Gerbil tail problems

Question
Dear Lindsay,
I have a friend who has just recently gotten a pet gerbil from somebody they knew. The problem is that part of JoJo's (gerbil's name) tail fell off mysteriously. I don't know much more about Jojo and I can't find anything about part of the tail falling off while searching the net.
I own 2 wonderful gerbils myself non of mine has had that happen.

Do you have any idea what could have happened?

I'm sorry I couldn't provide any more info...

Thank you so much for any advice you can give!

Happy holidays!
Susie~

Answer
Tails usually fall off when they are picked up by the end of the tail or they get it trapped.  It is a defence against predators so that in the wild they can escape.  Make sure it does not get infected by cleaning it with warm water and applying antiseptic.