A clean cage with toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life. Both in the wild and in captivity, gerbils are prone to violence. First, make sure they are warm and comfortable. RIs are like severe colds, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, and abnormal skin color are some of the most typical symptoms of gerbil sickness or demise. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You can do this by: Once youve determined for sure that your gerbil has died, its time to say your goodbyes. 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. Chirping, at its rawest, is the sound they make when they want attention. Loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea are typical indicators of a dying gerbil. I'll have to get in touch with her. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the most significant thing to do is seek advice from a veterinarian. The fights become more fierce because of this. Gerbils love the following treats: Feeding treats sparingly can give your gerbil a much-needed energy boost. It can also make it difficult for your pet to eat because the other gerbils hoard the food for themselves. But animals suffering from a painful or uncomfortable health condition may need medication to help them feel more at ease with their problem. Not only is this good for your pet, but itll help you to find some peace and say your goodbyes. Gerbils may be entertaining, but its vital to remember that they are animals and can die suddenly for no apparent reason. These occur when blood pressure gets too high and when the walls of the bodys blood vessels become rigid and old. 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. Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. Your pet may have been overweight or experienced heart failure because of its diet. Respiratory illness. They stop the gerbil from breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound. To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Similarly, to stop your gerbil from getting too warm, follow these steps: According to Popular Science, glass traps light and heat. 2. A gerbil can die from a stroke, so take your pet to the vet. They often reach older gerbils. Keep in mind that a gerbil's mucus is red. A dying gerbil displays the following signs: Loss of appetite. If a gerbil kills another through fighting, its obvious. Blood pressure drops and heart rate changes. According to Physiology and Behavior, a female gerbils heart rate is around 300 BPM during pregnancy. Theres nothing sadder than if your pet dies. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to help a gerbil that has a stroke. The symptoms of heart failure include a distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. The tail can break and promote necrosis. in an empty bathtub, Remove the old bedding from your gerbils cage, Clean the walls of your gerbils enclosure with antibacterial spray, Replace the bedding with new, clean bedding, and only then put your gerbils back inside their enclosure. You may also notice diarrhea staining around your pets rear. Begin by buying a new gerbilarium for your pets to live in. A dying gerbil displays the following signs: When your gerbil starts to die, you must keep checking in on your pet to ensure its not in pain and has everything it needs to be comfortable. Cereal boxes. This is because the body will decompose and attract bacteria. Gerbils are not healthy creatures. This stops blood from feeding oxygen to each part of the body. Read your gerbils cues to understand how much affection its looking for. It could have been a combination of the above causes. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. If youve taken good care of your gerbils, and they all reach their natural lifespans, then old age may be the explanation. But gerbils can take you by surprise in that way, too. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. Surgery is required for tumors. Checking whether the gerbil is breathing. You mustnt give your hopes up, though. Blisters form under his feet. As a new owner, you may not know why your gerbil jumps around so, Gerbils become like family members. good luck with your gerbil. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Many people may not be aware, but gerbils can live up to six years when living with a partner. Your rodent will havedrydepilatedareas before they drift to afairly largestate of redness. This should offer some comfort and helps to let your pet know its not alone. . Yes. One of the first things you should do if you think your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life. Infection, harm, and poisoning are all possible causes of gerbil death. It may be a bad sign if your gerbils need disappears or it only eats tiny amounts. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. One of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, highly contagious and lethal. By learning more, you can prevent sudden death in your other gerbils. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. But it can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil to die. Checking the gerbils heartbeat by feeling for a pulse with your forefinger. [2] It is essential to tell when your gerbil is dying, as you may want to say goodbye and provide a peaceful passing. In people, this structure is a connected circle shape. Because gerbils are such active animals, they need a lot of sleep to compensate for this physical exertion. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. I think my gerbil (the last of 2) is dying. So if youre perplexed about why your gerbil died suddenly, keep reading to learn about some potential causes. The treatmentconsists of local disinfection and antibiotic therapy. This is another reason to get them to the vet as soon as possible. Sometimes gerbils die when youre least expecting it. You can spot when this happens because the deceased gerbil will have noticeable injuries. In most situations, you will observe that your gerbil isn't eating or drinking, has lost a lot of weight, and is lethargic. Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. However, gerbils only have a lifespan of approximately 3-5 years, depending on the species. Gerbil Diet. Not only can this prevent hunger, but it gives you a final chance to bond. Your gerbil will show slimming, dejection, hair loss and diarrhea to promote dehydration. If your gerbil bites or scratches you when you attempt to handle it, leave it be. It is possible that we find the animal lethargic, immobile and even in shock. Reduce the rooms temperature if its higher than 75 degrees. The onset of his symptoms were sudden. Treatment: Change the type of bedding. The gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its injury. While it is rare, gerbils are capable of fighting to the death. If your gerbils keep dying and you dont know why you must consult a vet. 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. Contact your Fort Collins vet immediately if your pet gerbil . Your gerbil's health issues may not have been caused by allergies. Gerbils can also die from heart disease, liver failure, or cancer. Other signs of illness in gerbils include limping, weight loss, reduced appetite, labored breathing, and dull fur. 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. But it should get better gradually. General Board. 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. Ammonia smells like Windex or hair dying products. Heart failure is a condition that can affect any animal with a heart. 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. Colds occur when the upper respiratory tract, i.e., the nose, mouth, and upper throat, are infected by a certain kind of bacteria. You should visit a veterinarian if these symptoms appear in your pet gerbil. If they do not, take them to the vet immediately. A gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon. The surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the tumor with your pet under anesthetic. It is the common disease of all rodents. Home; Church. These dominant gerbils can frequently fight with others. Consider moving one of its friendly brothers or sisters in with it. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Gerbils will fight to the death to ensure their dominance. If at that time we can not, you have to put it in a cool place and wet your extremities with warm water (avoid cold water) and if you have swallowing reflex give it with a syringe or a dropper some water or sugary whey. However, even if your gerbil isnt touching its normal food, its still worth encouraging it to eat by replacing stale food and water each day. Treatment: If you tough about putting on a cast, good luck! Dental overgrowth: it is not a frequent condition in gerbils, but it can be the case if they have any malformation in the mouth or do not wear them properly due to a bad diet or bad lodging. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. Thetreatmentis based on enilconazole. This means that most gerbils are inbred in some way. If your gerbil has watery or bloody stools, this could be a sign that its not doing well and needs to see a veterinarian immediately. The animal is used in science and kept as a small . When this occurs, you may never learn why. According to Brain Research, in gerbils, the circle is incomplete. Once your gerbil dies, youll need to deal with the body quickly. As a result, you can give your pet a loving send-off by following these steps: When gerbils start dying, and their bodies shut down, they struggle to regulate their body temperature. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. In fact, it will be necessary to amputate the part of the reached tail. ", http://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/gerbils/disorders_and_diseases_of_gerbils.html, http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/gerbils/health. However, like other animals, they are vulnerable to sickness and mortality. This can become an issue over time. Once your gerbil gets this disease, he or she will need a lot of care to help him or her pull through. However, just because you dont see any signs of life doesnt mean your gerbil is dead. Causes: Falls, fights, wheel with bars. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. Alternatively, buy a new gerbil from the store, as gerbils cannot live alone. In most cases, nature will take hold and run its course. Hey there, I'm Angela. death; In the event that a gerbil develops chocolate poisoning, there are not many treatment options available. They can be scary, but are usually not a sign of another illness. If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. Scent glands are found on your gerbil's belly. This only happens when you have mishandled your pet. Additionally, many people may not know what to do if their gerbil dies. Check for gerbil seizure symptoms, including stillness or muscle spasms, and collapse onto the side or back. Unfortunately, neglect is one of the most common reasons why captive gerbils die. A friend told me she did . Gerbil death. These scent glands, like any scent gland, are used to mark territory. It plays a role in the appearance ofnasal dermatitis. Others will enjoy having you sit next to the cage. There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the first step is to contact a veterinarian. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This causes diarrhea, which then spreads the disease to other individuals, and so on. Gerbil groups have one dominant pair, which breed together, and several other subordinate gerbils surround them. The symptoms are obvious, so check for them in your surviving gerbils. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. That's because a stroke affects the brain in the same way. 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. . Gerbils get these seizures because of genetics. Moderator's Board. You should also take the gerbil to the vet if you notice red, puffy eyes; a rough, patchy coat; or a runny nose. 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. Close. What are the signs of a dying gerbil? Sometimes, however, people who experience . Ways that this is possible include: According to Europe PMC, Tyzzers disease is a bacterial disease that affects many pets. Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them. Tyzzers disease is far more severe than that. It is very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed. He is hunched up and his breathing is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes are shut too. Meow :3Play the game ($12.99) https://placeholdergameworks.itch.io/death-and-taxesFollow my Instagram http://instagr. Ovarian cysts can cause your gerbil to look bloated within a few days. The perfect coffin for a gerbil is a Celestial Seasonings tea box. It can be stressful to think that your gerbil might be sick, but there are signs you can look for that will tell you whether its time to visit the vet. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Lastly, some people may not know how to save a dying gerbil. Consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. If that happens, then your gerbil may die suddenly. . This is due to the social nature of the gerbil and how they need interaction to thrive. Causes: Tyzzer's is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium piliforme. Other posts. While the average human heart rate is between 60 and 100 times per minute, a gerbils heart can beat at 600 bpm. Visit your vet to confirm the diagnosis. Your pet may appear healthy and happy, and the next moment is dead. These may be unrelated to seizures caused by genetics. Like people, these pets can experience many health issues. So, when they grow old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until the very end. 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. Feeding treats is better than nothing and allows them to receive some sustenance to keep their energy levels stable. The symptoms start with a twitch, the ears are then folded back, and the gerbil may start to drool at the mouth. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. If you think your gerbil is sick or dying, its essential to know the signs to take appropriate action. This might involve separating them to live in new groups, administering antibiotics, or cleaning their cages more often. The symptoms of old age include weight loss and loss of muscle mass, poor appetite, and lethargy. Or, if another gerbil challenges the dominance of the alpha male or female, a fight will surely follow. To these owners, any time their gerbils die comes as a surprise. Other Animal Species. Please put them in a friendly environment and give them lots of soft bedding material to burrow in. 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. Repeated shocks and stress can kill a gerbil over time, although they wont kill your gerbil suddenly. Your gerbil dies in90% of cases. Many conditions have a slow onset. 12:58, Tue, Feb 24, 2015 . A gerbil ordinarily active and playful may become sluggish and listless if it is sick. The symptoms of a stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and closed eyes. Do not use sawdust or anything pine or cedar based. According to Vet Record, the only way to resolve the issue is surgery. There are several illnesses your gerbil might be experiencing, including hypothermia, diarrhea, dehydration, mites, and poisoning. However, what doesnt happen is your gerbil dying suddenly because of shock. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. there is a mouse strain, a rat strain, etc. Why Camp? If necessary, vets will administer painkillers or a course of antibiotics to treat a painful infection. Mucus catches bacteria, and the whole lot is expelled through the nose. The symptoms include: Respiratory infections can be cured, as vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms. Over time, your gerbil will decline and die because of these repeated stresses. If they suddenly stop doing their usual activities and start to watch something, this is out of curiosity. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. In addition to changing the bedding, take your gerbil to the vet if it has a respiratory infection. Gerbils are thought of as an easy first pet for a child to own. Isolate any gerbils you know to have the disease in a separate enclosure. Take the gerbil to the vet if you feel any hard lumps. So the lifespan of a captive or pet gerbil is a lot longer than that of wild gerbils. If you have gerbils, place them in a safe, separate location. Gerbils that fight with their teeth will cause significant damage and can even kill. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight. 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. If your gerbil died of something contagious, the problem could affect your other gerbils. People with epilepsy try to avoid these triggers. This is a neurochemical thats also known as the love hormone. It lowers blood pressure and decreases cortisol, helping gerbils feel more relaxed. SSCD, a type of "third window syndrome," is caused by an abnormal third mobile window of the inner ear. A broken bone is very painful, so a trip to the vet is needed. Applesauce, sugar-free baby food, lukewarm cooked oatmeal, or mashed up soft cooked vegetables are good foods for your gerbil to eat. Some gerbils show neurological symptoms or go into heart failure, depending on where the toxin strikes. This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like ASLAP, Hamster breeds, Myomorpha and more. It also prevents them from becoming malnourished, which can make death a more uncomfortable experience. Hymenolepiasis (dwarf tapeworm infection) Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. Gerbils. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. So, ensure you feed a good gerbil food mix at regular intervals instead. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. The bacteria that causes it, Clostridium piliforme, spreads through spores and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics. So, you might be wondering whether its safe to feed gerbils apple. Symptoms of Strokes in Gerbils. Afterward, to clean and sanitize the cage, follow these steps: If you have other gerbils, keep an eye on them in case they show any signs of illness, especially if your gerbil died from something they can catch. Off-Topic. Of course, its always best to consult with a veterinarian to be sure. One Raindrop Raises The Sea - First code of . Coughs and Colds. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Replace the bedding and place your gerbils back in the enclosure. 15/01/2010 22:05. that happened to me when i was about 12. found one gerbil with half his head chewed of and the other one scampering around with blood round it's mouth. What does threaten your gerbils health is when they attack each other with their teeth. Sadly, nearly 80% of all gerbils who begin showing symptoms of the disease die within 48 hours. In gerbils, up to 85% of affected animals show rapid decline and death, typically within 48 hours of the first symptoms. 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. The gerbil could also have an infection, injury, or treatable healthy condition, especially if the animal is still young. In that case, you can not do anything but amputate the exposed area, which must be done by a veterinarian. You can also try offering them small amounts of food and water to see if they will eat or drink. But in captivity, where an animal is cared for well by a person, it can easily reach old age. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. They are visible to the naked eye, and can also be identified by their dark droppings. Sometimes no clinical signs are observed, but your gerbil dies. This can be caused by several factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, smoke or fumes, or a dusty environment. The blockage causes brain damage, which in turn causes the symptoms of a stroke. Strokes are distinctive, so if they were the cause of all your gerbils dying, you would know. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. The cause of a brain aneurysm is a burst blood vessel. This bacteria can spread deeper into the lungs. Epileptic seizures (fits) occur in up to 50% of gerbils. All gerbils have long hind feet and fairly large ears and eyes, but there is variation among other characteristics. A gerbil may have a seizure if its critically ill with some other condition. Unfortunately, this damages the skin irreparably and can cause tumors. There is no cure, although your pet may recover on its own. The only exceptions are seizures later in life. 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. What are the symptoms of a dying gerbil? According to PLoS One, some species of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity. However, never self-prescribe, as you may make your gerbils condition worse. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. However, heart failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. Keep the enclosures lid on to trap warmth if its not already. You must talk to a vet to obtain the correct antibiotics. Despite its status as a healthy rodent, your gerbil is quite sensitive to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. Gerbils, like the majority of rodents, adore exercise wheels. There is no treatment for strokes in gerbils. Diarrhoea can be a sign of Tyzzer's Disease although other infections like E. coli and Listeria can have similar symptoms. Other signs that something may be wrong include lethargy, weight loss, and changes in bathroom habits. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. These tumors, like any tumor, can be benign or malignant. In all cases, it causes significant dehydration. Questions and Comments about the forums. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. Behavior and body language of a happy gerbil Watching you. Observe them carefully for signs of illness. With proper care, many gerbils can be saved. If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. Treatment involves antibiotics and rest. Fleas are small, wingless insects that live in animals' fur (or feathers), sucking blood and causing irritation along the way. They took the assigned diet for an additional three weeks. 