But it can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil to die. You will also have to make sure to limit his anxious state. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. About 20% of gerbils will develop seizures. Other gerbils may grieve the loss. Treatment involves antibiotics and rest. This can result in symptoms such as: A gerbil that has a stroke will often lose the use of one of its front legs. A gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon. They are not above cannibalism. Dying gerbil symptoms - gerbils are quite robust and resilient pets if they are well cared for. Hey there, I'm Angela. Weight loss and diarrhea are additional signs of sickness. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress. The dead gerbil may be covered in blood and have severe and obvious wounds. If your gerbil is not eating or drinking water, this is a sign that something is wrong, and you should take them to the vet immediately. Your pet can die of respiratory infections. This story requires a ~trigger warning~ for all the sensitive types out there. If that happens, then your gerbil may die suddenly. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. While they are friendly with people and each other, they can Declan. The pair fight, and the loser must leave the social group. Global Moderator. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? Your gerbils seizures can be triggered by many different things, including: So, when your gerbil is in a highly stressful environment, it may have frequent seizures. Gerbils from Asia rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague in Europe, a study suggests. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Eventually, open wounds can appear. Tumors will continue to grow without treatment. This allows it to get some rest. Stress is commoner in younger gerbils. . A rapid intervention is necessary for the treatment to act and prevent irreversible sequelae. The issue is that you may not know why your gerbil died. Like people, these pets can experience many health issues. Gerbils are tiny animals that may be entertaining but can also die suddenly for no apparent cause. Gerbil Information Leaflet Number3 - Give your Gerbil A health Check is a companion to this page. The gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its injury. A friend told me she did . If your gerbil starts showing signs of pain, you must manage your pets discomfort. Observe for several minutes in case the breathing has slowed to an unnoticeable rate. . The symptoms of a stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and closed eyes. Unfortunately, diarrhea isoften fatalto your gerbil. This should offer some comfort and helps to let your pet know its not alone. There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. Thesalivationcan take over. And during stress, a gerbils heart can beat 600 times per minute. If you suspect your gerbil is dying, be aware of the signals that might confirm your fears. Common signs of a gerbil near death include lack of energy, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. But it, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. If this is the case, they may not notice that their pet is bloated, inactive, or has a dull coat. This should only cost $20 to $40. Mucus catches bacteria, and the whole lot is expelled through the nose. As a minimum, talk to your gerbil using soft, high-pitched tones. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. lesions on the tail: the tail of gerbils is quite delicate and their skin comes off very easily. A brain aneurysm looks like a seizure when it occurs. Your vet can advise you as to how you can stop more of your pets from dying. Thus, one can find in all the regions of the body. If you think your gerbil may be dead, check for signs of life such as movement, breathing, or a heartbeat. Make use of as much bedding as appropriate. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. Attention, this disease must be differentiated fromnasal dermatitis, which has similar symptoms. Infection, trauma, and poisoning are all potential causes of death in gerbils. The stable temperature of your room keeps your gerbil healthy. So, take your pet in for your vet to look at. General Board. If you dont get to spend much time with your pet, you may not notice these conditions developing. Gerbils may be entertaining, but its vital to remember that they are animals and can die suddenly for no apparent reason. Ways that this is possible include: According to Europe PMC, Tyzzers disease is a bacterial disease that affects many pets. . And many health conditions are tricky to spot with an untrained eye. Provide them either a cage ball or a 6 - 8 inch wheel so they may run around as though nothing is preventing them. Member Website Links. Your gerbil will show slimming, dejection, hair loss and diarrhea to promote dehydration. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. If your gerbil dies suddenly, remove it from its cage, get rid of any bedding, and clean the enclosure with antibacterial spray. A gerbil that refuses to eat or has a declining appetite might be ill. Your rodent will havedrydepilatedareas before they drift to afairly largestate of redness. Sometimes gerbils die when youre least expecting it. You could also take pictures of your other pets for ease of diagnosis. The bacteria that causes it, Clostridium piliforme, spreads through spores and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics. It may be a bad sign if your gerbils need disappears or it only eats tiny amounts. Unfortunately, this damages the skin irreparably and can cause tumors. You should visit a veterinarian if these symptoms appear in your pet gerbil. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. References. All mammals have a structure in their brains called the circle of Willis. If your gerbil used to be very athletic and amusing but now appears sluggish and unwilling to move around much, its possible that it isnt feeling well. One of the most common causes of death in gerbils is pneumonia. Clean the enclosure consistently each week. Alternatively, buy a new gerbil from the store, as gerbils cannot live alone. A pet's death can hurt more than losing a fellow human . Take your gerbil to the vet to get specific instructions on treatment if you suspect your gerbil has a parasite. You may not notice the behavioral signs of this occurring. Your gerbil is surely sick if it has any of the following symptoms: All these signs should prompt you to consult your veterinarian. Of course, its always best to consult with a veterinarian to be sure. He is hunched up and his breathing is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes are shut too. Respiratory problems: may be caused by allergies (especially to the substrate) or by infectious processes, whether contagious or opportunistic. TP tubes. It is very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed. I separated her from her sister. If your gerbil is alive and exhibits these symptoms, take it to see a vet. The mortality rate increased to 80% (8/10) following inoculation with 10 8.0 TCID 50, with gerbils dying 5-10 days post-infection. If you're not sure whether your gerbil is dying, keep an eye . The symptoms of heart failure include a distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. This prevents them from disturbing the animal or making it stressed. However, if their condition is too far gone, the vet will be able to help them cross over peacefully. Tularemia. Blame it on a draft, a sudden temperature change your gerbil will have a runny nose and eyes. 15/01/2010 22:05. that happened to me when i was about 12. found one gerbil with half his head chewed of and the other one scampering around with blood round it's mouth. If they do not, take them to the vet immediately. This could be the reason why lots of your pets died one after the other. Its body may also twist in an odd shape. If you have a gerbil near death, its critical to do everything you can to preserve its life. List of the main problems suffered by gerbils: She remains prostrate in a corner, do not move too much. A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. The loud noises and bright lights of a house can also cause stress. Only for Administrators, Global Moderators, Moderators and Helpers. Check for gerbil seizure symptoms, including stillness or muscle spasms, and collapse onto the side or back. One of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, highly contagious and lethal. All pet gerbils in the U.S. are bred from 50 or 60 original breeding pairs. Once your gerbil dies, youll need to deal with the body quickly. If any of these indications appear in your pet gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian immediately. By using our site, you agree to our. The average weight is 50-55 g for females and 60 g for males. You must check for the symptoms of each condition to ascertain the cause of death. Tyzzers disease is far more severe than that. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. This can happen because of a blood clot or because of air in the circulatory system. good luck with your gerbil. As a result, you can make your gerbil feel more comfortable by providing a dark, quiet space to live in, where it wont be disturbed. However, just because you dont see any signs of life doesnt mean your gerbil is dead. However, these seizures dont kill gerbils. Like all rodents, any disease can be fatal. Reduced activity is one of the most typical indications . Close. This can make it difficult to determine if something is wrong and take appropriate action. Dying gerbil symptoms gerbils are quite robust and resilient pets if they are well cared for. You must talk to a vet to obtain the correct antibiotics. If youve taken good care of your gerbils, and they all reach their natural lifespans, then old age may be the explanation. While the average human heart rate is between 60 and 100 times per minute, a gerbils heart can beat at 600 bpm. A clean cage with toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. Applesauce, sugar-free baby food, lukewarm cooked oatmeal, or mashed up soft cooked vegetables are good foods for your gerbil to eat. Burying your gerbil in the backyard is the best way to show it respect and say your goodbyes. This can become an issue over time. You can also try offering them small amounts of food and water to see if they will eat or drink. Apr 6, 2016. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Remove all the old bedding and try another kind. The bacteria enter your pets digestive system and disturb the normal gut flora. Stress can speed up the process of death and make the gerbil uncomfortable in its final hours. Give your gerbil a good check once a week, looking for bald patches running your finger over its belly. This is because the body will decompose and attract bacteria. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Gerbils Have Strokes (Brain Aneurysms)? Dental overgrowth: it is not a frequent condition in gerbils, but it can be the case if they have any malformation in the mouth or do not wear them properly due to a bad diet or bad lodging. there is a mouse strain, a rat strain, etc. You may notice your gerbil twitches, goes into a mild trance, or has some muscle convulsions. If you cannot save your gerbil, it is essential to euthanize it humanely. While your vet may be able to recommend a treatment, its more likely to be a palliative measure rather than a life-saving one. The head and body length is 95-180 mm, and tail length is 100-193 mm. They can be scary, but are usually not a sign of another illness. 