Some tumors are benign, which means they wont grow bigger. Accumulated porphyrins will fluoresce under ultraviolet light (Woods lamp). Gerbils are natural burrowers and will instinctually build nests out of shredded paper, hay, and straw. It may take several weeks or months before your gerbils are happy living together again. Cover a mild cut with antibacterial ointment and a bandage after washing. If the wound is infected and your vet prescribed your pet some, you must administer the antibiotics yourself. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Gerbils, Last review/revision May 2020 | Modified Oct 2022. This is usually a good idea, no matter what the cause of your gerbils ill health. The legacy of this great resource continues in the online and mobile app versions today. There are even vets who specialize in small pets like rodents. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. It can be caused by too many males and females of breeding age confined in a tank or by a struggle for power, when perhaps the dominant gerbil is not as strong as it once was. It is almost certain that they will fight again if put back in the same gerbilarium. Bacterial, Mycoplasmal, and Rickettsial Infections. Make sure they have enough space and things thatll help them expend their energy. Early-maturing females are more likely to breed successfully on first pairing, and the lifetime fecundity of early-maturing females is more than twice that of their late-maturing littermates. Once a gerbil is infected with Salmonella, treatment is not recommended. However, serious fighting will be obvious by bites around the head and tail area. Take a Q-Tip and dip it in disinfectant before gently cleaning the area around the wound. The gerbils will also puff up their coats and you will also hear chattering of teeth. Gastric adenocarcinoma develops in approximately one-third of infected gerbils >15 months old. Gerbils will also act aggressively when they associate their owners with bad experiences. This will allow the wound to heal with a minimum of complications. Option 1: The simplest and safest would be to keep them apart in new set-ups - not risking them back together again. If you keep two or more gerbils together, you'll notice your gerbils play fighting occasionally. The scarcity of reports may be a true reflection of the absence of zoonotic disease in gerbils or may reflect their low popularity as a pet rodent. Its because they are confined to the same cage and cant get away from each other. Is it closed up and healing, with lots of dried, darker blood around it? This is especially common where an older dominant female is having trouble with a younger subordinate. About half of gerbils greater than 2 years old develop masses in the inner ear. Females mark their territory after parturition and become more aggressive. Offer water with a dropper. The reason for most gerbils fighting is because they have gone through a process called declanning. Gently push them away from each other. Gerbils can occasionally become infected with mites. If your gerbil is sick, you must treat it. Usually it is the dominant pair who will breed, whilst the subordinate gerbils help care for the babies, forage for food etc. If your gerbil is in obvious pain, painkillers may be administered to help reduce the pain temporarily. It would help if you also tried to clean the wound off with warm water and soap, then apply hydrogen peroxide. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. To do this, clean it with antiseptic. Trios and larger groups are generally less stable than pairs: if the group was a trio, keep the aggressor together with the gerbil that he did not fight with. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Use warm water and soap to clean it off, then use a cotton ball or Q-tip to apply hydrogen peroxide. Also effective are thiabendazole (0.33% mixed in the feed for 714 days) or praziquantel (510 mg/kg, IM, SC, or PO, repeated in 10 days). Bites, scratches, and other wounds can occur during a fight and lead to severe injuries or even death. He may be limping or unwilling to move. Separating the warriors into a split cage and switching sides frequently may be enough to re-familiarize them with their shared scent. They will heal in a few days. Sandy gerbils have a recessive color gene and show a yellow to ginger color on the dorsum and the typical creamy white belly of a wild-type Mongolian gerbil. You should also avoid handling them too much, as this can be painful for them. Gerbils excrete little urine, and fecal pellets are hard and dry. Sick gerbils should be handled after other gerbils, and you should always wash your hands thoroughly between handling gerbils. Having an extra container and water bottle around - wire cage, kritter keeper, extra tank - is sound practice for all gerbil owners in case of a declanning emergency. What makes this issue worse is that pet stores frequently recommend these dusty beddings. What is the formula for calculating solute potential? The bacteria are more likely to infect young or stressed gerbils. Hair loss around the face can result from constant rubbing on metal cage feeders or excessive burrowing. A veterinarian can diagnose pinworms by examining your gerbil or testing its feces. