GERBIL LOSING HAIR

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I have this gerbil who is about 1 yr; he has been having some sort of skin problem for several months now:  basically he is losing fur all over and has lost alot, alot of weight.  Today we found a whole patch of fur missing on his shoulder area.  Might it be related to fighting?  Or is it an allergy?  What can I do?  I definitely cannot afford a visit to the vet.  I do use an anti-itch powder for rodents (brand name: Baxter); but I don't know if it really is helping him or just taking away the itch.  It did help some of my other gerbs who had the same skin problem.  Any idea what the problem is?  He's really bony and scrawny--looks awful.  His eyes are always half shut; but he still eats and is relatively active and playful.  Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Sue

Fur loss can be down to a number of things.  The first thing to rule out would be mites.  In the case of mites the area is very itchy and a white dandruff is visible.  This needs to be treated with a drug called Ivermec - the vet applies a drop to the back of the neck and this dose is repeated a few weeks later to ensure that the next generation of mites are also treated.  As I don't know where you are writing from I don't know if this drug can be purchased without going through a vet.  If you can, then you need to make sure it is the external variety and apply a drop to the neck area.  However, in all honesty, the cost of a bottle of this drug can sometimes work out more expensive than seeing a vet and getting them to apply it - especially as you only need a couple of drops for the whole treatment.

They can also suffer allergies and hormonal problems.  With allergies, often there are other symptoms, especially loud breathing/sniffing/sneezing etc.  In these cases it is a case of doing some detective work to try and work out what has changed - has there been a change in the bedding or location of the cage, has anything been sprayed near the cage, etc.  If it is hormonal, this is difficult to treat - one of my hamsters went completely bald once.  I put evening primrose oil on his food to try and help him - but this doesn't always work.  I also applied aloe vera to his skin to stop it getting sore but I honestly don't know if it did much good.

The fact that he is losing weight and sits with his eyes closed is a real concern as this could indicate that something else is going on with him. Also, the fact that you mention that others have had a similar skin condition.  I appreciate that you can't afford a vet (I know they can be very expensive), but in all honesty I think that he needs to see a vet - and I would advise that if you do take him you take the others along too.  If this is mite related, then it is relatively easy to sort out and give him back his quality of life - my vet usually gives me the second dose of Ivermec for me to apply to save having to go back there for an appointment.    Most vets have a standard fee for examining animals and sometimes it is possible to negotiate.  I would strongly advise getting someone to have a look at him.  If you can't get him to a vet, do you have a good pet shop near you that you could discuss this with, or perhaps there is an animal rescue near you or pet hospital - they may be able to give some advice.

Good luck with this.

Regards

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Sheila

Thanks so much.  I was surprised that you mentioned evening primrose oil.  Is that supposed to help with the hormones?  Is it okay to give them human medicine?  The lady at a pet store once told me to use activated carbon for a gerb with diarrhea; I did, and it did work.  Can I use the aloe vera they sell for applying on humans?  Or is it the plant that I'm supposed to use?  Oh, by the way, I'm writing from Singapore.  I'll be on the lookout for Ivermec.  Sorry, I really, really can't get a vet; but I do have two very good friends in pet stores I go to that have given me great advice.  I forgot about going there.  Thanks for the reminder!  I'll be seeing them about this asap.

Just to be clear, Pollux is pretty active and he does eat; if he were sickly and listless I would be worried; but he isn't.  It's just that he runs around with his eyes half-closed--you know, like when he has a discharge in his eyes.  I can tell that he's uncomfortable, though (scratching, mainly).  That's why I'm trying to find out what's wrong.  Oh, it might help if I mentioned this:  He appears to be the runt of the litter; I have another male rascal who picks on him alot.  Pollux tends to be the type that likes to aggravate the other male, but he always loses in a fight and ends up with scars on the base of his tail.  Troublesome bunch! :)

Well, thanks for taking the time.  This was the first time I used AllExperts and I've gotten a great impression; just wish that there are more gerbil specialists on board, but that's okay.  Your advice really helped to narrow things down.  I'll be looking for a solution.

Best regards,
Sue

Answer
Hi Sue

Evening primrose is fine to use for small animals.  If you buy it either in dropper (more hygienic and cost effective) or in capsules (you can pierce them and squeeze out a drop) and put this on his food or a treat.  He only needs a drop a day - this can help with hormones.

Regarding Aloe Vera - as he is likely to ingest this, make sure that you use a type that is safe if swallowed.  There are some brands available that are specially designed for animals.  You might find it helpful to have a look at the following site: http://www.aloehealthuk.com/store/products.aspx?cat=9  they have a special 'veterinary formula' for animals that might help as you'd be able to spray this on.  You could probably use fresh aloe vera, but it might be worth asking them about this.

Hamsters and gerbils eyes do sometimes crust up.  It is important to try and get them open, so if they are crusty, gently wipe them with a damp cloth and see if he can open them.  

If you are looking to buy Ivermec/Ivermectin - read the instructions carefully.  There are different types - oral and non oral.  My pets usually have the non oral one and a drop is placed on the back of the neck.  This is repeated 7-10 days later.   

You can also use antibiotic or steroid based creams but I think you'd need to get these from a vet.

If you were looking for another alternative, you could use some aromatherapy oil. Dilute them in olive oil and use very sparingly (I would suggest just putting one drop of aromatherapy oil in a mixture as they can be very strong).  Oils that can be used to treat mange are lavender, rosemary, tea tree and garlic.  I've never actually tried this myself so I don't know how effective it is, but it might be worth considering if you can't get hold of any Ivermec.

I think that before you try anything it would be worth going and talking to your friends in the pet shop.  They may well have come across this before and can suggest something you could try.

Regards