gerbil hurt

Question
My gerbil snuck into my sweat pants and I didn't feel it but when I took him out I laid him on the table and realized he was walking on 2 front legs and dragging his lower body. I don't know what to do he's not bleeding or anything. Right now I just put him in his cage and took everything out. I can't tell if his back is broken or.not. He's not moving his lower body but insist on crawling anyway. Help me !

Answer
Hi Kathleen

I'm sorry to hear about your gerbil.

It could be that he is just very bruised and this will sort itself out, but you cannot rule out a broken back - the only way you will know that is to get him xrayed.

In himself how is he apart from this?  Does he look bright or does he look in pain?  Is he soiling himself?

You have done the right thing in removing everything from his cage - just make sure food and water are closeby so he doesn't have to go in search for it.  If this is a temporary injury, then some rest will probably help him.

If there is no improvement in a day, or he looks worse, then I would definitely get a vet to check him out.  I suggest you phone one or two to see if they specialise in small animals and also confirm beforehand what their fees are (especially if he needs an xray) so you are aware of their charges before having the treatment.  Usually fees for small animals are considerably lower than for larger ones - but it is always worth checking this.

I hope you get on OK and he is fine.

Regards
Sheila