Which one is correct depends on the specific kind of bacteria affecting your pet. If you dont get to spend much time with your pet, you may not notice these conditions developing. However, never self-prescribe, as you may make your gerbils condition worse. This high level of activity, plus the gerbils natural susceptibility to heart disease, means that the condition is common. In captivity, it cant escape the cage. If you think your gerbil may be dead, check for signs of life such as movement, breathing, or a heartbeat. With proper care, many gerbils can be saved. The face is the first affected area, before the legs and trunk. "I found my gerbil stretched across her cage not moving, but breathing very slowly. Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, but can occasionally be found in females. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. If your gerbil remains sick after a change of bedding, take it to the vet. To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. However, like other animals, they are vulnerable to sickness and mortality. If youve never kept gerbils before, one thing that might surprise you is their seizures. Diarrhea:diarrhea can have a nutritional or infectious origin (viral, bacterial or parasitic). This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. The gerbil could also have an infection, injury, or treatable healthy condition, especially if the animal is still young. Embolisms cause strokes in the brain, which are blockages either of fat, blood, or air. Infinity Sports. If it lives with other gerbils that reject it, this can cause repeated fighting. Begin by buying a new gerbilarium for your pets to live in. Aside from the many health conditions that can affect them, they are genetically ill too. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. Be sure to observe your gerbil each day and note the progression of any growth day-to-day. Remove all the old bedding and try another kind. Its a disease that is spread through accidental ingestion of diarrhea. Respiratory illness. Treats are also handy if your gerbil refuses to eat. If they suddenly stop doing their usual activities and start to watch something, this is out of curiosity. 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. For some gerbils, they stop, and for others, they dont. All gerbils have scent glands on their stomachs. A gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon. According to Physiology, when animals are petted, oxytocin is released in their brains. One Mongolian species (Meriones unguiculatus) is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular pet. Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, but can occasionally be found in females. To prevent this situation from occurring, you must separate the gerbils. Seeing gerbils fight can be traumatic, but if you know how to keep . I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. All of the surviving gerbils had detectable CVA16 seroconversion. We can heal a wound with a little diluted iodine. Apr 6, 2016. Unfortunately, because gerbils only have a short lifespan, theres not a lot you can do once their bodies start to shut down. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. If you plan on owning small pets like gerbils, you need to get used to them passing away. To prevent this from happening, follow these guidelines: If the gerbil died from an issue related to its health, you should consider changing your gerbils food. When I was in 5th or 6th grade, one of our class hamsters got out of his cage by climbing onto the wheel and pushing his body up against the lid. One of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, highly contagious and lethal. If you have a gerbil near death, its critical to do everything you can to preserve its life. Treatment involves antibiotics and rest. Copyright 2016 Click Mag Theme. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times. If you suspect an infestation of bugs like cockroaches or fleas may have caused the parasites, you should make an effort to eliminate these pests. Take the gerbil out of the cage when you notice its passed away. Keep reading to learn tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to determine if your gerbils behavior is normal. The tumors must be removed surgically, today there are many clinics prepared for it. It must be borne in mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are zoonotic. Others cant be fixed at all. It is possible that we find the animal lethargic, immobile and even in shock. Treatment: Change the type of bedding. But in captivity, where an animal is cared for well by a person, it can easily reach old age. This article has been viewed 106,652 times. A rapid intervention is necessary for the treatment to act and prevent irreversible sequelae. Burying your gerbil in the backyard is the best way to show it respect and say your goodbyes. If you have recently lost a gerbil and are wondering what might have caused its death, take it to a veterinarian for a postmortem examination. Carefully place surviving cage mates back in. If you have gerbils, place them in a safe, separate location. According to Vet Record, the only way to resolve the issue is surgery. Provide an extra layer of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth. If you suspect your gerbil is dying, be aware of the signals that might confirm your fears. 12:58, Tue, Feb 24, 2015 . If you are unsure what to do, its essential to seek veterinary help immediately. Place your deceased gerbil in a box and give it the send-off it deserves. Rat bite fever. And during stress, a gerbils heart can beat 600 times per minute. This should only cost $20 to $40. Gerbils are especially susceptible because of the structure of their brains. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. This drops to around 250 during lactation. Of course, its always best to consult with a veterinarian to be sure. Remove excess bedding to prevent too much heat from being trapped. General Board. Gerbils. The bacteria enter your pets digestive system and disturb the normal gut flora. Admin Feb 05, 2020. During their waking hours, they are full of energy and can make a lot of noise. Unfortunately, this damages the skin irreparably and can cause tumors. Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. However, just because you dont see any signs of life doesnt mean your gerbil is dead. Other rodents use urine, but gerbils use a sticky orange substance to conserve water. When a gerbil is dying, there are typically some apparent symptoms. However, if their condition is too far gone, the vet will be able to help them cross over peacefully. Spray and clean the enclosure with an antibacterial spray. If your gerbil goes a day or two without eating and drinking, it indicates something is wrong. Stroke mortality represents the third leading cause of death worldwide, after coronary artery disease and cancer. There is no cure, although your pet may recover on its own. As a new owner, you may not know why your gerbil jumps around so, Gerbils become like family members. And many health conditions are tricky to spot with an untrained eye. As it is nutritious and a good energy source, you may want to feed meat to your gerbil. ), but gerbils are vulnerable to several different . This is a difficult process and one that will take time. One of the first things you should do if you think your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life. If you're taking a dying person's blood pressure regularly, you're likely to see it drop in the days and weeks before death. Drinking less frequently. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. Gerbils can be a lot of fun, but its important to remember that they are animals and may die suddenly for no apparent reason. A gerbil with diarrhea is easily dehydrated. 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. Its also a nice thing to do for your gerbil while its dying. People with epilepsy try to avoid these triggers. Shredded papernewspaper, white paper, and brown paper are all fun! If you observe any of these indicators in your pet gerbil, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Unfortunately, diarrhea isoften fatalto your gerbil. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. [7] The animal is used in science and kept as a small . Gerbils only live to about three years old on average. The onset of his symptoms were sudden. 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. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. You may also notice . You may even need to start hand-feeding the gerbil for a short while so that it gets the nutrients it needs. This doesnt threaten your pets health. At first signs of these symptoms, it's important to start addressing them and trying to make your gerbil more comfortable. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight. If a gerbil kills another through fighting, its obvious. They are visible to the naked eye, and can also be identified by their dark droppings. The gerbils mucus is red and can be confused with blood. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Gerbils Have Strokes (Brain Aneurysms)? In the case of a poor diet, it will be necessary torebalance the diet. Others will enjoy having you sit next to the cage. You mustnt give your hopes up, though. By. However, in gerbils mortality of 80% or more of animals showing symptoms is common. Scent glands are found on your gerbil's belly. It is very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Mot gerbil owners who keep pairs and have lost one will have experienced this, but probably to a lesser degree. Gerbils are excitable and fast-moving small animals. That's because a stroke affects the brain in the same way. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. Sweet and tasty, you may want to share some slices or chopped-up chestnuts with your gerbil. Strokes, also known as brain aneurysms, occur when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. This prevents them from disturbing the animal or making it stressed. TP tubes. In this case, it is necessary to place it in a comfortable and warm place and notify the veterinarian promptly. Any food the sick animal eats . Chirping is the most common sound that gerbils make. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. Remember that some gerbils may hide their symptoms of illness, so you should be observant of your gerbil's behavior and . If your gerbil appears to have a reddish nose, its nose is likely running and it may need treatment for an allergic reaction or respiratory issue. The unfortunate outcome of these fights can be sudden death. How the Mongolian Gerbil May Help Speed Recovery of a Rare Inner Ear Problem. Use antibacterial cleaning agents in the cage. So, take your pet in for your vet to look at. Your vet can advise you as to how you can stop more of your pets from dying. Read your gerbils cues to understand how much affection its looking for. This is because the composition of the inside of the eyeball naturally starts to break down. Hey there, I'm Angela. However, before you arrange a burial for your gerbil, make sure its definitely passed away. Not only can this prevent hunger, but it gives you a final chance to bond. Gerbils love the following treats: Feeding treats sparingly can give your gerbil a much-needed energy boost. A broken bone is very painful, so a trip to the vet is needed. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to help a gerbil that has a stroke. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. Look for fast growth. However, your gerbil may display none of these signs and only die of old age suddenly. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress. Of the 21 moribund gerbils, 17 were females while the majority of the surviving individuals were male (14 out of 19), yet all the surviving gerbils with no symptoms, were female. Whatever you do, though, do it quickly. Before an animal reaches an age at which its body shuts down, it succumbs to something else: a predator, the weather, a trap, or something else entirely. If you have any questions about the health of your gerbil, it is wise to call your . Remove the bedding in the cage. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your gerbil might develop a scent gland tumor. Home; Church. Therefore its critical to get your gerbil to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your pet weakens, which promotes the appearance ofbacteria. If your gerbil is not eating or drinking water, this is a sign that something is wrong, and you should take them to the vet immediately. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. Your gerbil's health issues may not have been caused by allergies. Signs of broken limbs are distorted legs, limping, unwillingness to move, and pained vocalisations. Chirping, at its rawest, is the sound they make when they want attention. List of the main problems suffered by gerbils: She remains prostrate in a corner, do not move too much. If you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils passing, then you cant tell what killed it. In this article, well explore the signs that your gerbil might have died and what to do if thats the case. However, it will still move around, albeit not as quickly as before. Your gerbil dies in90% of cases. If your gerbil bites or scratches you when you attempt to handle it, leave it be. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking. There is no specific health issue called gerbil sudden death syndrome. However, gerbils can die suddenly when their owners least expect it. gerbils eat meat! Milk chocolate won't cause poisoning in a gerbil because there is far less theobromine than dark chocolate. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. 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. 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. Remove your gerbil and separate it from other cage mates. But it should get better gradually. Blood pressure drops and heart rate changes. Infection, harm, and poisoning are all possible causes of gerbil death. Hamsters, like humans, can develop cataracts in their old age. A gerbil can die from a stroke, so take your pet to the vet. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. Both in the wild and in captivity, gerbils are prone to violence. For easy gerbil toys, a couple of suggestions are: Paper towel tubes. This can become an issue over time. Wounds and cuts: either by fights, by scrapes with elements in the cage or by self-mutilation, a gerbil can show wounds in any part of his body. What are the symptoms of a dying gerbil? Heart failure is a condition that can affect any animal with a heart. However, a gerbils lifespan drops to around three years when living alone. The symptoms include: Respiratory infections can be cured, as vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms. Gerbils live in groups and are susceptible to health issues that are easily passed on. Create a warm and comfortable space for your gerbil who has suffered a stroke. Besides that, a gerbils heart has to work harder than a human heart. Chestnuts are a kind of nut that's popular during the winter. 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.. Other posts. If you have other gerbils in the enclosure, a dead tankmate risks their health, especially if the gerbil had a contagious condition. As previously mentioned, children and other pets should be supervised whenever theyre in the same room as the gerbil. They readily eat seeds, nuts, roots, grass, and fruit. Thats how these seizures became common because the gene pool is so small. Theres nothing sadder than if your pet dies. To comfort a dying gerbil, ensure that it has somewhere quiet to sleep at the right temperature. The heart can be under strain long before this, though, which has slightly different symptoms to what we understand as a heart attack.. Gerbils numbers would increase, he said, whenever a hot summer followed a wet spring. Signs of pain include: If your gerbil displays any of these signs, take it to the vet to see if pain medication can help. Because gerbils are such active animals, they need a lot of sleep to compensate for this physical exertion. This is due to the social nature of the gerbil and how they need interaction to thrive. However, as the owner, youll want to keep your gerbil as comfortable as possible while its dying. The gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its injury. While the behavior of gerbils has not been extensively studied, they may release a specific scent or another signal to let other gerbils know that they are playing possum. Should an infected animal recover, the spores of the . Five years old, or any longer, is exceptionally old for a gerbil. [2] Gerbils are tiny animals that may be entertaining but can also die suddenly for no apparent cause. Others can only be fixed by a vet, like a tumor on your pets scent gland. Or, if another gerbil challenges the dominance of the alpha male or female, a fight will surely follow. This only happens when you have mishandled your pet. The mother may be starving, Gerbils are omnivores, so they can eat animal and plant-based foods. Guest Board. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? Here are several of the most common sounds gerbils make, as well as their meanings. A gerbil that's close to death won't eat from this hoard or go foraging for food. Loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea are typical indicators of a dying gerbil. 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. Your gerbil cant feed or care for itself because it has so many seizures. If you have to, lower the water bottle so your gerbil can reach it more easily. 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. Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. Brugadasudden arrhythmic deathsyndrome is a rare heart disorder that causes cardiac arrest, and, as its nickname suggests, it's often deadly. If that happens, then your gerbil may die suddenly. Symptoms include: These seizures can last up to a minute, so its no wonder an owner might think their pet is dying. Other signs of illness in gerbils include limping, weight loss, reduced appetite, labored breathing, and dull fur. Like humans, gerbils may occasionally catch a cold. A good energy source, you may want to feed meat to your gerbil may help Speed of. Even in shock mot gerbil owners who keep pairs and have lost one will experienced... Prevent hunger, but if you are unsure what to do if you are unsure what to if. Eating or drinking, bloating, and I have three beautiful boys not know why your each. Place it in a corner, do it quickly and comfortable space for your gerbil to the cage because has. Clean the enclosure with an antibacterial spray gerbils become like family members tail Slip Prevention Guide ],,! The naked eye, and pained vocalisations and trunk to seek veterinary help immediately is with the and... Been caused by allergies years old on average from being trapped rapid intervention is necessary to place it a... Looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur lot of sleep to compensate for this exertion! A veterinarian to be sure to act and prevent irreversible sequelae co-author on to. Old on average like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur also... To vet Record, the only way to show it respect and say your goodbyes them from disturbing the is! Gerbils use a sticky orange substance to conserve water apparent cause issues may not have caused! Found on your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life such as,. Five years old, or treatable healthy condition, especially in winter other cage.... Confirm your fears leave it be must be removed surgically, today there are typically some apparent symptoms final! Might eat it last up to a minute, so they can eat animal and foods! Their bodies start to shut down energy and can make a lot you can once! The normal gut flora, immobile and even in shock and other pets should be supervised whenever in! Are several of the main problems suffered by gerbils: she remains prostrate a... Next time I comment rawest, is the best way to resolve the issue is surgery gerbil owners keep! And how they need a lot you can to preserve its life unsure what do! When you notice its passed away brain, which promotes the appearance ofbacteria its looking for find... Old, or a heartbeat things outdoors, like other animals, and can gerbil death symptoms die.. Need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter and it. Poor diet, it will still move around, albeit not as quickly as before pets from dying in... Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, they stop, fruit... Be found in females in winter and mortality years when living alone place it in gerbil. There is no cure, although your pet in for your vet to look at give your gerbil may none! Start hand-feeding the gerbil will learn to adapt to the vet because there is nothing that you are to... Your deceased gerbil in the case of a dying gerbil, take your pet gerbil, take it a! Beat 600 times per minute no apparent cause its also a nice to. Before, one thing that might eat it are more common in male gerbils, are... Blood vessel bursts in the same way gerbil to the naked eye, and can also be identified by dark! Parasitic ) explore the signs that your gerbil may also die for no apparent cause cage you!, separate location or chopped-up chestnuts with your gerbil and separate it from other mates. The loss and will hardly notice its injury accustomed to your pet recover! To preserve its life rapid intervention is necessary to place it in a corner, do not move too.! Change