my gerbil :(

Question
QUESTION: my gerbil sugar is over 4 years old. the other day she went very sleepy kept her eyes closed and didnt eat or drink and just keep sleeping and wouldnt come out. she definetly wasnt herself because shes always very active and always comes out to say hello. she seem very confused when she did come out and her eyes were mostly shut. but today she seems abit better what does this mean? thanks

ANSWER: Hi Tasha

This is very old for a gerbil and I think that her body is just shutting down, I'm afraid.  It is important to make sure she isn't in any pain - if it looks as though she is then she must go to a vet.  If she is Ok, just sleepy and quiet then make sure her cage is easy for her to go around - remove any ladders etc. and just have her on one level so she doesn't have to climb at all.  Also make sure her food and water are closeby.   It is then really a case of letting her go in her own time.  Sadly these little creatures have such a strong will to live that sometimes they can go on like this for a few days.  If you are concerned about her, or if you notice any blood/pus coming from her rear end then do get her to a vet so that she doesn't suffer.

Sorry my response isn't more positive for you but I think you should prepare yourself.

Regards

Sheila

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QUESTION: thankyou for replying back to me :)she also isnt cleaning herself aswell and her fur is all ruff so she hasnt been grooming herself do you know why that is?

Answer
I'm afraid this is because she is very old and is dying.  If you have a local vet you could take her to then they would be able to see if there is anything they can do but they may suggest either letting her die in her own time or euthanasia.  However, the important thing is making sure she isn't in any pain and they would be able to prescribe pain relief if they felt that was appropriate.

I'm sorry that this is a difficult time.  I think that if you are in any doubt about her then the best thing would be to get her to a vet.

Regards
Sheila