Gerbil - Broken leg? Or in shock?

Question
I just got my pet gerbil recently and two days ago while I was holding him, he jumped out of my hands and I'm worried that he might have hurt himself. He was fine straight afterwards, scurrying around and burrowing as normal. But yesterday he was really lethargic, didn't eat or drink very much. His breathing was quite heavy, his eyes were semi closed and he seemed to have very little control of his legs, dragging himself around. Later on in the day he seemed alright again. A little more active but something still wasn't quite right. I thought maybe he was just in shock or something so I decided to leave him be for a while.

Today he's the same. He's managing (slowly) to get around his cage but he keeps getting his legs trapped in-between the bars of the little ladder and the raised floor. I want to help but I don't want to hurt the little guy! Do you think I should take him to a vet? Or will he be alright after a few days? I can't tell whether he's broken a bone or something or whether it's just trauma!

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Emma,

Trauma can do this to gerbils and so it could be a result of trauma. Normally this would correct itself within 2/3 days and the gerbil should be itself again. If or when this time has passed and he hasn't improved, then yes i would recommend you pop to the vets just to be on the safe side!!

I hope this helps, and hope he is ok,
Let me know if you need more help,
Thanks,
Charlie.