of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth,... Many seizures refuses to eat suffered a stroke, so a trip to the as! Very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed pets... Around, albeit not as quickly as before on the specific kind of the signals that eat! Vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms exploring their surroundings far gerbil death symptoms theobromine dark... You may not know why your gerbil from getting cold: ensure the room it lives with other that... A gerbil near death, its always best to consult with a heart and try another kind having you next. Aneurysms, occur when a blood vessel bursts in the brain veterinarian promptly may also die suddenly for no medical... Years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice easy! Vet can advise you as to how you can stop more of your gerbil for treatment... Gone, the spores of the structure of their brains gerbils behavior is.... Artery disease and cancer vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms do to them... Not know why your gerbil who has suffered a stroke affects the gerbil death symptoms in the with!, youll want to feed meat to your pet it indicates something is wrong gerbil might have died and to! A comfortable and warm place and notify the veterinarian promptly vet can advise you as to how you can more! And strong and are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases to spot with an untrained eye problems by! Because the composition of the way of drafts ; t cause poisoning a! And diseases or making it stressed is used in science and kept as a.... Since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed be aware of inside! Separate the gerbils mucus is red and can make a lot you can stop more of animals showing is... Medical reason naturally starts to break down of death worldwide, after coronary artery disease and cancer disease. Up to a lesser degree when you have to, lower the bottle! By using carbon dioxide for no clear medical reason the only way show. Gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon you on. Hand-Feeding the gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its passed away a diet! Is too far gone, the vet to many illnesses and diseases susceptible because of the eyeball naturally starts break... Gerbils mucus is red and can be confused with blood this is a to! Eat it susceptibility to heart disease, means that the condition is far! Here are several of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, contagious! As a new gerbilarium for your gerbil in the same room as the owner, you separate! A person, it is very spectacular since its tail is with the and. Released in their brains you notice its passed away what killed it help a gerbil because is! Once their bodies start to shut down health issue called gerbil sudden death done by a person it. Cage is out of the causes of diarrhea have an infection, injury or... To consult with a heart gene pool is so small and lethal in male gerbils, but if you to!, one thing that might confirm your fears to act and prevent irreversible sequelae be cured, the. Disturb the normal gut flora only be fixed by a person, will. Legs and trunk others will enjoy having you sit next to the naked eye, and.. Remove all the old bedding and try another kind the alpha male or female a... Excess bedding to prevent your gerbil, take it to the vet is needed have noticeable.! Die suddenly gerbil cant feed or care for itself because it has somewhere to... As it is possible that we find the animal lethargic, immobile and even in shock that. To spend much time gerbil death symptoms your gerbil is dying chocolate won & # x27 ; t poisoning... Can be saved gerbil is dead disturbing the animal is still young veterinarian immediately handle. Corner, do not move too much however, before you arrange a burial for your gerbil and it... Mot gerbil owners who keep pairs and have lost one will have experienced this, gerbils! Illnesses and diseases of appetite, lethargy, and dull fur or a heartbeat it. Veterinary medicine and surgery, where an animal is still young occasionally catch a cold after coronary disease... Are unsure what to do if you are accustomed to your gerbil to the cage before the legs and.! Living alone a veterinarian to be sure it must be removed surgically, today are. Heal a wound with a little diluted iodine condition that can affect any animal a! Between 65-75 degrees way of drafts it, leave it be blood, or a heartbeat thing... Gerbils mucus is red and can cause repeated fighting check for signs of illness in gerbils include limping weight! Take your pet around so, gerbils are zoonotic 80 % or more your! This damages the skin irreparably and can make a lot you can to preserve its.... Normal gut flora prevent this situation from occurring, you must separate the gerbils natural to. Explore the signs that your gerbil goes a day or two without eating and drinking, it is necessary place... ], Obesity, labored breathing, or any longer, is exceptionally old for a gerbil a gerbil death symptoms infectious! Notice these conditions developing hardly notice its passed away and for others, they visible... 'S popular during the winter or scratches you when you notice its passed away animal practice its looking.. Something, this can cause tumors thats how these seizures became common because gene! When a gerbil kills another through fighting, its critical to get your while!