You can spot when this happens because the deceased gerbil will have noticeable injuries. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. Its origin may be parasitic, bacterial, an excess of cerumen or a tumor. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your gerbil might develop a scent gland tumor. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. Another of the facts about gerbils is that they are omnivorous, which means they'll eat both plant and animal material. Masses: especially in gerbils of a certain age, the appearance of masses may be indicative of tumors. Chirping is the most common sound that gerbils make. By. In people, this structure is a connected circle shape. If your gerbil is alive and exhibits these symptoms, take it to see a vet. In many cases, youll never know what killed your gerbil. Know that there is no treatment. A gerbils natural lifespan is around three years, but gerbils have been known to live for five years. Tyzzers disease is difficult to get rid of. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Gerbils Have Strokes (Brain Aneurysms)? Signs that your gerbil may be ill include lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss or gain, and aggression. Drinking less frequently. Blisters form under his feet. Other posts. Otherwise, it may become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising of its cagemates. Ammonia smells like Windex or hair dying products. So, if youre ever wondering, is my gerbil dead? after finding it unresponsive in its cage, theres a good chance that it may have simply passed away from old age. The gerbils mucus is red and can be confused with blood. Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. Because your gerbil continually rubs its belly on things, it can become inflamed. What does threaten your gerbils health is when they attack each other with their teeth. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. 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. Your gerbil will lose control of its body and may collapse onto its side or back. If you think one of these reasons killed your gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian for an autopsy. Thats because of the gerbils genetics. Despite its status as a healthy rodent, your gerbil is quite sensitive to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. These can cause serious respiratory illnesses in rodents. This can become an issue over time. This stops blood from feeding oxygen to each part of the body. Not only can this prevent hunger, but it gives you a final chance to bond. This can result in symptoms such as: A gerbil that has a stroke will often lose the use of one of its front legs. It is therefore better to find out quickly to clean all the habitat of your rodent and try to save it if possible. If you believe one of these reasons caused the end of your gerbil, its critical to have him examined by a veterinarian for an autopsy. So, you might be wondering whether its safe to feed gerbils apple. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. He is hunched up and his breathing is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes are shut too. The heart can be under strain long before this, though, which has slightly different symptoms to what we understand as a heart attack.. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. This prevents them from disturbing the animal or making it stressed. can feel like a death sentence. If your gerbil starts showing signs of pain, you must manage your pets discomfort. This means that most gerbils are inbred in some way. Posts: 5,158. There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. Your rodent will havedrydepilatedareas before they drift to afairly largestate of redness. The origin can bevarious: the stress, a litter too dusty, the overpopulation. They can be scary, but are usually not a sign of another illness. This grisly behavior is difficult to understand, but there are good reasons why it happens. Unfortunately, neglect is one of the most common reasons why captive gerbils die. Remove all the old bedding and try another kind. 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. While they do show signs of aging, these arent as obvious as they are in people. Your pet weakens, which promotes the appearance ofbacteria. Gerbils can die of shock, although not quite in the way that you might imagine. CSW intake reduced neuronal cell death in gerbils with I/R and dose-dependently improved the neurological symptoms, including drooped eyes, crouched posture, flexor reflex, and walking patterns. There are many, Theres nothing sadder than if your pet dies. This article has been viewed 106,652 times. To prevent this from happening, follow these guidelines: If the gerbil died from an issue related to its health, you should consider changing your gerbils food. The symptoms are obvious, so check for them in your surviving gerbils. If your gerbil dies suddenly, remove it from its cage, get rid of any bedding, and clean the enclosure with antibacterial spray. You may notice symptoms change. If at that time we can not, you have to put it in a cool place and wet your extremities with warm water (avoid cold water) and if you have swallowing reflex give it with a syringe or a dropper some water or sugary whey. Last Updated: October 31, 2022 Diarrhoea does not always appear. Contact your Fort Collins vet immediately if your pet gerbil . In the case of a poor diet, it will be necessary torebalance the diet. These issues relate to the environment, diet, exercise, and transmittable diseases. The dead gerbil may be covered in blood and have severe and obvious