Sierra rounding out, is it age or ovarian cyst?

[betty]

Day to day is always a good starting point, especially if you don't have a vet to have faith in.

You can only do what YOU feel is in their best interests in that situation. Other than finding a local/state gerbil show breeder and having THEM do a hands on check. I mean anyone who breeds gerbils (as pets) has most likely seen both cysts, heart and other tumours etc - so might be a more experience exam than a vet. Obviously they are not a vet and (in the UK at least) can't legally give any medical treatments/doses/etc), but they could certainly be a god starting point in leui of an exotic vet. Also in the US at least, a certified wildlife rehabber for rodents may also have a good idea on a few visual health indicators.

[catnut]

there are no breeders near me unfortunetly. She is still doing well and very active at times, even on her wheel but i limit her time- jumping on her water bottle, eating and drinking well, no signs of breathing issues so am thankful and will take her in if things change if they can do something for her. Thanks for all your help, Betty. i wish i lived in the UK where i may get more help for my gerbils but live in Canada where it's hard to find a very good vet who deals with gerbils.

[betty]

Shame, if only there were amazing gerbil breeders around every corner!!!

[catnut]

Sierra grew worse- Heavy breathing and bowel issues last Tuesday so made an appt. for Wednesday to get checked over and then put to sleep, she was heavily bloated so i knew it was only going to lead to suffering if she went one more day. She was eating and drinking on her own so it made it very hard to let her go but I wasn't going to let her get to a really bad state. It is hard she is gone but know i made the right choice, wish it didn't hurt soo bad. I will write in the memorial section soon. The vet couldn't tell me what it was without imaging which i guess is fair, he agreed it was best to put her down due to how she looked and was breathing so it confirmed i did the right thing for Sierra. I will miss her alot, she was special.

[LilyandDaisy]

I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like you made the right decision for Sierra although that doesn't make it any easier.

Rest in peace Sierra.

[betty]

Bless her - and you. It was certainly the right decision to make at this stage - but it still isn't easy is it?

It never is though, but then I suppose that only proves our love for them was real...

[catnut]

thank you, I am still numb but doing the best i can, I wish she was still here but that is how it goes with little ones, they don't get long with you. I have Ray and Benny, they are full of energy and keeping me happy but of course i will have to go through this with both of them when their time comes but i guess i feel its' worth the pain at the end to give them a home and enjoy them each day i have them.

[betty]

Long live Ray and Benny!!!

[catnut]

I hope they live long as well, Betty, but will take each day as it comes and enjoy them as much as i can.

[betty]

Absolutely.

I love that every day you can give them something new to do or investigate - sometimes it is great fun and I have a whole weeks worth of stuff lined up - just to watch them explore it, knowing they have something new or different to do. Other days it is a bit harder to think of something - but there is always my stash of random shaped cardboard boxes to stuff with hay and throw in for them!

I see every day as a possible adventure...