This is a problem because good care is key to good health. This may seem contradictory when weve already talked about showing your gerbil affection in its final days, but you must understand when your gerbil wants to be alone. Of all the animals, people are the only ones that can now regularly survive to old age. Your gerbil dies in90% of cases. In people, this structure is a connected circle shape. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Treatment: Change the type of bedding. Your pet may appear healthy and happy, and the next moment is dead. In all cases, it causes significant dehydration. They dont result in brain damage and have no other long-lasting effects. These tumors, like any tumor, can be benign or malignant. The deterioration is usually quick, meaning it sometimes takes owners by surprise. By using our site, you agree to our. Your vet might choose to excise it. In this article, well discuss the symptoms of a gerbil dying, what to do if your gerbil is dying, and how to save a dying gerbil. Something may be able to be done to save them, but the sooner you seek help for them, the better their chances are. Gerbil Information Leaflet Number3 - Give your Gerbil A health Check is a companion to this page. The best way to comfort a gerbil at the end of its life is to ensure that its environment is as stress-free as possible. Consider moving one of its friendly brothers or sisters in with it. Mild allergies and eye injury can be spotted by examining your gerbil's eyes. So if youre perplexed about why your gerbil died suddenly, keep reading to learn about some potential causes. Gerbil Memorial Board. The fix depends on the cause. This is a circle of arteries that deliver blood to the brain. A gerbil that refuses to eat or has a declining appetite might be ill. If there hasn't been any change in a few days, it's time to give your vet . This should only cost $20 to $40. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them. As a result, you can make your gerbil feel more comfortable by providing a dark, quiet space to live in, where it wont be disturbed. Gerbils can also die from heart disease, liver failure, or cancer. I separated her from her sister. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. While they do show signs of aging, these arent as obvious as they are in people. Any food the sick animal eats . [2] However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. This is an unpleasant but necessary thing to do. This can become an issue over time. Never pick a gerbil up by their tail. Gerbil of the Month (Photo Contest) Winners. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. All mammals have a structure in their brains called the circle of Willis. Being overweight and a lack of exercise are two risk factors for strokes in gerbils. This might involve separating them to live in new groups, administering antibiotics, or cleaning their cages more often. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not your gerbil is terminally ill and can provide you with instructions on how to care for it as it approaches death. Gerbils live in groups and are susceptible to health issues that are easily passed on. Your gerbil can also become stressed because of other reasons. In captivity, it cant escape the cage. It is therefore better to find out quickly to clean all the habitat of your rodent and try to save it if possible. This causes diarrhea, which then spreads the disease to other individuals, and so on. Keep the enclosures lid on to trap warmth if its not already. He began making what looked like involuntary bodily movements (such as kicking his legs occasionally), and he displayed lack of mobility and closed eyes. Gerbils. If your gerbil used to be very athletic and amusing but now appears sluggish and unwilling to move around much, its possible that it isnt feeling well. Falls: the gerbils that have access to the outside of the cage, spoiled or escaped, can suffer accidental falls, either from a table, bed, bookshelf etc. Both in the wild and in captivity, gerbils are prone to violence. The significance of recognizing the indicators of a sick gerbil cannot be overstated. Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. Try removing all your current bedding and swapping it with another kind. The blockage causes brain damage, which in turn causes the symptoms of a stroke. So, when they grow old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until the very end. Its also a nice thing to do for your gerbil while its dying. Eye problems occur, especially cataracts. In captivity, a defeated gerbil has nowhere to escape, forcing the fight to go on until death. What does threaten your gerbils health is when they attack each other with their teeth. A gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon. The symptoms of old age include weight loss and loss of muscle mass, poor appetite, and lethargy. How the Mongolian Gerbil May Help Speed Recovery of a Rare Inner Ear Problem. Lastly, some people may not know how to save a dying gerbil. Gerbils that are dying of old age may not need pain relief, and it can even make them more lethargic. While each seizure wont cause lasting damage, their continuation can cause issues. While your vet may be able to recommend a treatment, its more likely to be a palliative measure rather than a life-saving one. Sep 30, 2018 at 11:08am. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. About 20% of gerbils will develop seizures. I don't know if your gerbil is dying, but you should take it to the vet, because if sounds really sick. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. Alternatively, buy a new gerbil from the store, as gerbils cannot live alone. If you have other gerbils, you should try to learn why your gerbil got sick and died. If it lives with other gerbils that reject it, this can cause repeated fighting. References. Carefully place surviving cage mates back in. Provide them either a cage ball or a 6 - 8 inch wheel so they may run around as though nothing is preventing them. But gerbils can take you by surprise in that way, too. The unfortunate outcome of these fights can be sudden death. Hamsters, like humans, can develop cataracts in their old age. As a result, its natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to prolong their gerbils life. Another of the facts about gerbils is that they are omnivorous, which means they'll eat both plant and animal material. They are a leading cause of injury and death in older populations. Hey there, I'm Angela. And again, Thank you so much for your time and all of the valuable information. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Prompt veterinary treatment is vital in the form of antibiotics. There are no reversing the effects. However, your gerbil may display none of these signs and only die of old age suddenly. Another common sign of gerbil death is loss of appetite. Often the gerbil dies immediately. Take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you detect any of the symptoms described in this article. The treatment consists of pruning each week if the cause comes from there. Sweet and tasty, you may want to share some slices or chopped-up chestnuts with your gerbil. If you cannot save your gerbil, it is essential to euthanize it humanely. Over time, your gerbils organs like its heart, kidneys, and liver will begin to fail. Eventually, open wounds can appear. If you're not sure whether your gerbil is dying, keep an eye . Themothis a very limiting parasite for your gerbil and even for you, since you may be transmitted. Its also unlikely theyll have the energy to fight back, so theyll get stressed out quickly. The scent gland itself is a small bald patch on your gerbils belly. Early identification and treatment are often essential for a positive outcome in a sick gerbil. According to Physiology and Behavior, a female gerbils heart rate is around 300 BPM during pregnancy. Signs of pain include: If your gerbil displays any of these signs, take it to the vet to see if pain medication can help. betty. Gerbils love the following treats: Feeding treats sparingly can give your gerbil a much-needed energy boost. Vertigo, nausea, confusion and other symptoms of the rare inner ear problem had m ade everyday tasks - from . I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. In the wild, they'll eat bird's eggs, newly hatched chicks, and insects. Your veterinarian will probably prescribean antibioticas well as alocal disinfectionto do. Signs of broken limbs are distorted legs, limping, unwillingness to move, and pained vocalisations. Try switching your gerbil's bedding if it appears to be having an allergic reaction. The Mongolian gerbil or Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus) is a small rodent belonging to the subfamily Gerbillinae. These can cause serious respiratory illnesses in rodents. Behavior and body language of a happy gerbil Watching you. If you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils passing, then you cant tell what killed it. And during stress, a gerbils heart can beat 600 times per minute. They often reach older gerbils. Good care is key to prolonging your gerbils life. In fact, it will be necessary to amputate the part of the reached tail. Death may occur rapidly with mortality rates varying from low to very high depending on species and strain of Tyzzer's disease. You should also take the gerbil to the vet if you notice red, puffy eyes; a rough, patchy coat; or a runny nose. Gerbils will fight to the death to ensure their dominance. For example, if bacteria enter a wound, it becomes harder to treat. Bloating:A bloated stomach can be caused by gas buildup or fluid retention and can be very painful for your gerbil. This is due to the social nature of the gerbil and how they need interaction to thrive. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. So, ensure you feed a good gerbil food mix at regular intervals instead. This bacteria can spread deeper into the lungs. While you need to allow yourself time to grieve, its best to do so once youve disposed of the dead gerbil. Even if a gerbil survives every health issue that comes its way, it wont grow that old. This can happen if the gerbil is held by the tail, if it is fought with another partner or if the tail is hooked with some element of the cage. Close. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! To counter this infection, the nose will produce lots of mucus. The gerbils mucus is red and can be confused with blood. Any change in their behavior such as lethargy, weight loss, sudden aggressiveness, dirty hair or agitated breathing can be indicative that something is not right. You have to go urgently to the veterinarian. If you have multiple gerbils in the cage, its a good idea to isolate your dying gerbil. Once your gerbil dies, youll need to deal with the body quickly. Checking whether the gerbil is breathing. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. When your gerbil is in the final stages of life, you can be a bit more relaxed with the number of treats you feed it. 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