PLEASE HELP! SICK GERBIL!-- EXPERTS ONLY!!

Question
Wat Is Wrong With My Gerbil!?!?! She Is Not Eating Or Dirnking Her Eyes Are 2/3 Way Shut And She Can Barley Walk And When I Try To Pick Her Up She Squeaks And Trys To Jump Out Of My Hands, PLease EXPERTS ONLY!!!  -Thx Sarah

Answer
Gerbils are robust animals, and with good care and attention may very likely never be ill. However, there are a few illnesses and disease that a gerbil owner should be aware of. If your gerbil is seriously ill, and not eating and drinking take them immediately to a veterinarian.


First you want to check and make sure that your Gerbil isn't having diarrhea. If they eat too many veggies or fruits this can cause diarrhea which makes them very sick and refuse water and food. If this is your cause then give them things high in protein/iron like cheerios, oatmeal, nuts, total cereal, ect.

She may also get a cold and you would need to keep her warm and separated from the other gerbils(if you have more) until you can take her to a vet. In this case you would notice runny nose or sneezing.

Tyzzers Disease is another to consider. It is a liver condition that will cause diarrhea and make them loose their appetite and be weak.

In any case your gerbil needs to see a vet as soon as possible because being so small they can get worse VERY QUICKLY. Keep her separated, warm, and if you have to take a baby syringe from like infant Tylenol and feed her water about 0.04ml every hour.

This is a site for more info on Gerbil Health and Illness.

http://www.supremepetfoods.com/languages/sus/60.htm