what happens if my hamster fought with my gerbil?

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I have a syrian hamster and a gerbil. They are in a tank which is seperated into two by a glass. I went out, but when i came home, my gerbil was on my hamster's side of the tank. So i took out my hamster and put him in the hamster ball. Now my gerbil is bleeding around the eye, and around the belly area. But my hamster has absolutely no blood or anything. And he is much bigger than my gerbil. Will my gerbil die or will he be fine? And should I put my gerbil in a seperate cage?

Answer -
Hi Kimberly,

Hamsters and dwarves should *never* have any contact.  They will fight violently, like you've found out.  You should immediately put them in separate cages.  And as for your gerbil, he has a strong risk of infection.  Apply antiobiotic ointment to the wounds (being extremely careful around the eye), but as soon as you can, take your gerbil to the vet, who can provide a thorough treatment.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly



Is the antibiotic ointment the same as humans use or are there special ones that i should buy? Do you know how much the treatment will cost?

Answer -
Hi Kimberly,

Yes, it's safe to use antibiotic ointments that are typically used on humans.  Pet stores also sell antibiotic ointments, but they're pretty much the same as the regular ointments.

I don't know how much the treatment will cost, but vets charge less for small animals than they would for a cat or a dog.  Also, since it should be a relatively simple treatment, it shouldn't be expensive.  In addition, if you live in a rural area or a smaller city, your vet likely charges less than if you live in a large city.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly



My gerbil has been acting quite awkward today. He usually curls up and sleeps, but today, he just lies on the ground and sleeps. He is also breathing a little faster than normal. I have also found alot of holes with blood on his body.Also, he is running a little too much than usual, and he will not go into his little hiding spot that he goes everyday. and i do not think he has the strength to eat. Also, where i have found the holes, there are no hair around that spot. do u think the hair will grow back? and will he die soon? and what can cause the infections?

Answer
Hi Kimberly,

The hair will grow back eventually, so don't worry about that.  However, you do have to worry about infections, which can occur any time there is an open wound, especially when the gerbil's wounds have been inflicted by another animal.  

I'm honestly not sure about the fate of your gerbil.  That's why I strongly advised you to take him to the vet as soon as possible, who can provide a thorough diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly