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. A dying gerbil displays the following signs: Loss of appetite. Things like bird perches (for some gerbils), hide-outs, edible logs, chew sticks, and cleaned sticks from outside to climb on are all great toys. But that of a gerbil is higher, which puts increased stress on the heart muscles. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. 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. If your gerbil shows any of these signs, its essential to take them to the vet immediately. The gerbils mucus is red and can be confused with blood. Which one is correct depends on the specific kind of bacteria affecting your pet. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. He began making what looked like involuntary bodily movements (such as kicking his legs occasionally), and he displayed lack of mobility and closed eyes. Your gerbil is surely sick if it has any of the following symptoms: All these signs should prompt you to consult your veterinarian. If your gerbil dies suddenly, remove it from its cage, get rid of any bedding, and clean the enclosure with antibacterial spray. These occur when blood pressure gets too high and when the walls of the bodys blood vessels become rigid and old. Its also unlikely theyll have the energy to fight back, so theyll get stressed out quickly. Thats because of the social structure of gerbil groups. By. For example, if there is a limited food resource, the dominant pair will hog the food for themselves. Similarly, if theyre too cold, theyre at risk of hypothermia. If your gerbil is alive and exhibits these symptoms, take it to see a vet. 4. As a result, youll need to ensure that your gerbils kept at the right temperature and isnt at risk of getting too hot or cold. About 20% of gerbils will develop seizures. What does threaten your gerbils health is when they attack each other with their teeth. . Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. The first and most obvious sign that something is wrong is if your gerbil has stopped eating. However, just because you dont see any signs of life doesnt mean your gerbil is dead. You may notice symptoms change. good luck with your gerbil. However, before you arrange a burial for your gerbil, make sure its definitely passed away. Here are several of the most common sounds gerbils make, as well as their meanings. This allows it to get some rest. In the wild, they'll eat bird's eggs, newly hatched chicks, and insects. They stop the gerbil from breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound. Leaving the piece of lacerated tail is a significant risk of new injuries and infections that can compromise your life. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. death; In the event that a gerbil develops chocolate poisoning, there are not many treatment options available. The various strains are usually species-specific (i.e. If you cannot save your gerbil, it is essential to euthanize it humanely. Hand-feed or use a spoon with soft food. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. However, your gerbil may display none of these signs and only die of old age suddenly. Lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, and abnormal skin color are some of the most typical symptoms of gerbil sickness or demise. Warmth, fresh water, and food should all be provided. To these owners, any time their gerbils die comes as a surprise. Your pet may have been overweight or experienced heart failure because of its diet. This article has been viewed 106,652 times. In most cases, nature will take hold and run its course. When a gerbil is dying, there are typically some apparent symptoms. Seizures in gerbils are essentially the same as epilepsy. It will also start to smell, drawing the attention of pests and tainting your home. Gerbils are popular small pets, but what if you think your gerbil might be dead? The first time you see your gerbil have a grand mal seizure, its exceptionally worrying. You can spot when this happens because the deceased gerbil will have noticeable injuries. This might involve separating them to live in new groups, administering antibiotics, or cleaning their cages more often. Loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea are typical indicators of a dying gerbil. Treatment: Change the type of bedding. The dead gerbil may be covered in blood and have severe and obvious wounds. Sep 30, 2018 at 11:08am. The treatment consists of pruning each week if the cause comes from there. According to Physiology and Behavior, a female gerbils heart rate is around 300 BPM during pregnancy. Superficial wounds rarely need intervention and heal quickly. According to Vet Record, the only way to resolve the issue is surgery. Remove the bedding in the cage. Many people may not be aware, but gerbils can live up to six years when living with a partner. In fact, it will be necessary to amputate the part of the reached tail. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. They took the assigned diet for an additional three weeks. The symptoms are the same as those experienced by people. So the lifespan of a captive or pet gerbil is a lot longer than that of wild gerbils. Global Moderator. While each seizure wont cause lasting damage, their continuation can cause issues. Your pet gerbil can reach old age if youre a good owner. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. In the case of a poor diet, it will be necessary torebalance the diet. . Early identification and treatment are often essential for a positive outcome in a sick gerbil. The symptoms of a scent gland tumor include dryness and extra baldness on your gerbils stomach, flaky skin and loose powdery dust, redness and swelling, and small hard lumpy patches. Lastly, some people may not know how to save a dying gerbil. The symptoms of heart failure include a distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. Lack of appetite is another common symptom. Of all the animals, people are the only ones that can now regularly survive to old age. Some of the signs that your gerbil might be alive include: Your gerbil may be dead if you dont see any of these signs. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. Blisters form under his feet. If you observe any of these indicators in your pet gerbil, take it to a veterinarian immediately. If you have other pets or small children, limit their access to ensure that they dont cause further distress. Surgery is required for tumors. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! In captivity, a defeated gerbil has nowhere to escape, forcing the fight to go on until death. If you have a gerbil near death, its critical to do everything you can to preserve its life. These issues relate to the environment, diet, exercise, and transmittable diseases. This is an unfortunately common circumstance that owners find themselves in. While it is rare, gerbils are capable of fighting to the death. To prevent this from happening, go to your veterinarian quickly for proper treatment. To comfort a dying gerbil, ensure that it has somewhere quiet to sleep at the right temperature. [7] Themothis a very limiting parasite for your gerbil and even for you, since you may be transmitted. Gerbils will fight to the death to ensure their dominance. But it can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil to die. Infinity Sports. Heart failure is a condition that can affect any animal with a heart. Where the blood vessel burst in the brain, the local brain tissue will be affected. If they do not, take them to the vet immediately. This is due to the social nature of the gerbil and how they need interaction to thrive. References. Diarrhoea does not always appear. Euthanasia is often recommended because the gerbil, too old, is unlikely to wake up. Some of the more common health concerns are listed below. If your gerbil remains sick after a change of bedding, take it to the vet. Here are some common causes of gerbil death: Old age: Gerbils have a lifespan of around 2-4 years, and as they age, they can develop age-related health issues such as tumors, organ failure, and neurological disorders. If your pet seems to be always sleeping and has no energy, it could be nearing the end of its life. Gerbils are excitable and fast-moving small animals. Because of their social nature, gerbils pass the disease very easily in between them. The symptoms are obvious, so check for them in your surviving gerbils. Allergies. It has several origins: food, congenital, traumatic. Chirping. The covering of fur on the . Chestnuts are a kind of nut that's popular during the winter. Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, but can occasionally be found in females. This could be the reason why lots of your pets died one after the other. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. Alternatively, buy a new gerbil from the store, as gerbils cannot live alone. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Bloating:A bloated stomach can be caused by gas buildup or fluid retention and can be very painful for your gerbil. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight. Externally, gerbils are quite ratlike. However, in gerbils mortality of 80% or more of animals showing symptoms is common. To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees. Gerbils only live to about three years old on average. A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. Mild allergies and eye injury can be spotted by examining your gerbil's eyes. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to help a gerbil that has a stroke. Its an oval shape and is a shade darker than the rest of your pets skin. This is another reason to get them to the vet as soon as possible. This prevents them from disturbing the animal or making it stressed. Look at your gerbil's eyes. Another of the facts about gerbils is that they are omnivorous, which means they'll eat both plant and animal material. You can do this by: Once youve determined for sure that your gerbil has died, its time to say your goodbyes. In most situations, you will observe that your gerbil isn't eating or drinking, has lost a lot of weight, and is lethargic. Other rodents use urine, but gerbils use a sticky orange substance to conserve water. Encourage it to keep eating, providing treats if it refuses pellets. Heat hits: gerbils are quite susceptible to heat stroke if they are exposed to direct sunlight or housed in a very hot room and especially if they have no access to shade or water source. Gerbils are great pets for people who want a low-maintenance companion. Seizures usually begin a gerbil when a gerbil is 2 to 3 months old. There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. Use the list below to identify the issue and correct it where possible. It must be borne in mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are zoonotic. Not only is this good for your pet, but itll help you to find some peace and say your goodbyes. If you think your gerbil is sick, take it to the vet. Your pet may appear healthy and happy, and the next moment is dead. Contact your Fort Collins vet immediately if your pet gerbil . Your veterinarian will probably prescribean antibioticas well as alocal disinfectionto do. 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. Replace the bedding and place your gerbils back in the enclosure. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. In fact, it causes a slimming of your gerbil, which will eat less or no more. A friend told me she did . You may even need to start hand-feeding the gerbil for a short while so that it gets the nutrients it needs. A gerbil that's close to death won't eat from this hoard or go foraging for food. And depending on the conditions your gerbil lives in, RIs can appear suddenly. If you have other gerbils in the enclosure, a dead tankmate risks their health, especially if the gerbil had a contagious condition. can feel like a death sentence. The symptoms start with a twitch, the ears are then folded back, and the gerbil may start to drool at the mouth. If you are unsure what to do, its essential to seek veterinary help immediately. If you have lots of gerbils, a respiratory infection can pass between them easily. Epileptic seizures (fits) occur in up to 50% of gerbils. This means that if your gerbils are consistently dying with the symptoms described above, Tyzzers disease is the issue. Remove the tanks bedding and dispose of it. If youve never kept gerbils before, one thing that might surprise you is their seizures. There are many, Theres nothing sadder than if your pet dies. Attention, this disease must be differentiated fromnasal dermatitis, which has similar symptoms. Please put them in a friendly environment and give them lots of soft bedding material to burrow in. Know that there is no treatment. 