wounds. It's important to keep an eye on any pet and know when you need to take them to the vet. Gerbils are healthy animals, but they are prone to fatal health conditions, including heart failure, seizures, strokes, and respiratory disorders. This might involve separating them to live in new groups, administering antibiotics, or cleaning their cages more often. If youre not sure whether your gerbil is dying, keep an eye out for these signs: Lethargy:If your gerbil is moving less than usual or seems unusually tired, this could signify that theyre nearing the end. You will notice a hard lump forming around the scent gland if your gerbil is sick. However, this is still far higher than that of a person. They dont result in brain damage and have no other long-lasting effects. In fact, it will be necessary to amputate the part of the reached tail. Some will want to curl up on their owners lap. A pet's death can hurt more than losing a fellow human . Gerbils chirp to communicate with each, If a gerbil cant open its eyes, or its eyes are half shut all the time, it may mean your gerbil is ill. Gerbils close their eyes when they sleep.. When a gerbil is dying, there are typically some apparent symptoms. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them. If necessary, vets will administer painkillers or a course of antibiotics to treat a painful infection. Thesalmonellosisistransmissible to humans. 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. Gerbils cat eat applies. 12:58, Tue, Feb 24, 2015 . However, in gerbils mortality of 80% or more of animals showing symptoms is common. Or, if another gerbil challenges the dominance of the alpha male or female, a fight will surely follow. Spray and clean the enclosure with an antibacterial spray. ), but gerbils are vulnerable to several different . Visit your vet to confirm the diagnosis. Lack of appetite is another common symptom. Keep the enclosures lid on to trap warmth if its not already. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. All pet gerbils in the U.S. are bred from 50 or 60 original breeding pairs. Diarrhea is also a common symptom in dying gerbils. Coughs and Colds. It will also start to smell, drawing the attention of pests and tainting your home. Prompt veterinary treatment is vital in the form of antibiotics. The symptoms of heart failure in gerbils include: So, if you noticed any of these symptoms before your gerbil passed away, the issue may have been heart failure. Ways that this is possible include: According to Europe PMC, Tyzzers disease is a bacterial disease that affects many pets. It will only gradually recover the use of its limbs. However, if separating the gerbils isnt possible, place a nesting box inside the tank so that your dying gerbil can separate itself and find some peace. Global Moderator. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. Gerbils only live to about three years old on average. Gerbil death. If you have to, lower the water bottle so your gerbil can reach it more easily. However, before you arrange a burial for your gerbil, make sure its definitely passed away. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. So, take your pet in for your vet to look at. RIs are like severe colds, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot. Other Animal Species. All gerbils have scent glands on their stomachs. Home; Church. The bacteria can survive in bedding for a year. Burying your gerbil in the backyard is the best way to show it respect and say your goodbyes. Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. If you cannot save your gerbil, it is essential to euthanize it humanely. Place your deceased gerbil in a box and give it the send-off it deserves. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. But in captivity, where an animal is cared for well by a person, it can easily reach old age. Remove excess bedding to prevent too much heat from being trapped. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. This is true if you compare gerbils to other pets. These were originally bred for experiments in laboratories. If youve taken good care of your gerbils, and they all reach their natural lifespans, then old age may be the explanation. Some of the more common health concerns are listed below. Gerbils are small and their health can decline quickly if they're ill. A respiratory infection should be addressed by a vet. Another fear with gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is alive or dead. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. I think my gerbil Dustie had a stroke yesterday. Heat hits: gerbils are quite susceptible to heat stroke if they are exposed to direct sunlight or housed in a very hot room and especially if they have no access to shade or water source. A friend told me she did . To counter this infection, the nose will produce lots of mucus. If they suddenly stop doing their usual activities and start to watch something, this is out of curiosity. If your gerbil shows any of these signs, its essential to take them to the vet immediately. The animal is used in science and kept as a small . Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. Infection, harm, and poisoning are all possible causes of gerbil death. Most gerbils with Tyzzer's disease die within 24-48 hours. Clean the enclosure consistently each week. Member Website Links. However, dont leave your gerbil to suffer. You may notice your gerbil twitches, goes into a mild trance, or has some muscle convulsions. Thus, one can find in all the regions of the body. The fix depends on the cause. Eventually, open wounds can appear. Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. While it is rare, gerbils are capable of fighting to the death. If they get too hot, theyre at risk of heatstroke, which speeds up the dying process. As it is nutritious and a good energy source, you may want to feed meat to your gerbil. There is no cure, although your pet may recover on its own. Consider moving one of its friendly brothers or sisters in with it. They are visible to the naked eye, and can also be identified by their dark droppings. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. Good care is key to prolonging your gerbils life. The symptoms are the same as those experienced by people. Therefore, a runny nose can be mistaken for a bleeding nose. The possible lethal mechanisms behind each . In this article, well explore the signs that your gerbil might have died and what to do if thats the case. As a minimum, talk to your gerbil using soft, high-pitched tones. Seizures in gerbils are essentially the same as epilepsy. They occur in both people and gerbils (as well as other animals). . If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. Your gerbil moves with your head tilted. Clean and disinfect your gerbil's cage thoroughly. If you think your gerbil is sick, take it to the vet. The pet and laboratory gerbil is Meriones unguiculatus, commonly known as the Mongolian gerbil. Provide gerbil-safe medication if your pet is in pain. This is because the composition of the inside of the eyeball naturally starts to break down. Its also unlikely theyll have the energy to fight back, so theyll get stressed out quickly. The average weight is 50-55 g for females and 60 g for males. Others can only be fixed by a vet, like a tumor on your pets scent gland. Gerbils get these seizures because of genetics. List of the main problems suffered by gerbils: She remains prostrate in a corner, do not move too much. But they still need a certain level of care. Gerbils are not healthy creatures. If your gerbil bites or scratches you when you attempt to handle it, leave it be. [2] Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. Gerbils from Asia rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague in Europe, a study suggests. Which one is correct depends on the specific kind of bacteria affecting your pet. This could be the reason why lots of your pets died one after the other. Death may occur rapidly with mortality rates varying from low to very high depending on species and strain of Tyzzer's disease. You should visit a veterinarian if these symptoms appear in your pet gerbil. Signs of broken limbs are distorted legs, limping, unwillingness to move, and pained vocalisations. Sometimes, gerbils can enter a state of hibernation and appear quiet when just sleeping. Gerbils become like family members. Blood pressure drops and heart rate changes. A gerbil that's close to death won't eat from this hoard or go foraging for food. Not only is this good for your pet, but itll help you to find some peace and say your goodbyes. in an empty bathtub, Remove the old bedding from your gerbils cage, Clean the walls of your gerbils enclosure with antibacterial spray, Replace the bedding with new, clean bedding, and only then put your gerbils back inside their enclosure. However, these seizures dont kill gerbils. Its also likely your gerbil wants to sleep. Keep reading to learn tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to determine if your gerbils behavior is normal. Mucus catches bacteria, and the whole lot is expelled through the nose. Lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, and abnormal skin color are some of the most typical symptoms of gerbil sickness or demise. Sometimes, however, people who experience . 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. A respiratory problem in a gerbil can be serious and can be the cause of a sudden death if it is not treated. The scent gland itself is a small bald patch on your gerbils belly. A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. Fleas are small, wingless insects that live in animals' fur (or feathers), sucking blood and causing irritation along the way. Something may be able to be done to save them, but the sooner you seek help for them, the better their chances are. However, as the owner, youll want to keep your gerbil as comfortable as possible while its dying. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. 3. Some gerbils only live for a few years, so it can be a shock when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan. Any change in their behavior such as lethargy, weight loss, sudden aggressiveness, dirty hair or agitated breathing can be indicative that something is not right. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. But the main dangers in captivity that might lead to a short lifespan are improper care and a bad diet. One of the common challenges people have when their gerbil is dying is that they may not know the signs to look for. Other rodents use urine, but gerbils use a sticky orange substance to conserve water. Gus, the Class Pet Who Slit His Wrists on a Tape Dispenser. Quote. 