loss of two gerbils

Question
Hi Charlotte,

We adopted a pair of gerbils about 2 1/2 years ago.  Without warning one passed away Sunday evening.  His cage mate exhibited signs of weakness and disorientation last night and passed away sometime during the night last night (Thursday).  There had been no changes in their habitat, food or toys.  I suspect the first one died from old age but it seems odd the second one would die so soon after.  Any thoughts?

Answer
Hello Karen,

Firstly i am very sorry for your loss!!!

Yes, i am sure it was old age! Sometimes though when a gerbil dies, and one is left on its own, they become very withdrawn and it can affect them quite hard, so the chances are it may have lost the will to live, and so old age can get the better of it! :-( This can happen with people too!

It could though be a coincidence, and he may have actually been ill. Disorientation can be the result of a stroke or ear infection or very very rarely a brain tumour. Although if he had only been disorientated for less than 24hours then i don't think it would have been any of these.

It is very hard to tell you exactly what happened without the gerbil being examined, but i do suspect it was old age mixed with the fact that he had lost his cage mate and became lonely and withdrawn! 2 and a half is a good age!

I am sorry i can't tell you more, but i do hope this helps you in someway!
If you think of anything else you want to ask, please feel free!

Thank you,
Charlie.