replace them 😞
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Post by betty on Aug 14, 2024 14:01:39 GMT -8
100% for sure - those two butterflies were yours.
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one thing we noticed aswell is he had a little hole in what looked like his stomach, I’ve heard some stories about the other gerbil eating them so they don’t attract predators do you think this was just the case or any ideas if it was something else? And lastly I feel sorry for Bob who is all on his own now. I’ve read things about getting 2 new gerbils for him but I simply don’t have the time in the next few years to get new ones unfortunately, will he be ok on his own if I give him lots of attention, he seems fine as of now but I feel like he’s missing Gerry. Any advice on what I can do to help 
