lump under gerbils throat

Question
My gerbil (superhans) is 3years old
give or take and I recently noticed
That he has a marble sized lump on
The left side of his throat.
He still eats and drinks, do you know
What his lump could be and what is the
Best thing I can do for him?

Thanks
Jimmy

Answer
Hi Jimmy

Thanks for your question.  It is difficult to know what is actually wrong, but this may well be a tumor.  These are pretty common when gerbils get older.

If it isn't affecting him then I would be inclined not to do anything but monitor him.  However if this is a tumor, depending on its actual position and how fast it is growing this may well cause problems for him.  If the lump is not attached to anything as such then sometimes vets can remove them, but the problem with your gerbil is that he is 3 years old and probably wouldn't survive anaesthesia.

I would suggest that you measure the lump, and keep a watch on it and see if it changes shape, colour, size etc.  If it is growing big and is clearly causing a problem then it is important to get him to a vet.  Also, if the lump starts bleeding, or there is pus, then again this is something that a vet would need to check out.  It could be that there is an abscess or cyst - both of these could be treated by a vet - they would need to drain them and then prescribe antibiotics.  All the while he is eating and drinking and behaving normally then he clearly isn't that bothered by it - but if she starts to look dull, quiet and not his usual self then you know he is in pain.

Do you have a local vet that you know?  If so, it might be worth getting an opion on this to see if there is anything that can be done.  I appreciate however that vet bills can be high, although most will charge a greatly reduced fee for a small animal, and you don't want to incur costs unnecessarily.  Sometimes, however it is worth checking conditions out early in case there is something that can be done.  If you don't know of any local vets then it is worth phoning a few to check their fees, and also see if they have anyone who specialises in gerbils/small animals.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila