Your veterinarian will probably prescribean antibioticas well as alocal disinfectionto do. The covering of fur on the . She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. By learning more, you can prevent sudden death in your other gerbils. Most gerbils with Tyzzer's disease die within 24-48 hours. Sometimes no clinical signs are observed, but your gerbil dies. 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 symptoms start with a twitch, the ears are then folded back, and the gerbil may start to drool at the mouth. Gerbils can be a lot of fun, but its important to remember that they are animals and may die suddenly for no apparent reason. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. The two fighting gerbils will stand facing each other, perhaps pressing noses. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. This is another reason to get them to the vet as soon as possible. You may think your gerbil is dying or already dead. Many owners take comfort in burying their pet gerbils in their back yard or another special resting spot where they can visit them often. . But they still need a certain level of care. The bacteria that causes it, Clostridium piliforme, spreads through spores and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics. 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. A broken bone is very painful, so a trip to the vet is needed. Reduced activity is one of the most typical indications that a gerbil is dying. This allows it to get some rest. If they get too hot, theyre at risk of heatstroke, which speeds up the dying process. To comfort a dying gerbil, ensure that it has somewhere quiet to sleep at the right temperature. Seizures usually begin a gerbil when a gerbil is 2 to 3 months old. [7] Causes: Tyzzer's is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium piliforme. Once your gerbil gets this disease, he or she will need a lot of care to help him or her pull through. However, this is still far higher than that of a person. Euthanasia is often recommended because the gerbil, too old, is unlikely to wake up. 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. For example, if bacteria enter a wound, it becomes harder to treat. 4. Scent glands are found on your gerbil's belly. You must check for the symptoms of each condition to ascertain the cause of death. Bloating:A bloated stomach can be caused by gas buildup or fluid retention and can be very painful for your gerbil. The only thing that can be done is treat the symptoms while you wait for them to go away on their own. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. You should also take the gerbil to the vet if you notice red, puffy eyes; a rough, patchy coat; or a runny nose. Use antibacterial cleaning agents in the cage. This usually . Gerbils are tiny animals that may be entertaining but can also die suddenly, gerbils can enter a state of hibernation and appear quiet when just sleeping. This stops blood from feeding oxygen to each part of the body. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Gerbils Have Strokes (Brain Aneurysms)? Gerbils live in groups and are susceptible to health issues that are easily passed on. The unfortunate outcome of these fights can be sudden death. 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. Like all rodents, any disease can be fatal. The tumors must be removed surgically, today there are many clinics prepared for it. Vets are used to diagnosing problems, even rare ones that arent seen often. So, take your pet in for your vet to look at. death; In the event that a gerbil develops chocolate poisoning, there are not many treatment options available. If you detect any of these indications in your gerbil, you must visit the veterinarian immediately. Posts: 5,158. The symptoms of the Black Death were revolting with historians noting descriptions of fever, muscle spasms . Spray and clean the enclosure with an antibacterial spray. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Usually, seizures last several minutes. 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. This is a neurochemical thats also known as the love hormone. It lowers blood pressure and decreases cortisol, helping gerbils feel more relaxed. Gerbils. Besides that, a gerbils heart has to work harder than a human heart. But the main dangers in captivity that might lead to a short lifespan are improper care and a bad diet. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. Something may be able to be done to save them, but the sooner you seek help for them, the better their chances are. But this may not be possible. If you observe any of these indicators in your pet gerbil, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Most gerbils have seizures from a young age (two to six months). Its a disease that is spread through accidental ingestion of diarrhea. It plays a role in the appearance ofnasal dermatitis. Check for gerbil seizure symptoms, including stillness or muscle spasms, and collapse onto the side or back. This doesnt threaten your pets health. This has immediate effects and can kill instantly. Infection, harm, and poisoning are all possible causes of gerbil death. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Your gerbil collapses onto its side or back, Your gerbils feet and legs twitch violently, Other gerbils playing or fighting with it, Being moved around too quickly when you handle it, Swollen abdomen, caused both by weight gain and bloating, Difficulty controlling one side of the face, and subsequent difficulty eating and drinking, Labored breathing (wheezing, with a clicking noise), Remove your gerbil from its enclosure immediately once you notice its passed away, Take your other gerbils and put them somewhere safe, e.g. You mustnt give your hopes up, though. 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. Signs that your gerbil may be ill include lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss or gain, and aggression. Gus, the Class Pet Who Slit His Wrists on a Tape Dispenser. However, these seizures dont kill gerbils. The Mongolian gerbil or Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus) is a small rodent belonging to the subfamily Gerbillinae. There are no reversing the effects. As a result, its natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to prolong their gerbils life. Feeding treats is better than nothing and allows them to receive some sustenance to keep their energy levels stable. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. So, when they grow old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until the very end. There are several illnesses your gerbil might be experiencing, including hypothermia, diarrhea, dehydration, mites, and poisoning. 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. Causes: Falls, fights, wheel with bars. Quote. This doesnt help your pets health. Once the disease infects a colony of gerbils, a very high death rate is usually expected. If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. Externally, gerbils are quite ratlike. Gerbils most commonly have seizures when they're 2-6 . I have a rubber gerbil and cat ears! They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. Some conditions cant be cured at all, such as strokes. It must be borne in mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are zoonotic. According to PLoS One, some species of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity. I separated her from her sister. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. A gerbils natural lifespan is around three years, but gerbils have been known to live for five years. If you suspect your gerbil is dying, be aware of the signals that might confirm your fears. The pet and laboratory gerbil is Meriones unguiculatus, commonly known as the Mongolian gerbil. If illness or injury does occur, contacting your veterinarian is always recommended. 