Gerbil Enigma

[chewey]

2 year old woody has a tumor on his belly, this started off as a few pimple spots then developed into a mass.  Although he is still eating cucumber, apple, blueberry, peanut and bits from the natures touch gerbil food - he hasnt been interested in normal gerbil food for over 10 days and weight has dropped from 93g to 75g in a week since being to the vet.  The vet prescribed baytril for a week incase it was an infection

His coat is ok, breathing seems ok, no red patches on nose or eyes, ears are normal, poo is more black and hard compared to normal.

He does still drink water but not as much as he used to.

Taking him back to the vet today for a checkup - not sure what else might help him improve unless the tumor is affecting him internally.  Or if its his gums/teeth?

Definitely lethargic and sleeping alot more - but he does try to go round in his wheel occasionally. 

Unsteady on his paws - again sometimes

Chews cardboard but tentatively and not for long.

Anyone else had experience of these symptoms?

Thanks in advance

[LilyandDaisy]

Hello,

It sounds like a scent gland tumour to me - probably a fairly advanced one.

The only cure for a scent gland tumour is surgery to remove the gland. Fortunately this isn't too invasive as the gland as they don't have to open the abdomen up (the gland is just under the skin), although you would need to discuss with a vet (ideally an exotic one) the pros and cons of surgery. 2 years old is not old for surgery (my gerbil is the same age and recently had successful scent gland surgery), but it sounds like he may not be in good health. Nearly 20g weight loss in a week is a lot.

The alternative to surgery is try to manage any pain and inflammation caused by the tumour with medication and if it gets too bad, consider euthanasia.

My feeling based on what you've said is that Woody might be suffering and he does need something more than the antibiotics. I would ask the vet about Metacam/meloxicam as that's often prescribed to gerbils for pain. If metacam doesn't help much I would say you probably need to make a decision one way or another whether to risk surgery (if your vet is willing to try it) or consider euthanasia. Scent gland tumours can get very unpleasant sadly.

I hope it goes well at the vet today and please do keep us updated whatever happens.

[betty]

Yes I agree with LilyandDaisy - if his teeth are fine - then that loss of appetite and weight loss is a signal that all is not well.

Certainly pain medication is essential from now until a resolution is decided upon as SGTs are VERY irritating/painful in their advanced state. There could certainly ALSO be an active infection under the skin as well - this sounds like multiple issues here for the poor little mite.

Do let us know how you get on at the vets and how the little one is faring...