Gerbils wounded, split up?

Question
I have two female gerbils about one and a half years old. Four days ago we can home to find Skittles (the boss of the two) covered in blood and missing a back paw. M&M was by her but only had blood on her paw from snuggling up to her sister. We aren't quite sure what happened... if they got into a fight or if she got her foot stuck and chewed it off. Do gerbils do that? I'm not positive that it happened in a fight though. Usually under dog does not attack the dominate female and walk away from it with not a single stcatch, right?  We have separated them just incase it did happen in a fight, but they seem very lonely and miss each other.

I really what to put them back together, but am not sure that would be the best thing to do.
What do you think?
Thanks!
Jennifer

Answer
those are two reasonable scenarios that could have happened to the poor gerbil. I would keep her separated until she recovers. I don't think it was a fight either because M&M would be covered in blood too. I think she chewed it off and gerbils will do that. If you feel skittles will be ok with her friend now you can put them back together. I would put them together if it was me and just watch them. i would also take her to a vet to make sure that she's okay and that no infection sets in.