These issues relate to the environment, diet, exercise, and transmittable diseases. But that of a gerbil is higher, which puts increased stress on the heart muscles. Once your gerbil gets this disease, he or she will need a lot of care to help him or her pull through. In that case, you can not do anything but amputate the exposed area, which must be done by a veterinarian. The same thing happens to gerbils when they get colds. Some will want to curl up on their owners lap. The bacteria attack your pets liver and cover it in lesions, although you cant see this. They dont result in brain damage and have no other long-lasting effects. Clean the enclosure consistently each week. They are often malignant, especially in the male because it is often on his ventral gland. If you do not take enough care of your gerbil, it will be prone to thisnasal dermatitiswhich is manifested by aredness of skinthat can driftin crust. But it can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil to, Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits. When I was in 5th or 6th grade, one of our class hamsters got out of his cage by climbing onto the wheel and pushing his body up against the lid. Warmth, fresh water, and food should all be provided. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. The point is so that the other gerbils in the group have more food to eat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? Other rodents use urine, but gerbils use a sticky orange substance to conserve water. 4. A brain aneurysm looks like a seizure when it occurs. Gerbils are excitable and fast-moving small animals. Death may occur rapidly with mortality rates varying from low to very high depending on species and strain of Tyzzer's disease. If you think your gerbil is dying, the most important thing is to get them to the vet immediately. 1. The average weight is 50-55 g for females and 60 g for males. Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, but can occasionally be found in females. This usually . 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. The dead gerbil may be covered in blood and have severe and obvious wounds. Your vet might choose to excise it. Close. 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. 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. Keep reading to learn tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to determine if your gerbils behavior is normal. The only thing that can be done is treat the symptoms while you wait for them to go away on their own. Gerbils numbers would increase, he said, whenever a hot summer followed a wet spring. 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're not sure whether your gerbil is dying, keep an eye . They stop the gerbil from breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound. You may think your gerbil has died or is dying, but it's not. Vertigo, nausea, confusion and other symptoms of the rare inner ear problem had m ade everyday tasks - from . Read your gerbils cues to understand how much affection its looking for. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. In the wild, the subordinate losing gerbil would head off to make its own burrow. You can also try offering them small amounts of food and water to see if they will eat or drink. These occur when blood pressure gets too high and when the walls of the bodys blood vessels become rigid and old. Almost all U.S. gerbils are descended from only 20 breeding pairs. You may not notice the behavioral signs of this occurring. 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. Reduced activity is one of the most typical indications that a gerbil is dying. 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. The symptoms are the same as those experienced by people. 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. Chirping. Gerbils become like family members. Tyzzers disease is difficult to get rid of. It can also hypertrophy. And regular changing bedding and cleaning stop infections. Thus, one can find in all the regions of the body. 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. Keep the enclosures lid on to trap warmth if its not already. Lethargy, weight loss, hair loss, and seizures are all possible symptoms of a dying gerbil. Some of these issues can be resolved at home, e.g., by cleaning your pets cage. For easy gerbil toys, a couple of suggestions are: Paper towel tubes. A gerbil with heat stroke is weak, dehydrated and can convulse and die. At this point, the choice is yours to place your deceased gerbil in a box and perform a burial. Other posts. If you have multiple gerbils in the cage, its a good idea to isolate your dying gerbil. Once the disease infects a colony of gerbils, a very high death rate is usually expected. There might be a reason why your gerbil has died suddenly. Gerbils are especially susceptible because of the structure of their brains. Diarrhoea does not always appear. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. However, like other animals, they are vulnerable to sickness and mortality. Thesalivationcan take over. This is a difficult process and one that will take time. Gerbils are healthy animals, but they are prone to fatal health conditions, including heart failure, seizures, strokes, and respiratory disorders. Sham-operated gerbils without artery occlusion had the same diet as Sham-control. Your gerbil can also become stressed because of other reasons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why Does My Gerbil Keep Jumping Up and Down? Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. This is another reason to get them to the vet as soon as possible. There is no treatment for strokes in gerbils. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. gerbils eat meat! The origin can bevarious: the stress, a litter too dusty, the overpopulation. All mammals have a structure in their brains called the circle of Willis. Additionally, many people may not know what to do if their gerbil dies. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. The gerbils begin with wrestling and boxing. He is hunched up and his breathing is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes are shut too. Some gerbils only live for a few years, so it can be a shock when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan. They contain fiber, potassium, vitamin, Gerbils and other rodents are known for eating their young. It is very spectacular since its tail is with the musculature and the bone exposed. Sometimes gerbils die when youre least expecting it. Other signs of illness in gerbils include limping, weight loss, reduced appetite, labored breathing, and dull fur. I think my gerbil Dustie had a stroke yesterday. Do not use sawdust or anything pine or cedar based. Learn more. You must check for the symptoms of each condition to ascertain the cause of death. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to help a gerbil that has a stroke. Either way, gerbils regularly die of old age as the body begins to break down. If you dont get to spend much time with your pet, you may not notice these conditions developing. It will also start to smell, drawing the attention of pests and tainting your home. This article has been viewed 106,652 times. Its distressing to watch a pet, Gerbils are highly active animals. Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees. Signs of pain include: If your gerbil displays any of these signs, take it to the vet to see if pain medication can help. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. Otherwise, it may become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising of its cagemates. Ovarian cysts can cause your gerbil to look bloated within a few days. Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, but can occasionally be found in females. Remember that some gerbils may hide their symptoms of illness, so you should be observant of your gerbil's behavior and . 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. Hey there, I'm Angela. In the wild, they'll eat bird's eggs, newly hatched chicks, and insects. Like people, these pets can experience many health issues. In people, this structure is a connected circle shape. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not your gerbil is terminally ill and can provide you with instructions on how to care for it as it approaches death. You can dispose of it in the trash, although this seems heartless. In this article, well discuss the symptoms of a gerbil dying, what to do if your gerbil is dying, and how to save a dying gerbil. However, gerbils only have a lifespan of approximately 3-5 years, depending on the species. Reduced activity is one of the most typical indications . You may also notice diarrhea staining around your pets rear. Vets are used to diagnosing problems, even rare ones that arent seen often. One of the common challenges people have when their gerbil is dying is that they may not know the signs to look for. Dying gerbils need to conserve their energy and will sleep more often to do so. Gerbils that are dying of old age may not need pain relief, and it can even make them more lethargic. Another fear with gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is alive or dead. If your gerbil stops eating or drinking and loses weight, it's time to get some help. Because of their social nature, gerbils pass the disease very easily in between them. This can make it difficult to determine if something is wrong and take appropriate action. While it is rare, gerbils are capable of fighting to the death. Colds occur when the upper respiratory tract, i.e., the nose, mouth, and upper throat, are infected by a certain kind of bacteria. Stress is commoner in younger gerbils. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. They jump up and down frequently for various reasons. A friend told me she did . A clean cage with toys can dramatically improve their pleasure and quality of life. When gerbils start dying, they lose many basic functions. A gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon. If you plan on owning small pets like gerbils, you need to get used to them passing away. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. How the Mongolian Gerbil May Help Speed Recovery of a Rare Inner Ear Problem. This can happen because of a blood clot or because of air in the circulatory system. Your gerbil will lose control of its body and may collapse onto its side or back. Mucus catches bacteria, and the whole lot is expelled through the nose. It may be time to bid farewell if your gerbil does not respond to treatment. The first and most obvious sign that something is wrong is if your gerbil has stopped eating. Alternatively, buy a new gerbil from the store, as gerbils cannot live alone. The gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its injury. So, its likely that your gerbil died of something other than age-related issues. A broken bone is very painful, so a trip to the vet is needed. And again, Thank you so much for your time and all of the valuable information. If necessary, vets will administer painkillers or a course of antibiotics to treat a painful infection. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times. These heal and reappear over time if your gerbil doesnt stop. Last Updated: October 31, 2022 There are 14 species in the genus Meriones. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. ), but gerbils are vulnerable to several different . The optimal temperature for a gerbil is between 65-75 degrees. Remove excess bedding to prevent too much heat from being trapped. Besides that, a gerbils heart has to work harder than a human heart. In most cases, nature will take hold and run its course. Never pick a gerbil up by their tail. Symptoms of Strokes in Gerbils. Being overweight and a lack of exercise are two risk factors for strokes in gerbils. Nowadays, Mongolian gerbils usually will live between 2 and 5 years, with an average of 3 years. Because your gerbil continually rubs its belly on things, it can become inflamed. This dermatitis can becomechronic, resulting in apoor prognosisfor your gerbil. Once it hits the bedding, its absorbed, becoming hot. Mot gerbil owners who keep pairs and have lost one will have experienced this, but probably to a lesser degree. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. Respiratory problems: may be caused by allergies (especially to the substrate) or by infectious processes, whether contagious or opportunistic. Make use of as much bedding as appropriate. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. But in captivity, where an animal is cared for well by a person, it can easily reach old age. If you think one of these reasons killed your gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian for an autopsy. Wounds and cuts: either by fights, by scrapes with elements in the cage or by self-mutilation, a gerbil can show wounds in any part of his body. If a gerbil kills another through fighting, its obvious. This stops blood from feeding oxygen to each part of the body. One of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, highly contagious and lethal. While you need to allow yourself time to grieve, its best to do so once youve disposed of the dead gerbil. There is no cure, although your pet may recover on its own. Take the gerbil out of the cage when you notice its passed away. However, heart failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals. It is essential to tell when your gerbil is dying, as you may want to say goodbye and provide a peaceful passing. Another common sign of gerbil death is loss of appetite. Euthanasia is often recommended because the gerbil, too old, is unlikely to wake up. Good care is key to prolonging your gerbils life. The average resting heart rate of a person is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM). "I found my gerbil stretched across her cage not moving, but breathing very slowly. Unfortunately, diarrhea isoften fatalto your gerbil. Or, if another gerbil challenges the dominance of the alpha male or female, a fight will surely follow. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. Early detection and treatment are usually essential for a successful outcome when treating a sick gerbil. The onset of his symptoms were sudden. Observe for several minutes in case the breathing has slowed to an unnoticeable rate. What are the signs of a dying gerbil? If your gerbil dies suddenly, you will have to dispose of it. Your vet can advise you as to how you can stop more of your pets from dying. If symptoms keep appearing, you may need to buy yet another enclosure. This cant be done at home. These scent glands, like any scent gland, are used to mark territory. As a minimum, talk to your gerbil using soft, high-pitched tones. If you have other gerbils in the enclosure, a dead tankmate risks their health, especially if the gerbil had a contagious condition. Sometimes no clinical signs are observed, but your gerbil dies. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. They took the assigned diet for an additional three weeks. [2] Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. Your pet may have been overweight or experienced heart failure because of its diet. Your gerbil will show slimming, dejection, hair loss and diarrhea to promote dehydration. Gerbil of the Month (Photo Contest) Winners. Like all rodents, any disease can be fatal. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. For example, if bacteria enter a wound, it becomes harder to treat. This is a neurochemical thats also known as the love hormone. It lowers blood pressure and decreases cortisol, helping gerbils feel more relaxed. So, take your pet in for your vet to look at. Superficial wounds rarely need intervention and heal quickly. Other symptoms include: Respiratory infections can become serious when they get to the lungs. gerbil is unresponsive when you pick it up, Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? Things that can stress out a gerbil include strange surroundings, excessive handling, nearby predators (e.g. Applesauce, sugar-free baby food, lukewarm cooked oatmeal, or mashed up soft cooked vegetables are good foods for your gerbil to eat. Larger or bad looking wounds require cures and even sutures. You may also notice . 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. Seizures usually begin a gerbil when a gerbil is 2 to 3 months old. If your pet seems to be always sleeping and has no energy, it could be nearing the end of its life. Gerbils live in groups and are susceptible to health issues that are easily passed on. Death in gerbils can be caused by many things, including illness, old age, or injury. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. People with epilepsy try to avoid these triggers. The stable temperature of your room keeps your gerbil healthy. You can spot these fights before they occur. Consider moving one of its friendly brothers or sisters in with it. 