pet gerbil with bloody tail

Question
My son's gerbil has somehow hurt his tail. It's bleeding, but has a dark reddish-black lump at the source of the blood. I think he either fought with his female partner, or else caught his tail in the wheel. He's as lively as ever, and just as inquisitive, but I don't know what to do. I've tried washing the tail in cold boiled water, but he wriggles too much. I've seperated the gerbils and put Donald in a clean glass container with some tissue paper. My son's really worried, so please help.
Thankyou. Karen.

Answer
HI THERE,
Firstly be aware that by separating the gerbils, they can forget each other very quickly and then fight once you try and put them back in together!

From what you are saying it doesn't sound like something contagious, it sounds more like an injury or illnes. Unfortunately as i can't examine it i can't tell you what it is. It really needs a vet to look at it, as this is the best person to get an answer from. In the mean time you are right to clean it, and i know it is hard but you as long as you try your best to clean it then thats what counts!! You don't want it to become infected.

I hope this helps, sorry i can not advise you further!
Charlie