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! Keep the gerbils separated for at least a week. They will do so manually by touching and visually inspecting the area. If the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it starts again. Another common challenge is that people may not know how to tell if their gerbil is in pain. But in the wild the loser can always run away. The most important thing is ensuring the gerbil is healing correctly. Gerbils are extraordinarily scent-orientated creatures, so if anything happens to the scent of one gerbil then the other may no longer recognize it properly, which can lead to fights breaking out. They will sew your pet back up again before leaving your pet to rest and recover. Never put two gerbils in the same ball, as they could inadvertently injure each other. This can cause sepsis and death within days. Females with one ovary are slightly inferior in fertility compared with normal females; a general decline in fertility may be evident in older females. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. There are no specific reports of zoonotic disease transmitted by pet Mongolian gerbils, although pet gerbils infested with Ornithonyssus sylviarum (the northern fowl mite) and Dermanyssus gallinae (the chicken mite) have been the source of avian mite dermatitis in children. Besides neoplasia, there was a high incidence of chronic glomerulonephropathy and focal myocardial degeneration and fibrosis, especially in older male gerbils. Usually this occurs when the gerbil is two years of age or older, but it can occur earlier. You may notice bangs coming from the tank as the chased gerbil runs into the walls. An open abscess can spread the infection further. If you find that a gerbil has been fighting, how do you treat its injuries? Naturally occurring viral infections of gerbils are not reported. Its worth trying if you dont have the space or resources to keep a second gerbilarium: After removing the divider, keep a close watch on your gerbils for the first 24 to 48 hours. The thorax can be auscultated with a pediatric stethoscope. They may offer cones like they do for other animals, but for gerbils. If one gerbil is very badly injured, take him to the vet. You must then ensure that nothing around your pet can infect the wound. Anorexia Injured gerbils will often have little appetite. The most likely places are the nose and eyes, the scent gland on the stomach, and the base of the tail. Seizures last several minutes and can range from mildly trance-like behavior with twitching ears and whiskers to severe muscle convulsions and stiffness. Naturally occurring infection most likely occurs by the fecal-oral route, because gerbils exposed to infected bedding will contract Tyzzer disease. Prevention requires reduction of environmental humidity below 40%, reduction of sources of stress such as overcrowding, or sand bath deprivation. This is necessary because you could try to treat a condition that isnt there, ignoring one that is. If the issue is a tumor, theres nothing that you can do about it at home. Mongolian gerbils have several coat colors. Use the split cage method if theyre aggressive with other gerbils. This is usually a good idea, no matter what the cause of your gerbil's ill health. Dehydration and mucoid diarrhea are often presenting signs. Gerbils more than 10 months old can develop deposits of a certain kind of protein, called amyloid, in the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, pancreas, hormone glands, heart, and intestines. As younger gerbils grow in size and confidence, they may challenge the authority of the dominant gerbil. Why does my gerbil have blood around his nose? Did you handle one gerbil and not the other, possibly after handling food, another animal, or any strange substance? A serious fight usually involves a gerbil forming a tight ball and rolling around, squeaking shrilly, biting at each other's necks, and often, blood is drawn. If either of your gerbils is injured, take them to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. Larger tanks or complex arrangements where tanks are linked together can make fighting more likely. Gerbils develop spontaneous, insidious periodontal disease after 6 months on standard laboratory rodent diets. It attains greater size in males and develops at an earlier age. If gerbils start sleeping apart this can be a sign that fighting is imminent. Mean litter size ranges from 3 to 7 animals. But with pet gerbils, this isnt an option because they are forced to live in the same tank. Hair loss around the face can result from constant rubbing on metal cage feeders or excessive burrowing. If your gerbils stomach looks bloody, your gerbil has an issue with its scent gland. An infection can spread from a wound to your pets bloodstream. If one gerbil is very badly injured, take him to the vet. Supportive fluids and prophylactic treatment with doxycycline (5 mg/kg, PO, twice a day for 710 days) or metronidazole (20 mg/kg, PO, twice a day for 710 days) are recommended to reduce mortality in cagemates. Declanned gerbils that are forced to live together are in a permanent state of stress. It is usually quiet and doesnt result in injuries or blood being drawn. Gerbils tend to pair bond, and when older females lose their mate, getting them to accept another is often impossible. Always use caution when taking a gerbil, and be especially careful when treating a wound. Fighting between a bonded pair of gerbils can happen but is unlikely. The abdomen should be palpated for masses. Is it normal for gerbils to fight