I Think My Gerbil Has A Tumor

Question
My gerbil has what looks like a tumor.. I am worried since she came from a bad owner, She is about three years old. And is nibbling' on her self, Her back leg is missing, she has been chewing it off, I am sure it is not my doing that she is in this condition because I have had gerbils for 5 years and know much about them (..Just have never came to a tumor case..) Its like a huge bald bump near her left leg. She is sad looking all the time now and squeaks allot and her sister started to pick on her ( I moved them apart)
I have tried many things to help but she never gets better. PLEASE help us!!!

If you know what we should do, please e-mail be back in your time I do not want to put her down but if she is in pain it is for the better. If you would like a picture of the leg then e-mail me and I shall show you.

Answer
Hello Lexie,

I have seen a gerbil constantly chewing it's leg before, and i think that it had mites, but if there are 2 in the cage and your othe one is fine then it probably isn' this.  There is obviously something wrong with your gerbil, but i think there will be an underling problem leading her to chew her leg. Unfortunately i can not diagnose this for you as i am not a vet, and she would need a proper examination. I would really recommend taking both of them to the vets (just to check the other one is fine). You may find it is something simple that can be fixed with antibiotics, however as you have said there could be a possibility of a tumour.
Are you cleaning the leg daily, as infection can also be fatal. Just gently dab it with a clean warm and damp cloth each day to try to keep it clean. Alternatively you can purchase hibiscrub. This is an antibacerial hand wash used by doctors before surgery but is perfectl safe to clean animal wounds with.
You can purchase it at: http://www.medisave.co.uk/hibiscrub-500ml-bottle-p-296.html

I hope she is ok, let me know if you need further help.
Charlie
xx