gerbals

Question
my son dropped the gerbil on the floor and it is now dragging its back legs what injures could it have incurred and what help can we give it

Answer
Hi Karen

I'm sorry to hear about your gerbil.

There could be a couple of things wrong - he could have winded himself and caused an internal injury, or he could have fractured a bone.

Can he use either back leg?  If both are out of action then he may well have injured his back in which case he really needs to see a vet who can confirm how bad the injury is.  

It could be that he has jarred or bruised himself in which case this should heal on its own, but if there is a serious fracture then this will probably need intervention.

Leg fractures can heal on their own providing there is no bone sticking out, no lack of circulation to the foot, or swelling/discolouration etc - in which case a vet must get involved.  Sometimes with single leg injuries the leg is amputated if there is compromised circulation etc.

I would suggest you make his cage single storey if you can - try and eliminate the need to go to another level - put food and water close by so he doesn't have to climb.  Also remove any wheel that is in the cage.

If there is no improvement today with him I would strongly advise getting a vet to have a look at him.  They may need to xray him if they think he has broken his back. As mentioned earlier, if this is a leg fracture then there is no reason why it won't heal on its own providing he rests it and isn't tempted to climb etc.

I hope you get on OK.

Regards
Sheila