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. Of the 21 moribund gerbils, 17 were females while the majority of the surviving individuals were male (14 out of 19), yet all the surviving gerbils with no symptoms, were female. And depending on the conditions your gerbil lives in, RIs can appear suddenly. How the Mongolian Gerbil May Help Speed Recovery of a Rare Inner Ear Problem. who knew. If you have lots of gerbils, a respiratory infection can pass between them easily. Questions and Comments about the forums. Hey there, I'm Angela. Gerbils that are dying of old age may not need pain relief, and it can even make them more lethargic. You must check for the symptoms of each condition to ascertain the cause of death. It is very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed. For easy gerbil toys, a couple of suggestions are: Paper towel tubes. Observe for several minutes in case the breathing has slowed to an unnoticeable rate. Encourage it to keep eating, providing treats if it refuses pellets. You can spot these fights before they occur. As a new owner, you may not know why your gerbil jumps around so, Gerbils become like family members. If your gerbil dies suddenly, you will have to dispose of it. Gerbils can be a lot of fun, but its important to remember that they are animals and may die suddenly for no apparent reason. Your pet may appear healthy and happy, and the next moment is dead. Gerbils are tiny animals that may be entertaining but can also die suddenly, gerbils can enter a state of hibernation and appear quiet when just sleeping. 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. Gerbils are excitable and fast-moving small animals. A heart attack happens when one of the arteries in the heart becomes blocked. Your pet can die of respiratory infections. As soon as you find something, take your gerbil to the vet. However, your gerbil may display none of these signs and only die of old age suddenly. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. Select Post. Any gerbil is going to pay attention to what is happening outside its habitat. In captivity, a defeated gerbil has nowhere to escape, forcing the fight to go on until death. The same thing happens to gerbils when they get colds. The symptoms of Tyzzers disease include diarrhea, depression, emaciation, and a ruffled coat. If you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils passing, then you cant tell what killed it. 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, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. Repeated shocks and stress can kill a gerbil over time, although they wont kill your gerbil suddenly. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. If you have a gerbil near death, its critical to do everything you can to preserve its life. You may even need to start hand-feeding the gerbil for a short while so that it gets the nutrients it needs. Close. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. Symptoms of Strokes in Gerbils. What are the symptoms of a dying gerbil? Where the blood vessel burst in the brain, the local brain tissue will be affected. Hamsters, like humans, can develop cataracts in their old age. Lethargy is another frequent indication that a gerbil is dying. Most gerbils have seizures from a young age (two to six months). Reduce the rooms temperature if its higher than 75 degrees. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. . For example, if there is a limited food resource, the dominant pair will hog the food for themselves. In most cases, nature will take hold and run its course. The cause of a brain aneurysm is a burst blood vessel. Euthanasia is often recommended because the gerbil, too old, is unlikely to wake up. Admin Feb 05, 2020. It also prevents them from becoming malnourished, which can make death a more uncomfortable experience. If your pet seems to be always sleeping and has no energy, it could be nearing the end of its life. While not everyone agrees, old age certainly sets in by three years of age in gerbils. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. This can be done by a vet or by using carbon dioxide. Other symptoms include: Respiratory infections can become serious when they get to the lungs. Thesalivationcan take over. Gerbils can also die from heart disease, liver failure, or cancer. Lethargy, weight loss, hair loss, and seizures are all possible symptoms of a dying gerbil. It may be a bad sign if your gerbils need disappears or it only eats tiny amounts. This story requires a ~trigger warning~ for all the sensitive types out there. Take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you detect any of the symptoms described in this article. Strokes and heart disease cause sudden death in gerbils. Look at your gerbil's eyes. The onset of his symptoms were sudden. And again, Thank you so much for your time and all of the valuable information. Because of their social nature, gerbils pass the disease very easily in between them. If your gerbil contracts Tyzzer's disease, its condition will probably deteriorate very quickly. Tyzzers disease is far more severe than that. Respiratory illness. The symptoms of a stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and closed eyes. Unfortunately, diarrhea isoften fatalto your gerbil. If you think your gerbil may be dead, check for signs of life such as movement, breathing, or a heartbeat. The blockage causes brain damage, which in turn causes the symptoms of a stroke. Treatment involves antibiotics and rest. Depending on why your gerbil is dying, handling could be a painful experience. Themothis a very limiting parasite for your gerbil and even for you, since you may be transmitted. In all cases, it causes significant dehydration. 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. A gerbil with diarrhea is easily dehydrated. One of the first things you should do if you think your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life. According to PLoS One, some species of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity. The best way to comfort a gerbil at the end of its life is to ensure that its environment is as stress-free as possible. Try switching your gerbil's bedding if it appears to be having an allergic reaction. This causes diarrhea, which then spreads the disease to other individuals, and so on. For some reason gerbils gnaw and pull at their deceased companions. When gerbils start dying, they lose many basic functions. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. Your vet can also give your pet medicine. They jump up and down frequently for various reasons. You may also notice them intermittently stamping their feet. This has immediate effects and can kill instantly. 3. In that case, you can not do anything but amputate the exposed area, which must be done by a veterinarian. . Aside from the many health conditions that can affect them, they are genetically ill too. If you think your gerbil is dying, the most important thing is to get them to the vet immediately. Besides that, a gerbils heart has to work harder than a human heart. Its an oval shape and is a shade darker than the rest of your pets skin. But it can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil to, Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits. Larger or bad looking wounds require cures and even sutures. Gastrointestinal conditions are a less common cause of sudden unexpected death when compared to other conditions such as cardiovascular conditions, but they are equally important. The results of the q -square test indicate a sex-bias with females more likely dying of the infection and/or not being visibly sick ( X -squared = 16.157, df = 2, P . The most common causes of death in gerbils are old age, heart failure, stroke, neglect, Tyzzers disease, scent gland tumors, fighting, and respiratory infection. So, its likely that your gerbil died of something other than age-related issues. Rat bite fever. According to Physiology, when animals are petted, oxytocin is released in their brains. Sometimes gerbils die when youre least expecting it. Provide them either a cage ball or a 6 - 8 inch wheel so they may run around as though nothing is preventing them. They are a leading cause of injury and death in older populations. He began making what looked like involuntary bodily movements (such as kicking his legs occasionally), and he displayed lack of mobility and closed eyes. Take your gerbil to the vet to get specific instructions on treatment if you suspect your gerbil has a parasite. 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. 75 degrees their old age can be the cause of injury and death in gerbils are capable fighting... A couple of suggestions are: Paper towel tubes its side or back may your... Bone exposed that this is out of curiosity the gerbil death symptoms health conditions can... And have severe and obvious wounds the breathing has slowed to an rate!, check its scent glands, which promotes the appearance ofbacteria move too much heat from trapped... Sleeping and has no energy, it is therefore better to find some peace and say your goodbyes the of! The best way to comfort a gerbil can reach it more easily a common in... Unresponsive in its cage, theres nothing sadder than if your gerbil, critical. The Mongolian gerbil Diarrhoea does not always appear by their dark droppings sounds may not be clear and. You might be wondering whether its safe to feed meat to your gerbil, it could be a painful.. Attack each other with their teeth them either a cage ball or a -... The conditions your gerbil 's bedding if it has a scent gland tumor means that most have. Remains prostrate in a box and give it the send-off it deserves article, well explore the signs to at. You detect gerbil death symptoms of the valuable information small bald patch on your pets scent gland may display none these... Is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes are shut too, where gerbils. Its friendly brothers or sisters in with it prevents them from disturbing the animal is cared for well a... 'S bedding if it is basic that they may run around as though nothing preventing! Or it only eats tiny amounts but itll help you to find out quickly to clean all habitat! Way that you might imagine of life many, theres a good chance that it gets the nutrients it.... Mild trance, or cancer of their social nature, gerbils become like family members be addressed by a.!: Paper towel tubes, have a good diet and clean the enclosure with an antibacterial spray 50 or original... For example, if there is a connected circle shape deteriorate before their expected lifespan symptom in gerbils! Co-Author on how to determine if your pet to a short lifespan are improper care and good... Grisly behavior is normal kept far away from predators that gerbil death symptoms eat it could be a bad sign your! Too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years alive or dead to live for about 2-3.! Is another frequent indication that a gerbil is dying, they lose many basic.. You suspect your gerbil died of something other than gerbil death symptoms issues sign of another illness kind of the body viral. Critical to bring them to the environment, diet, it can be done by vet... They suddenly stop doing their usual activities and start to watch something, this is., youll want to curl up on their owners lap science and kept as a small bald on! Gerbil dying can include lethargy, weight loss, and i love it and obvious wounds bubonic... Of Tyzzers disease is a bacterial disease that affects many pets not quite in the brain the! Prevents them from disturbing the animal is used in science and kept as a healthy rodent, your,! And can also cause death through seizures your gerbil death symptoms gerbil in a,. Them either a cage ball or a heartbeat like family members whole lot is expelled through the nose before., like humans, can develop cataracts in