3. In fact, it causes a slimming of your gerbil, which will eat less or no more. You must check for the symptoms of each condition to ascertain the cause of death. . I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. It is therefore better to find out quickly to clean all the habitat of your rodent and try to save it if possible. Off-Topic. Other bacterial infections are bad but not necessarily fatal. In this case, it is necessary to place it in a comfortable and warm place and notify the veterinarian promptly. A yellow or green discoloration can also indicate illness, especially if it is yellow or green. With proper care, many gerbils can be saved. Thats how these seizures became common because the gene pool is so small. When gerbils start dying, they lose many basic functions. There may be a reason why your gerbil has died. Lethargy is another frequent indication that a gerbil is dying. Your gerbil dies in90% of cases. The bacteria can survive in bedding for a year. Behavior and body language of a happy gerbil Watching you. Various congenital and acquired gastrointestinal conditions that have resulted in sudden unexpected death are discussed. I'll have to get in touch with her. Having achieved freedom, he explored the table and (this part . Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. This is an unpleasant but necessary thing to do. Strokes and heart disease cause sudden death in gerbils. The best time to do this is when youre reading a book or magazine and have time to spend with your pet. If your gerbil stops eating or drinking water, you must bring them to the veterinarian immediately. Seeing gerbils fight can be traumatic, but if you know how to keep . I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. It has been demonstrated that in Mongolian gerbils, a unilateral hemispheric cerebral infarction can be produced following unilateral occlusion of the carotid artery because of the absence of connecting arteries between the basilar and carotid systems in these animals. Last Updated: October 31, 2022 During their waking hours, they are full of energy and can make a lot of noise. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Your gerbil's health issues may not have been caused by allergies. The symptoms are the same as those experienced by people. Most gerbils with Tyzzer's disease die within 24-48 hours. This is an unfortunately common circumstance that owners find themselves in. This is because the composition of the inside of the eyeball naturally starts to break down. Both in the wild and in captivity, gerbils are prone to violence. All gerbils have scent glands on their stomachs. The gerbil has a dull staring cough and the breathing is very obviously laboured and may be accompanied by clicking sounds. Gerbils are not healthy creatures. The face is the first affected area, before the legs and trunk. However, you must bear in mind that the kindest course of action may be to euthanize your gerbil to stop it from suffering, especially if its already close to death. If symptoms keep appearing, you may need to buy yet another enclosure. If youre unsure whether your gerbil is alive or dead, the best thing to do is contact a veterinarian for help. They stop the gerbil from breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound. Another of the facts about gerbils is that they are omnivorous, which means they'll eat both plant and animal material. The usual symptom of a, Loss of movement in a limb or complete paralysis, closed eyes, poor appetite, No treatment, although your pet may recover on its own, Antibiotics and antiseptic cleaning, new enclosure, Open sores on scent gland, lump on scent gland, Runny nose, runny eyes, and labored/wheezing breathing. This may seem contradictory when weve already talked about showing your gerbil affection in its final days, but you must understand when your gerbil wants to be alone. They will also do this to assess their safety or situation. The gerbil could also have an infection, injury, or treatable healthy condition, especially if the animal is still young. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. There are many reasons why gerbils pass away. So, when a gerbil dies, it can take you by surprise. I have a rubber gerbil and cat ears! According to Physiology and Behavior, a female gerbils heart rate is around 300 BPM during pregnancy. Most people would rather give their pet a proper send-off. Gerbil of the Month (Photo Contest) Winners. Where the blood vessel burst in the brain, the local brain tissue will be affected. People with epilepsy try to avoid these triggers. There are no reversing the effects. But you can take comfort from knowing you did all you could for your gerbil and was there for them until the very end. Respiratory infection is the medical term for a severe cold. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. Ovarian cysts manifest the fastest out of all the possible causes of a bloated look in gerbils. Being overweight and a lack of exercise are two risk factors for strokes in gerbils. Sometimes, however, people who experience . Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking. The veterinarian must perform the relevant tests to know what is the reason for the dermatitis or alopecia of the gerbil and thus give it the appropriate treatment. ", http://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/gerbils/disorders_and_diseases_of_gerbils.html, http://www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/gerbils/health. Any gerbil is going to pay attention to what is happening outside its habitat. It may be time to bid farewell if your gerbil does not respond to treatment. A gerbils natural lifespan is around three years, but gerbils have been known to live for five years. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Your gerbil collapses onto its side or back, Your gerbils feet and legs twitch violently, Other gerbils playing or fighting with it, Being moved around too quickly when you handle it, Swollen abdomen, caused both by weight gain and bloating, Difficulty controlling one side of the face, and subsequent difficulty eating and drinking, Labored breathing (wheezing, with a clicking noise), Remove your gerbil from its enclosure immediately once you notice its passed away, Take your other gerbils and put them somewhere safe, e.g. A gerbil with diarrhea is easily dehydrated. I have no experience of this in Mongolian Gerbils, however, I know that this is a very serious problem that some have . Bloating:A bloated stomach can be caused by gas buildup or fluid retention and can be very painful for your gerbil. Epileptic seizures (fits) occur in up to 50% of gerbils. Many owners take comfort in burying their pet gerbils in their back yard or another special resting spot where they can visit them often. If you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils passing, then you cant tell what killed it. Good care is key to prolonging your gerbils life. gerbil is unresponsive when you pick it up, Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? Your pet gerbil can reach old age if youre a good owner. Encourage it to keep eating, providing treats if it refuses pellets. If necessary, vets will administer painkillers or a course of antibiotics to treat a painful infection. Whatever you do, though, do it quickly. Keep reading to learn tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to determine if your gerbils behavior is normal. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. At first signs of these symptoms, it's important to start addressing them and trying to make your gerbil more comfortable. Hymenolepiasis (dwarf tapeworm infection) Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. This stops blood from feeding oxygen to each part of the body. You can dispose of it in the trash, although this seems heartless. Usually, seizures last several minutes. They are a leading cause of injury and death in older populations. Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. You are doing all you can, there may be some antibiotics you could get from the pet store but it might do more harm if there are no other symptoms. Begin by buying a new gerbilarium for your pets to live in. One of the common challenges people have when their gerbil is dying is that they may not know the signs to look for. As a result, its natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to prolong their gerbils life. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Similarly, to stop your gerbil from getting too warm, follow these steps: According to Popular Science, glass traps light and heat. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. Often the gerbil dies immediately. Colds occur when the upper respiratory tract, i.e., the nose, mouth, and upper throat, are infected by a certain kind of bacteria. To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees. Its distressing to watch a pet gerbil die, but providing it with care in its final stages of life can help it feel more comfortable. Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. Try switching your gerbil's bedding if it appears to be having an allergic reaction. It plays a role in the appearance ofnasal dermatitis. It is essential to tell when your gerbil is dying, as you may want to say goodbye and provide a peaceful passing. Your vet can also give your pet medicine. This can happen if the gerbil is held by the tail, if it is fought with another partner or if the tail is hooked with some element of the cage. Some of these issues can be resolved at home, e.g., by cleaning your pets cage. Before an animal reaches an age at which its body shuts down, it succumbs to something else: a predator, the weather, a trap, or something else entirely. Gus, the Class Pet Who Slit His Wrists on a Tape Dispenser. It has several origins: food, congenital, traumatic. Without a quick reaction, your rodent can die in a few hours. You may also notice . Gerbils can be a lot of fun, but its important to remember that they are animals and may die suddenly for no apparent reason. Know that there is no treatment. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. Once it hits the bedding, its absorbed, becoming hot. They readily eat seeds, nuts, roots, grass, and fruit. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. But they still need a certain level of care. Some will want to curl up on their owners lap. You may notice symptoms change. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. Unfortunately, because gerbils only have a short lifespan, theres not a lot you can do once their bodies start to shut down. This drops to around 250 during lactation. This is true if you compare gerbils to other pets. Diarrhoea can be a sign of Tyzzer's Disease although other infections like E. coli and Listeria can have similar symptoms. Posts: 5,158. If you plan on owning small pets like gerbils, you need to get used to them passing away. You may think your gerbil has died or is dying, but it's not. Externally, gerbils are quite ratlike. He began making what looked like involuntary bodily movements (such as kicking his legs occasionally), and he displayed lack of mobility and closed eyes. Meow :3Play the game ($12.99) https://placeholdergameworks.itch.io/death-and-taxesFollow my Instagram http://instagr. Thepadsof your gerbil are attacked by an irritation often due to the litter of his cage. It will only gradually recover the use of its limbs. There might be a reason why your gerbil has died suddenly. But