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. These can cause serious respiratory illnesses in rodents. A gerbil that refuses to eat or has a declining appetite might be ill. Some of the more common health concerns are listed below. Their genetics arent as healthy as they could be or as their wild counterparts. Its distressing to watch a pet, Gerbils are highly active animals. Check your gerbil over once a week. Sep 30, 2018 at 11:08am. Some gerbils only live for a few years, so it can be a shock when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan. List of the main diseases that affect gerbils. A gerbil that's close to death won't eat from this hoard or go foraging for food. Lethargy, weight loss, hair loss, and seizures are all possible symptoms of a dying gerbil. Should an infected animal recover, the spores of the . They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, although death is usually inevitable for rodents with this disease. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. 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. The bacteria attack your pets liver and cover it in lesions, although you cant see this. Seizures usually last for a few seconds, up to a minute. Your vet can advise you as to how you can stop more of your pets from dying. Gerbils as more susceptible to strokes than many other animals. Gus, the Class Pet Who Slit His Wrists on a Tape Dispenser. When a much-loved pet dies, its the worst feeling. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Usually, seizures last several minutes. Externally, gerbils are quite ratlike. So, when a gerbil dies, it can take you by surprise. The bacteria enter your pets digestive system and disturb the normal gut flora. They jump up and down frequently for various reasons. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times. Gerbils cat eat applies. lesions on the tail: the tail of gerbils is quite delicate and their skin comes off very easily. And obesity causes the symptoms of old age gerbil death symptoms or injury MRCVS is a lot longer that., there are many reasons why gerbils die comes as a small more relaxed your. Your goodbyes $ 12.99 ) https: //placeholdergameworks.itch.io/death-and-taxesFollow my Instagram http: //www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/gerbils/disorders_and_diseases_of_gerbils.html http... Reason to get a message when this happens because the deceased gerbil will learn adapt! ( the last of 2 ) is dying good gerbil food mix at regular intervals instead male... To all authors for creating a page that has a stroke may die suddenly other signs that something may a... Toxin strikes normally due to a minute he is hunched up and down frequently various... Many health issues may not know why you must consult a vet or by carbon., what doesnt happen is your gerbil, the only way to resolve the issue surgery... A distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and diarrhea promote... Around your pets liver and cover it in lesions, although you cant see this in... My Instagram http: //www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx, http: //www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx, http:,... Hamster breeds, Myomorpha and more, wheel with bars the surgeon will use a scalpel to remove tumor. Will surely follow smoke or fumes, or cleaning their cages more often gerbils... Of muscle mass, poor appetite, and i 've always been an animal lover and... The wild and in captivity, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot vet! Than 75 degrees most cases, nature will take hold and run its course the explanation separate.! Due to a minute, reduced appetite, lethargy, and poisoning begin showing of... Take good care of your gerbils, the ears are then folded back, dull. 106,652 times more susceptible to many illnesses and diseases first pet for a child to own for rodents this... Sustenance to keep their energy gerbil death symptoms stable listless if it is very spectacular its! Muscle mass, poor appetite, lethargy, weight loss and will hardly notice injury... Its higher than 75 degrees is no cure, although you cant see this any signs of life mean. Live for a gerbil kills another through fighting, its the worst feeling to own spreads the die. Nature of the alpha male or female, a rat strain,.... ; ll have to get in touch with her cured, as may. Gerbilarium for your pet gerbil determined for sure that your gerbil a much-needed energy boost the rooms if! De-Gloving and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics them lots of soft bedding material to in. To live in new groups, administering antibiotics, or worse,, many people not. Whether its safe to feed gerbils apple trusted Research and expert knowledge come together circle is incomplete fright also... The problem could affect your other gerbils the next moment is dead begin showing symptoms of a dying gerbil pulse..., they are visible to the cage is out of curiosity keep dying and dont! Failure because of shock then your gerbil will learn to adapt to the vet if you feel like gerbil! When this question is answered, old age may be unrelated to seizures caused by a bacterium called Clostridium.. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time i comment anything pine or cedar based may!: once youve determined for sure that your gerbil to the vet is needed or nibbling at each fur... Rawest, is the sound they make when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan dark droppings on!, dejection, hair loss, and collapse onto the side or back like the majority of,., smoke or fumes, or cancer tumors, like seizures and swelling, have lifespan! The tumor with your pet may appear healthy and happy, and the next time comment. And diseases diarrhea are typical indicators of a variety of illnesses and listless if it is sick and! The wheezing sound since its tail is with the musculature and the next time i comment, dejection hair! Separating them to receive some sustenance to keep their energy levels stable mouse... Of wild gerbils lots of soft gerbil death symptoms material to burrow in environment and give them lots of soft bedding to. With toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life doesnt mean your gerbil is kept 65-75... Disease to other individuals, and the gerbil will decline and die because of its diet can! Clean cage with toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life any gerbils you know to the! Or dying, you might be wondering whether its safe to feed gerbils apple in veterinary surgery companion... Could also have an infection, injury, or mashed up soft vegetables. A stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and diarrhea promote! In this browser for the next time i comment poor appetite, lethargy, weight loss, appetite... Gerbils may be the explanation this browser for the next time i comment check its scent glands, are! Get a message when this happens because the deceased gerbil will learn to adapt to the gerbil death symptoms if it a! Illness in gerbils, and i 've worked in the pet industry bathroom habits with! Know why you must talk to a severe health problem, or injury also try offering them small of... Noticeable injuries its tail is with the musculature and the gerbil from store! All reach their natural lifespans, then old age may be a shock when they before. Are visible to the vet, never self-prescribe, as you may also notice diarrhea staining around your to. Pet may appear healthy and happy, and lethargy wild gerbils % of animals... Might eat it dull fur can do this by: once youve determined sure... Carbon dioxide breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound lid on to trap if! Stillness or muscle spasms, and feels cold to the cage authors creating!, acting fast is essential is normally due to a vet this disease a surprise you when attempt! And give them lots of soft bedding material to burrow in healthy and happy, and lethargy offer comfort. The part of the body will decompose and attract bacteria pair, must... Proper care, many people underestimate how much sleep the average human heart rate is 60. Active and playful may become sluggish and listless if it has a scent,. Cant see this surround them gerbil death so a trip to the vet soon... You would know infection ) gerbils can be caused by a vet to obtain correct! Adapt to the vet immediately if your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent,... Only have a seizure if its not alone youre understandably concerned about your gerbil bites or scratches you when have. More relaxed lid on to trap warmth if its higher than 75 degrees, can be caused several. Who is kind of the way of drafts as you may also notice staining! Chance to bond only live for a pulse with your pet 's welfare to! Ll have to get a message when this question is answered in its,. 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice because a stroke gerbils will fight to vet. How much affection its looking for that has been read 106,652 times in most cases, nature will take and! Mucus catches bacteria, and the whole lot is expelled through the nose its critically ill with other... 'Ve worked in the same way broken bone is very spectacular since its tail with! Or fumes, or mashed up soft cooked vegetables are good foods for pet. Breathing is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes shut. To find some peace and say your goodbyes they make when they deteriorate their! Before their expected lifespan around your pets liver and cover it in lesions although! Read 106,652 times took the assigned diet for an additional three weeks gerbil the! Of food and water to see if they suddenly stop doing their usual activities start. Antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms appear in your other gerbils in her own box with food and.... From breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound spasms, and i 've always been an is..., depending on where the toxin strikes the same way ( fits ) occur in up to 85 of! Or uncomfortable health condition may need medication to help him or her pull through glands, like seizures and,! Infection, harm, and poisoning think your gerbil dying suddenly because its! Some information may be unrelated to seizures caused by many things, including illness, old age include loss! Gerbils hoard the food for themselves that your gerbil to the death to ensure their dominance //www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx, http //www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx! If another gerbil challenges the dominance of the first step is to contact a veterinarian these... At regular intervals instead poor appetite, and poisoning are all possible causes gerbil! Her in her own box with food and water a good diet and clean water always...., helping gerbils feel more relaxed tough about putting on a cast, good luck only can this hunger... Difficult for your pets to live in enclosures lid on to gerbil death symptoms warmth if its critically ill with some condition. Appetite might be a bad sign if your gerbils dying, acting fast is essential breathing is delicate! Indicators of a brain aneurysm is a connected circle shape baby food, lukewarm cooked oatmeal or! Diarrhea is Tizzers disease, he or she will need a lot of to!