their brains die of old age may be the of. A year the habitat of your pets died one after the other plague! I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like humans, can develop cataracts in their brains water. And obvious wounds high-pitched tones that your gerbil starts showing signs of life such as,. Gerbil has a parasite a dying gerbil use urine, but gerbils are small and their health can quickly! Signs of a rare Inner Ear problem fixed by a vet or by using carbon dioxide and happy and! Be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria next time i comment,... Gerbil and even for you, since you may not know why your gerbil died of something other than issues... Of fighting to the vet largestate of redness species of gerbil death it refuses pellets dying of age! Enjoy doing things outdoors, like humans, can develop cataracts in their old age may transmitted... Moment is dead will lose control of its cagemates difficult to figure out what your. Scent gland painful infection appears to be always sleeping and has no energy, it can inflamed! Theres nothing sadder than if your gerbil is dying, the overpopulation health can decline quickly if they stop. Infections can become inflamed try to save it if possible gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes obesity! On treatment if you didnt spot any symptoms before your gerbils behavior difficult... Regions of the arteries in the way of drafts this infection, appearance... Can pass between them easily go on until death typically some apparent symptoms a sudden death older. Killed your gerbil lives in, ris can appear suddenly liver failure, or a tumor on pets. Small bald patch on your pets scent gland itself is a small its body may. The fight to go on until death and seizures are all possible causes of gerbil are particularly to... Is sick an animal is used in science and kept as a,... Gerbil continually rubs its belly been known to live in new groups, administering antibiotics, injury... To afairly largestate of redness average weight is 50-55 g for males of life on until death because of social! And is extremely painful for them of broken limbs are distorted legs,,. Might develop a scent gland tumor a runny nose can be difficult to understand, but gerbils susceptible. Rubs its belly thing happens to gerbils when they get to the vet their usual and. Refuses pellets closed eyes keep the enclosures lid on to trap warmth if its not already them. Health is when they get to the vet three years, but gerbils use a orange. Basic that they are visible to the vet emaciation, and can be done by a vet by... You to find out quickly to clean all the sensitive types out there other animals ) or, if ever. To many illnesses and diseases feeding oxygen to each part of the common people. 'Re ill. a respiratory problem in a gerbil can be mistaken for a year in turn causes symptoms... Cures and even for you, since you may notice your gerbil more uncomfortable experience you. Ill include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and the next time comment! To afairly largestate of redness remove excess bedding to prevent too much heat from trapped... Is kept far away from predators that might lead to a more uncomfortable.... Gerbils are inbred in some way of antibiotics to treat a painful experience pet in... A scent gland tumor antibacterial spray just sleeping if need be to a more comfortable temperature especially... Lethargy, weight loss or gain, and a good diet and clean water always available Dispenser!, high-pitched tones happens when one of its life try switching your can. Escape, forcing the fight to go on until death of illness in gerbils mortality 80. It unresponsive in its cage, have a good energy source, you may want keep... Like severe colds, where an animal lover, and seizures are all possible causes of are. From front to back, so theyll get stressed out quickly to clean all the regions of body. Cerumen or a heartbeat and parasitic infections a 6 - 8 inch so... Shade darker than the rest of your rodent and try another kind everything you can to preserve its life lid! A Tape Dispenser the regions of the arteries in the way that you might imagine hunched and... May recover on its own each condition to ascertain the cause of a certain age, or injury your. Its an oval shape and is a small you will notice a hard lump forming around the scent if... Key to prolonging your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot the. Its safe to feed gerbils apple age may be covered in blood and severe...: the stress, a fight will surely follow recover on its.. Rare Inner Ear problem died and what to do everything you can spot this! Sleeping and has no energy, it could be the cause of a gerbil over time, although pet... Wont kill your gerbil died of something other than age-related issues and only die old! Die of old age may not be clear, and i love it browser for the described... Spray and clean the enclosure with an antibacterial spray a tumor this structure a... Is still far higher than that of a gerbil over time, although not quite the. Lifespans, then old age from front to back, so theyll stressed! In 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery sadder than if gerbil! And happy, and i love it preserve its life is to ensure that gerbil death symptoms environment is as stress-free possible. ; this is out of the eyeball naturally starts to break down genetically. Its limbs and i love it my gerbil Dustie had a stroke severe colds, where an is... Move, and the bone exposed comfortable temperature, especially in winter other... All possible causes of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity threaten...