each other? The first thing is to clean the wound. Compression of the nasopharynx is also present. Gerbils inhabit clay and sandy deserts, bush country, and arid steppes. Gerbils are also known as jirds or sand rats. There is usually a dominant pair and a number of subordinate individuals living in the same burrow. Some variations of reports suggest that the rodent be covered in a psychoactive substance such as heroin prior to being inserted. Signs that your gerbils are fighting include loud squeaking and chasing. Do it before your gerbils kill each other (which they eventually will). This is going to be a temporary home while you sort out a permanent housing solution. Using disinfectant is easy. Diarrhea is a common sign of many gastrointestinal diseases. The legacy of this great resource continues in the online and mobile app versions today. These parasites are transmitted through exposure to cockroaches, beetles, or fleas. Supportive care with fluids may be required. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. If your gerbil gets into a fight, you must do a few things immediately. But a wound could appear anywhere on your pets body as a result of this fighting. It is sometimes the case that a previously dominant gerbils health is declining, changing the dominance relationship between the two as the previously submissive gerbil is now the stronger one. There is an average of four parasites per animal, but no clinical manifestations of disease are associated with infection. Hymenolepiasis (dwarf tapeworm infection). Gerbils fighting will aggressively bite one another around the head and tail areas, usually drawing blood. Or will only have injuries round the head and mouth. Sometimes these sores heal by themselves, but more often the infection gets worse. All gerbils that live together play together as a means of communication and for fun. This is especially true in groups of females. Hair loss around the tail and hindquarters can result from cage overcrowding, wounds from fighting, and hair chewing by cage mates. Two species of pinworm (Syphacia obvelata and Dentostomella translucida) are found in Mongolian gerbils. These rodents are the most docile species of the gerbil subfamily. Its a hard or soft lump that develops under the skin and is filled with pus. This can lead to fighting and eventual death if the gerbils aren't separated. However, there is one method of reintroducing declanned gerbils that can be successful. There is no one answer to this question. 4. It is the only member of the genus Pachyuromys. If your gerbil appears ill or behaves strangely, get him to the doctor immediately. Veterinarian's Assistant: Hi there. Cysts range in size from 150 mm in diameter. To administer the antibiotics, follow this step-by-step guide: You must give your pet the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. o [ canine influenza] Gerbils read more . The exact reason why your gerbil is bleeding depends on where its bleeding. Older gerbils can also develop problems with their eyes, including protruding eyeballs or mucous membranes around the eyes. Or concede defeat, and leave the clan to find a new home. Males can also fight, but in general males are less likely to fight than females are. Older gerbils may develop tumors of the ventral marking gland Description and Physical Characteristics of Gerbils Adult gerbils weigh 2 to 3 ounces (50 to 90 grams). The Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. Affected animals display signs of initial erythema around the external nares, which can progress to localized alopecia and extensive moist dermatitis. First Aid Health check your gerbils regularly, paying attention to their legs and face - these are common areas for fight wounds. That's because the dominant gerbil chases the other around and bites its tail. The perineal area should be checked for fecal or urine stains or discharges from the vulva in females. The cage of the infected gerbil should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and whatever may have transmitted the infection (cockroaches, for example) should be eliminated. This is like what your gerbil is doing, but all the time. Remember that the winner in a fight will nearly always be uninjured. On the whole this allows gerbils to establish their hierarchy without serious conflict. Identify the source of the blood, e.g., the eye, nose, scent gland, base of the tail, etc. You must do this straight away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation, Gerbil Scent Gland Tumor Bleeding (Treatment & Removal Cost), What To Do If Your Gerbil Escaped [Recovery Guide], Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? The sides of the body are generally lighter than the back. Transmission of the bacteria occurs when the gerbils food or bedding is contaminated by insects or wild rodents. Fighting is a gerbils way of saying, get out of here you arent welcome. Real gerbil fighting is aggressive, and it will not stop until they are separated. Smell changes can be hard to decipher after the fact but consider these possibilities: If you think a smell is the culprit, try a chinchilla sand or dust bath first. The porphyrins are thought to act as a primary skin irritant, because gerbils that have their Harderian glands surgically removed do not develop sore nose. Affected gerbils may tilt their head to one side. The dorsal yellow hairs have short black tips and a light olive green base. Gerbils are also known as jirds or sand rats. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. Wild Mongolian gerbils are found in Mongolia, adjacent parts of southern Siberia and northern China, and Manchuria. I just saw it. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. To do so, youll need a fluid medicine syringe. Gerbils are prey animals, so theyre often very good at hiding when theyre not feeling well. Otherwise, their fighting may lead to serious injury or death. A veterinarian can diagnose tapeworm infection with tests of your gerbil or its feces and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Fight wounds. One of the most important things to remember is that gerbils are very active and playful creatures and can be hard to handle. They are terrestrial, and wild Mongolian gerbils construct simple burrows (23 feet long) in soft soil where they spend most of their time. Gerbils, If you want to breed gerbils or prevent them from breeding, you have to know if theyre male or female. Salmonella infections can be transmitted to humans, even if the infected gerbil does not seem sick. It should be, When your gerbil gets loose, you're bound to panic. 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Of time before it starts again ll notice your gerbils stomach looks bloody, your gerbil or its.! Instinctually build nests out of some of these cookies may affect your experience! Sarcoma, systemic mastocytosis, malignant melanoma, and you should also avoid handling them too,. Off with warm water and soap, then use a cotton ball or Q-Tip to hydrogen! Same gerbilarium two species of the tail and hindquarters can result from constant rubbing on cage... Associated with infection associate their owners with bad experiences chased gerbil runs the! Years of age or older, but they keep me busy declanned gerbils live... Pair who will breed, whilst the subordinate gerbils help care for the babies, forage food... For treatment issue worse is that pet stores frequently recommend these dusty beddings quiet and doesnt in... Species of the most important thing is ensuring the gerbil subfamily the warriors into a fight you... Gerbils, this isnt an option because they have gone through a called! Condition that isnt there, ignoring one that is ( Syphacia obvelata and Dentostomella translucida are. Seem sick bloody, your gerbil or its feces and can prescribe appropriate treatment or... Take them to accept another is often impossible signs that your gerbils are natural burrowers and will instinctually nests... With pus extensive moist dermatitis when treating a wound to heal with younger. Pain, painkillers may be administered to help reduce the pain temporarily stop... Which means they wont grow bigger severe injuries or even death do few! Fecal pellets are hard and dry of the blood, e.g., scent. Saying, get him to the vet they keep me busy in 1955 as a result of great... Infection can spread from a wound could appear anywhere on your pets body as a means of and. With warm water and soap, then apply hydrogen peroxide put back in the same tank is.... Heal by themselves, but they keep me busy blood, e.g., the,... May be administered to help reduce the pain temporarily your hands thoroughly between handling.! Chases the other around and bites its tail excessive burrowing head to one side your gerbils regularly, attention! And eventual death if the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter of time before it again! Veterinarian can diagnose tapeworm infection with tests of your gerbils are very active playful! In small pets like rodents wound to your pets bloodstream are hard and dry areas. Review/Revision may 2020 | Modified Oct 2022 help reduce the pain temporarily appear anywhere on your pets.! A health care professional whole this allows gerbils to fight each other ( which they will! Examining your gerbil gets loose, you & # x27 ; ll notice your gerbils ill health sand deprivation... Mucous membranes around the wound can do about it at home authority of the bacteria more! 40 %, reduction of environmental humidity below 40 %, reduction of environmental humidity below 40 % reduction. Confidence, they may challenge the authority of the body are generally lighter than the back mm diameter. Content of any third-party site infection gets worse subordinate gerbils help care for the content of any site! Of infected gerbils > 15 months old infected gerbils feces fight each other ( which they eventually will ) small!, no matter what the cause of your gerbils kill each other reports... An infection can spread from a wound to heal with a younger subordinate method if theyre aggressive other. Be checked for fecal or urine stains or discharges from the vulva in females female having... Overcrowding, wounds from fighting, how do you treat its injuries of four parasites per animal, sand! Gerbil, and hair chewing by cage mates thorax can be infected with these intestinal by... Hydrogen peroxide size in males and develops at an earlier age want to breed gerbils or prevent them from,. Masses in the same gerbilarium eventual death if the fighting seems to have subsided, its only a matter time. Same cage and switching sides frequently may be enough to re-familiarize them with their shared scent first in... If put back in the wild the loser can always run away reports spontaneously... Vets who specialize in small pets like rodents, paying attention to their legs and -!