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. Tularemia. However, dont leave your gerbil to suffer. Try switching your gerbil's bedding if it appears to be having an allergic reaction. What are the symptoms of a dying gerbil? With proper care, many gerbils can be saved. If you suspect your gerbil is dying, be aware of the signals that might confirm your fears. For some reason gerbils gnaw and pull at their deceased companions. Apr 6, 2016. That's because a stroke affects the brain in the same way. Remember that some gerbils may hide their symptoms of illness, so you should be observant of your gerbil's behavior and . Other gerbils may grieve the loss. In the wild, it is common for gerbils to fight, but the defeated gerbil can flee because it is not in a cage. The tail can break and promote necrosis. A yellow or green discoloration can also indicate illness, especially if it is yellow or green. These may be unrelated to seizures caused by genetics. The pet and laboratory gerbil is Meriones unguiculatus, commonly known as the Mongolian gerbil. You may not notice the behavioral signs of this occurring. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. According to PLoS One, some species of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity. Early detection and treatment are usually essential for a successful outcome when treating a sick gerbil. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. All pet gerbils in the U.S. are bred from 50 or 60 original breeding pairs. This drops to around 250 during lactation. Gerbils are very sensitive to temperature changes, and something as innocent as keeping your buddy's cage too near an AC vent can cause problems with your little pet. 3. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. The heart can be under strain long before this, though, which has slightly different symptoms to what we understand as a heart attack.. You have to go urgently to the veterinarian. There are no reversing the effects. In more severe cases, your gerbil may be entirely paralyzed. Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. The surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the tumor with your pet under anesthetic. If you believe one of these reasons caused the end of your gerbil, its critical to have him examined by a veterinarian for an autopsy. If they get too hot, theyre at risk of heatstroke, which speeds up the dying process. Having achieved freedom, he explored the table and (this part . Strokes affect other animals in the same way that they affect us. If it lives with other gerbils that reject it, this can cause repeated fighting. If your gerbils loud at night, you might find, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. Hey there, I'm Angela. Being overweight and a lack of exercise are two risk factors for strokes in gerbils. The most common causes of death in gerbils are old age, heart failure, stroke, neglect, Tyzzers disease, scent gland tumors, fighting, and respiratory infection. They can be scary, but are usually not a sign of another illness. Checking whether the gerbil is breathing. Never pick a gerbil up by their tail. Gerbils are thought of as an easy first pet for a child to own. If they suddenly stop doing their usual activities and start to watch something, this is out of curiosity. You will notice a hard lump forming around the scent gland if your gerbil is sick. This means that most gerbils are inbred in some way. If you have multiple gerbils in the cage, its a good idea to isolate your dying gerbil. They often reach older gerbils. A rapid intervention is necessary for the treatment to act and prevent irreversible sequelae. Thus, one can find in all the regions of the body. Check your gerbil over once a week. The average weight is 50-55 g for females and 60 g for males. However, heart failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals. This cant be done at home. If you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils passing, then you cant tell what killed it. You may also notice . Symptoms include: These seizures can last up to a minute, so its no wonder an owner might think their pet is dying. Its also likely your gerbil wants to sleep. In captivity, it cant escape the cage. Posts: 5,158. Euthanizing your gerbil will help to prevent it from suffering any further. If your gerbils keep dying and you dont know why you must consult a vet. The fights become more fierce because of this. Others will enjoy having you sit next to the cage. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. Another fear with gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is alive or dead. Seizures usually last for a few seconds, up to a minute. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. Make sure the vet has diagnosed it as such. They will also do this to assess their safety or situation. I think my gerbil (the last of 2) is dying. Additionally, many people may not know what to do if their gerbil dies. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. Consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. More commonly known as a heart attack, heart failure means that one of the arteries in the heart has become blocked. Causes: Falls, fights, wheel with bars. Ovarian cysts manifest the fastest out of all the possible causes of a bloated look in gerbils. But the main dangers in captivity that might lead to a short lifespan are improper care and a bad diet. It will only gradually recover the use of its limbs. Quote. Sadly, nearly 80% of all gerbils who begin showing symptoms of the disease die within 48 hours. They occur in both people and gerbils (as well as other animals). Some dying gerbils enjoy being handled by their owners, but some will only want you to sit nearby. I don't know if your gerbil is dying, but you should take it to the vet, because if sounds really sick. This should offer some comfort and helps to let your pet know its not alone. If youre not sure whether your gerbil is dying, keep an eye out for these signs: Lethargy:If your gerbil is moving less than usual or seems unusually tired, this could signify that theyre nearing the end. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. The veterinarian must perform the relevant tests to know what is the reason for the dermatitis or alopecia of the gerbil and thus give it the appropriate treatment. Or, if another gerbil challenges the dominance of the alpha male or female, a fight will surely follow. The blockage causes brain damage, which in turn causes the symptoms of a stroke. Sweet and tasty, you may want to share some slices or chopped-up chestnuts with your gerbil. Behavior and body language of a happy gerbil Watching you. This is a circle of arteries that deliver blood to the brain. . The optimal temperature for a gerbil is between 65-75 degrees. What are the signs of a gerbil dying? If you do not take enough care of your gerbil, it will be prone to thisnasal dermatitiswhich is manifested by aredness of skinthat can driftin crust. You may notice your gerbil twitches, goes into a mild trance, or has some muscle convulsions. betty. . You are doing all you can, there may be some antibiotics you could get from the pet store but it might do more harm if there are no other symptoms. So, its likely that your gerbil died of something other than age-related issues. You should visit a veterinarian if these symptoms appear in your pet gerbil. Either way, gerbils regularly die of old age as the body begins to break down. Begin by buying a new gerbilarium for your pets to live in. You may think your gerbil is dying or already dead. . A respiratory problem in a gerbil can be serious and can be the cause of a sudden death if it is not treated. While they do show signs of aging, these arent as obvious as they are in people. All gerbils have scent glands on their stomachs. I think my gerbil Dustie had a stroke yesterday. i used to feed my gerbils dead moths [psycho emoticon] so i think i just increased their blood lust. It plays a role in the appearance ofnasal dermatitis. Their genetics arent as healthy as they could be or as their wild counterparts. Provide extra bedding and a possible heat pad to remain warm when your gerbil isn't able to maintain its body temperature the way it used to. Most gerbils with Tyzzer's disease die within 24-48 hours. This is because the body will decompose and attract bacteria. Others cant be fixed at all. At this point, the choice is yours to place your deceased gerbil in a box and perform a burial. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. 3. Its origin may be parasitic, bacterial, an excess of cerumen or a tumor. The animal is used in science and kept as a small . The only thing that can be done is treat the symptoms while you wait for them to go away on their own. Over time, your gerbil will decline and die because of these repeated stresses. And many health conditions are tricky to spot with an untrained eye. It's important to keep an eye on any pet and know when you need to take them to the vet. A heart attack happens when one of the arteries in the heart becomes blocked. Colds occur when the upper respiratory tract, i.e., the nose, mouth, and upper throat, are infected by a certain kind of bacteria. It is essential to tell when your gerbil is dying, as you may want to say goodbye and provide a peaceful passing. It has been demonstrated that in Mongolian gerbils, a unilateral hemispheric cerebral infarction can be produced following unilateral occlusion of the carotid artery because of the absence of connecting arteries between the basilar and carotid systems in these animals. Because the heart cant pump blood, the affected animal experiences severely negative effects. There are several illnesses your gerbil might be experiencing, including hypothermia, diarrhea, dehydration, mites, and poisoning. Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, If a gerbil cant open its eyes, or its eyes are half shut all the time, it may mean your gerbil is ill. Gerbils close their eyes when they sleep.. It is very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. It is possible that we find the animal lethargic, immobile and even in shock. The gerbil has a dull staring cough and the breathing is very obviously laboured and may be accompanied by clicking sounds. Gerbils will puff up their fur when they are feeling unwell, so watching for this sign is vital to the health of your pet. This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. Some gerbils only live for a few years, so it can be a shock when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan. This means that they are more susceptible to embolisms than humans. However, like other animals, they are vulnerable to sickness and mortality. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. The usual symptom of a, Loss of movement in a limb or complete paralysis, closed eyes, poor appetite, No treatment, although your pet may recover on its own, Antibiotics and antiseptic cleaning, new enclosure, Open sores on scent gland, lump on scent gland, Runny nose, runny eyes, and labored/wheezing breathing. Diarrhea:diarrhea can have a nutritional or infectious origin (viral, bacterial or parasitic). Gerbils get these seizures because of genetics. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times. If you spot a lot of dark brown material in your gerbil's fur, take a piece and put it on some white kitchen paper. Should an infected animal recover, the spores of the . A clean cage with toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life. Member Website Links. One of the first things you should do if you think your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life. But it, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. Infection, trauma, and poisoning are all potential causes of death in gerbils. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time.

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