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. Provide an extra layer of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth. Gerbils are small and their health can decline quickly if they're ill. A respiratory infection should be addressed by a vet. Like humans, gerbils may occasionally catch a cold. The bacteria attack your pets liver and cover it in lesions, although you cant see this. Make use of as much bedding as appropriate. These can cause serious respiratory illnesses in rodents. Thepadsof your gerbil are attacked by an irritation often due to the litter of his cage. It is the common disease of all rodents. Therefore, natural deaths are common. 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. These may be unrelated to seizures caused by genetics. If your gerbil contracts Tyzzer's disease, its condition will probably deteriorate very quickly. Gerbils are not healthy creatures. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. It is possible that we find the animal lethargic, immobile and even in shock. Good care is key to prolonging your gerbils life. Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. One of the common challenges people have when their gerbil is dying is that they may not know the signs to look for. In the wild, they'll eat bird's eggs, newly hatched chicks, and insects. In addition to changing the bedding, take your gerbil to the vet if it has a respiratory infection. So, if youre ever wondering, is my gerbil dead? after finding it unresponsive in its cage, theres a good chance that it may have simply passed away from old age. 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. Its also likely your gerbil wants to sleep. Consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Your vet can also give your pet medicine. Even if a gerbil survives every health issue that comes its way, it wont grow that old. Member Website Links. . They are often malignant, especially in the male because it is often on his ventral gland. 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. Alternatively, switch it off for a few days. 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. Early detection and treatment are usually essential for a successful outcome when treating a sick gerbil. The gerbils mucus is red and can be confused with blood. Provide them either a cage ball or a 6 - 8 inch wheel so they may run around as though nothing is preventing them. Look at your gerbil's eyes. They are not above cannibalism. Thats because of the gerbils genetics. If youve ever met somebody with epilepsy, you might know that epileptic fits have triggers. These are things like flashing lights, for example, which directly cause a seizure. At first signs of these symptoms, it's important to start addressing them and trying to make your gerbil more comfortable. can feel like a death sentence. Some of the signs that your gerbil might be alive include: Your gerbil may be dead if you dont see any of these signs. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? Respiratory problems: may be caused by allergies (especially to the substrate) or by infectious processes, whether contagious or opportunistic. Keep the enclosures lid on to trap warmth if its not already. Prompt veterinary treatment is vital in the form of antibiotics. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. 2. Gerbils get these seizures because of genetics. Gerbils are hardy rodent pets that rarely get sick, but one disease that they are particularly susceptible to is Tyzzer's disease. Consider moving one of its friendly brothers or sisters in with it. With proper care, many gerbils can be saved. Nowadays, Mongolian gerbils usually will live between 2 and 5 years, with an average of 3 years. However, like other animals, they are vulnerable to sickness and mortality. However, it will still move around, albeit not as quickly as before. Its also unlikely theyll have the energy to fight back, so theyll get stressed out quickly. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. "Told me that my gerbil is probably sick.". Thesalmonellosisistransmissible to humans. Therefore its critical to get your gerbil to the veterinarian as soon as possible. What are the signs of a gerbil dying? Gerbils will puff up their fur when they are feeling unwell, so watching for this sign is vital to the health of your pet. However, its not uncommon for one gerbil to grow bigger than the other. Some will want to curl up on their owners lap. If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. Thats because of the social structure of gerbil groups. If that happens, then your gerbil may die suddenly. Symptoms are very like ours, often with sneezing, runny noses and wheezing. Remove all the old bedding and try another kind. Gerbils become like family members. Keep reading to learn tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to determine if your gerbils behavior is normal. Vertigo, nausea, confusion and other symptoms of the rare inner ear problem had m ade everyday tasks - from . Do not use sawdust or anything pine or cedar based. You could also take pictures of your other pets for ease of diagnosis. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. Lethargy, weight loss, hair loss, and seizures are all possible symptoms of a dying gerbil. Gerbils from Asia rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague in Europe, a study suggests. You can spot when this happens because the deceased gerbil will have noticeable injuries. Shredded papernewspaper, white paper, and brown paper are all fun! It could have been a combination of the above causes. Once it hits the bedding, its absorbed, becoming hot. You can also try offering them small amounts of food and water to see if they will eat or drink. Masses: especially in gerbils of a certain age, the appearance of masses may be indicative of tumors. If you have to, lower the water bottle so your gerbil can reach it more easily. Find a fan or move the gerbil to an air-conditioned room. Any gerbil is going to pay attention to what is happening outside its habitat. Loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea are typical indicators of a dying gerbil. And regular changing bedding and cleaning stop infections. A dying gerbil displays the following signs: Loss of appetite. Almost all U.S. gerbils are descended from only 20 breeding pairs. Gerbils are tiny animals that may be entertaining but can also die suddenly for no apparent cause. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the first step is to contact a veterinarian. While this does incur a small cost, its necessary if you cant figure out the issue on your own. A pet's death can hurt more than losing a fellow human . Another fear with gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is alive or dead. If youve never kept gerbils before, one thing that might surprise you is their seizures. However, as the owner, youll want to keep your gerbil as comfortable as possible while its dying. This story requires a ~trigger warning~ for all the sensitive types out there. Sneezing, wheezing, coughing, runny nose, and crusty eyes are all symptoms of allergies, but they are also symptoms of more serious illnesses. This means that they are more susceptible to embolisms than humans. A rapid intervention is necessary for the treatment to act and prevent irreversible sequelae. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. Unfortunately, diarrhea isoften fatalto your gerbil. But in captivity, where an animal is cared for well by a person, it can easily reach old age. This prevents them from disturbing the animal or making it stressed. 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