Gerbil Health

SnickersTheFirst · 02-05-2012, 06:46 AM

Thought I'd try here as the gerbil forums are pretty inactive.

I'm a little bit worried about Murphy. Normally he'd be rushed to the vets but this is different.

He turned 3 in November and he lost his cage mate last March but he's always been healthy. The last few days he's looked very skinny and is often hunched over with his eyes closed. The corner of his right eye looks quite red too.

He's never been a cuddler but he's refusing to let me touch him and he's gettting quite agitated. I'm wondering if age has caught up with him or if it's a possible illness that could be cured?

He'd hate to be poked and prodded at a vets and he hates leaving his tank since his brother passed away, he gets himself into such a state.

What can I do for him?

KatiePillow · 02-05-2012, 06:49 AM

I really can't think of anything, an eye infection caused alfie to get quite agitated once (he bit my hand) but that went away with just a few applications of antibiotic ointment.
It does seem to be part of something larger if he's hunched with both eyes open but I really have no idea, sorry

Poor little guy. He is getting old, so it does seem like age is most likely a factor. It could be that it hurts to be handled, or that he's losing his eyesight?

Anyway, I know I'm not helpful just thought something might help, and it's nice to know people have read your posts anyway

fluffymunchkins · 02-05-2012, 07:02 AM

It sounds like he could be showing his age now. However, the agitation and hunching suggests he is uncomfortable or in pain.

Its hard to decide whether its worth the stress of the vets, maybe you could try ringing to speak to one of the vets over the phone and see if they suggest a problem from his symptoms? They might give you the option to collect some treatment without bringing him if you explain the situation.

I don't know a lot about gerbil health as I've been lucky with mine, but as with any oldy I'd reccommend lots of spoiling. Sending my love x

Hammie.A · 02-05-2012, 10:41 AM

IMO it is an eye infection.

If you take him to the vets he may not have the need to hold hom for long.

What bedding are you keeping him on, has there been any new toys or items in the cage?

xx

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-05-2012, 03:22 PM

I'm sorry I can't help much, but I hope its nothing too major and agree with fluffymunchkins suggestion to phone the vets and see if they can help without you needing to take him in.

SnickersTheFirst · 02-06-2012, 12:48 AM

The redness in his eye is no longer there so I'm assuming something irritated it for a short amount of time...

He's on Megazorb and has been for 3 years so no changes there.

Tbh, I think he's just slowing down and there's not much I can do but keep him comfortable.

It's hard to tell if he's in pain as he's always slept in a hunched position...

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-06-2012, 11:57 AM

I'm glad to hear his eye has cleared up, and I hope hes as happy as he can be again now.
Best of luck with him