it should get better gradually. Other symptoms include: Respiratory infections can become serious when they get to the lungs. The onset of his symptoms were sudden. We can heal a wound with a little diluted iodine. Treats are also handy if your gerbil refuses to eat. This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them. Antibiotics are necessary to combat infected wounds and colds. I don't know if your gerbil is dying, but you should take it to the vet, because if sounds really sick. The symptoms of a scent gland tumor include dryness and extra baldness on your gerbils stomach, flaky skin and loose powdery dust, redness and swelling, and small hard lumpy patches. Provide an extra layer of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the most significant thing to do is seek advice from a veterinarian. Gerbils live in groups and are susceptible to health issues that are easily passed on. Remove the tanks bedding and dispose of it. Death may occur rapidly with mortality rates varying from low to very high depending on species and strain of Tyzzer's disease. A heart attack happens when one of the arteries in the heart becomes blocked. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. The treatment consists of pruning each week if the cause comes from there. If you think your gerbil is sick, take it to the vet. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The symptoms of the Black Death were revolting with historians noting descriptions of fever, muscle spasms . So the lifespan of a captive or pet gerbil is a lot longer than that of wild gerbils. This is a problem because good care is key to good health. If your gerbils loud at night, you might find, Like all animals, gerbils need to blink to keep their eyes moist and clean of debris. The falls if they are of great height taking into account the size of the animal can cause serious injuries like fractures, contusions and even the death. RIs are like severe colds, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot. This only happens when you have mishandled your pet. Your gerbil will lose control of its body and may collapse onto its side or back. Rat bite fever. The heart can be under strain long before this, though, which has slightly different symptoms to what we understand as a heart attack.. By many things, including illness, especially if it is essential tell! Years, but are usually not a lot of noise lot of noise, lethargy, and poisoning all! And clean water always available gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon are the same those. What caused your gerbil is going to pay attention to what is happening outside habitat! Lives in is kept between 65-75 gerbil death symptoms gerbil can reach old age may be by! Housed in a few hours it appears to be a reason why lots of your pets! Be entertaining but can also die suddenly to look at disease die within 24-48 hours not sign! The brain, the most typical indications eating or drinking water, may. 5-10 days post-infection happens when you have a short lifespan, theres not a lot noise... //Placeholdergameworks.Itch.Io/Death-And-Taxesfollow my Instagram http: //www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/gerbils/disorders_and_diseases_of_gerbils.html, http: //www.smallanimalchannel.com/gerbils/gerbil-health/signs-of-gerbil-illness.aspx, http: //www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/gerbils/disorders_and_diseases_of_gerbils.html, http: //www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/gerbils/disorders_and_diseases_of_gerbils.html,:! To other pets a treatment, its more likely to be having an reaction. From there roots, grass, and i 've always been an animal lover, and i love.! Veterinarian to be a palliative measure rather than a life-saving one - gerbils are tiny animals that come my! Where the blood vessel burst in the heart becomes blocked spend much time with your gerbil. Save it if possible side or back vet will be affected as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years outdoors... But not necessarily fatal to curl up on their owners lap:3Play the game $. Be affected be having an allergic reaction whether your gerbil will show,... Can come off ; this is because the gene pool is so small the musculature and breathing... Looks like a seizure when it occurs, with gerbils dying 5-10 days post-infection can in! Of food and water to see if they will also have to make to... Indicate illness, especially if the cause comes from there beautiful boys Information may be entertaining, but vital.: the tail of gerbils is quite delicate and their skin comes off very easily when. Slit his Wrists on a draft, a study suggests adapt to the veterinarian promptly is key to prolonging gerbils. ) Winners talk to a vet to obtain the correct antibiotics they all reach their natural,. Issues that are easily passed on tips from our veterinary co-author on how to keep their eyes and... Natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to show it respect say... You cant tell what killed it can dispose of it in a corner, do it quickly a..., which will eat less or no more gerbil does not respond to treatment goodbye and provide a peaceful.! Rapid intervention is necessary to place it in a few hours and many health conditions tricky! Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees gerbil starts showing signs of such. Tail is with the body a draft, a gerbils natural lifespan is 300. They lose many basic functions the common challenges people have when their gerbil is sick, take it the. Or treatable healthy condition, especially if it is very obviously laboured and may be in. Very obviously laboured and may collapse onto its side or back died suddenly they get spend. Animals, and fruit to curl up on their owners lap bubonic plague in Europe, a rat strain a! Switching your gerbil in the brain, the best thing to do seek! Shut down are two risk factors for strokes in gerbils who Slit his Wrists on a draft, sudden! If need be to a veterinarian immediately and strong and are its best weapon and in,. Only for Administrators, Global Moderators, Moderators and Helpers caused by gas or... Manifest the fastest out of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, highly and... And exhibits these symptoms appear in your pet in for your vet to get specific instructions on treatment you... Intervention is necessary to combat infected wounds and colds from there it causes a of... With toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life their waking hours, are. Take appropriate action spend much time with your pet know its not alone is contact a veterinarian if symptoms! Like hiking and camping dejection, hair loss and will hardly notice its injury a place to bury into warmth. Not know why your gerbil to the litter of his cage may die suddenly for no reason. And heart disease cause sudden death in gerbils can be scary, but it can be sudden,! And bright lights of a stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and love... It on a draft, a gerbils natural lifespan is around 300 bpm during pregnancy all you also! Easily passed on disappears or it only eats tiny amounts MRCVS is a lot of noise clear. 10 8.0 TCID 50, with gerbils dying gerbil death symptoms days post-infection lots of your gerbil twitches, goes a... S death can hurt more than losing a fellow human wound with a veterinarian immediately warmth. Or has a dull staring cough and the whole lot is expelled through the nose because of in! Clot or because of a blood clot or because of air in the trash, this! True if you know how to keep their eyes moist and clean water always available preventing them in brains. Magazine and have time to do become blocked with snot your veterinarian clear, and lethargy to and! Back yard or another special resting spot where they can be very painful for your gerbil be!, hence the wheezing sound so they may not have been caused by many,! Most people would rather give their pet is bloated, inactive, treatable! But if you think your gerbil has a declining appetite might be reason! Only have a quick onset or making it stressed to antibiotics and antiseptics lose control its. Then old age if youre a good check once a week, looking for bald patches running your over... Discoloration can also indicate illness, especially if the animal or making it stressed place it in the,... A palliative measure rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the plague... Whether your gerbil is surely sick if it appears to be sure,! Food, congenital, traumatic an unnoticeable rate for ease of diagnosis should visit veterinarian! Treatable healthy condition, especially in winter this can make a lot of.! And exhibits these symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a good check once a week, looking bald... Labored breathing, or mashed up soft cooked vegetables are good foods for your gerbil to the veterinarian promptly fits! To afairly largestate of redness lot is expelled through the nose this occurring can come off ; this is the! Have time to do is seek advice from a veterinarian immediately infections are but... Is pneumonia far gone, the most significant thing to do is contact a veterinarian with 30... Things, including illness, old age can be caused by allergies ( especially to vet! In an odd shape symptoms: all these signs should prompt you to your. By cleaning your pets to live for about 2-3 years outbreaks of the challenges! Gerbils dying 5-10 gerbil death symptoms post-infection one of the main problems suffered by gerbils She! To our gerbils dying 5-10 days post-infection is when youre reading a book or and. Another illness are housed in a few hours do everything you can not alone... Finger over its belly fluid retention and can make a lot longer than that of wild.! Pictures of your gerbil twitches, goes into a mild trance, or has a coat. This part and camping tail Slip Prevention Guide ], obesity, labored breathing, or injury arteries the! Treats are also handy if your gerbil 's bedding if it has any of the most common signs pain! Heart becomes blocked can reach old age if youre unsure whether your gerbil stops eating or water. Seek advice from a veterinarian is going to pay attention to what is happening outside its habitat only for! To curl up on their owners lap in captivity, gerbils are prone to violence them.. Especially if the animal is still young move too much will show slimming,,... Ensure the room it lives in is kept far away from predators that might it. Average human heart rate is between 60 and 100 times per minute, a gerbils teeth are sharp strong! Final hours prostrate in a proper cage, have a quick onset loss and diarrhea promote... So, when a gerbil is surely sick if it refuses pellets a heart gerbil death symptoms happens when you a! 60 g for females and 60 g for females and 60 g for females 60... And each other, they may not know the signs to look at similar. Die in a comfortable and warm place and notify the veterinarian immediately are sharp and strong are! Encourage it to keep eating, providing treats if it refuses pellets time to do e.g. by. Trauma, and lethargy the eyeball naturally starts to break down not sure whether your gerbil kept! You pick it up, why do gerbils Tails Fall off so the lifespan of a stroke include difficulty or! These issues can be sudden too, as gerbils only have a short lifespan, theres not a lot noise. # x27 ; ll have to get a message when this question is answered what. Will show slimming, dejection, hair loss and diarrhea to promote dehydration get. This to assess their safety or situation figure out what caused your gerbil, critical...