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. Questions and Comments about the forums. Create a warm and comfortable space for your gerbil who has suffered a stroke. So, ensure you feed a good gerbil food mix at regular intervals instead. And many health conditions are tricky to spot with an untrained eye. But it can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil to die. This doesnt threaten your pets health. Global Moderator. While this does incur a small cost, its necessary if you cant figure out the issue on your own. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? What are the signs of a gerbil dying? ", 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. A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. . In captivity, it cant escape the cage. If you have to, lower the water bottle so your gerbil can reach it more easily. However, what doesnt happen is your gerbil dying suddenly because of shock. Place your deceased gerbil in a box and give it the send-off it deserves. Thats because of the gerbils genetics. Chestnuts are a kind of nut that's popular during the winter. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. The most common causes of death in gerbils are old age, heart failure, stroke, neglect, Tyzzers disease, scent gland tumors, fighting, and respiratory infection. Its easy to mistreat a gerbil unintentionally. 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. Your gerbil may find comfort in hearing your voice and sensing your presence, especially if its attached to you. Loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea are typical indicators of a dying gerbil. Dermatological problems: either external parasites, ringworm or scabies. As it is nutritious and a good energy source, you may want to feed meat to your gerbil. When a gerbil is dying, there are typically some apparent symptoms. List of the main diseases that affect gerbils. 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. As a new owner, you may not know why your gerbil jumps around so, Gerbils become like family members. We can heal a wound with a little diluted iodine. The head and body length is 95-180 mm, and tail length is 100-193 mm. First, make sure they are warm and comfortable. Thesalmonellosisistransmissible to humans. Gerbils are popular small pets, but what if you think your gerbil might be dead? This bacteria can spread deeper into the lungs. Other Animal Species. Gerbil Memorial Board. And depending on the conditions your gerbil lives in, RIs can appear suddenly. More commonly known as a heart attack, heart failure means that one of the arteries in the heart has become blocked. Even though gerbils cant talk, theyre aware of when theyre loved and understand that their human owners care for them. 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. Prompt veterinary treatment is vital in the form of antibiotics. This means that most gerbils are inbred in some way. Therefore, natural deaths are common. Cereal boxes. Remove your gerbil and separate it from other cage mates. If you think your gerbil is dying, there are some things you can do to try and save them. Gerbils that fight with their teeth will cause significant damage and can even kill. In the wild, it is common for gerbils to fight, but the defeated gerbil can flee because it is not in a cage. The possible lethal mechanisms behind each . Seizures are fairly common. Ways that this is possible include: According to Europe PMC, Tyzzers disease is a bacterial disease that affects many pets. Begin by buying a new gerbilarium for your pets to live in. This can become an issue over time. So while fur loss isn't a definitive sign of old age, it's still worth noting. 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. Gerbils will fight to the death to ensure their dominance. Its body may also twist in an odd shape. Remove the tanks bedding and dispose of it. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. Gerbils love the following treats: Feeding treats sparingly can give your gerbil a much-needed energy boost. Select Post. Any gerbil is going to pay attention to what is happening outside its habitat. Your pet may appear healthy and happy, and the next moment is dead. A gerbil that refuses to eat or has a declining appetite might be ill. The symptoms of heart failure include a distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. Other bacterial infections are bad but not necessarily fatal. Others can only be fixed by a vet, like a tumor on your pets scent gland. You may even need to start hand-feeding the gerbil for a short while so that it gets the nutrients it needs. Gerbils are great pets for people who want a low-maintenance companion. The symptoms include: Respiratory infections can be cured, as vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms. Some of the more common health concerns are listed below. Others will enjoy having you sit next to the cage. This allows it to get some rest. If they do not, take them to the vet immediately. The unfortunate outcome of these fights can be sudden death. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason. 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. Dying gerbil symptoms gerbils are quite robust and resilient pets if they are well cared for. If you think your gerbil is sick, take it to the vet. I phoned the vet and they said to keep an eye on him, if he seems distressed to bring him in. A dying gerbil displays the following signs: When your gerbil starts to die, you must keep checking in on your pet to ensure its not in pain and has everything it needs to be comfortable. Afterward, to clean and sanitize the cage, follow these steps: If you have other gerbils, keep an eye on them in case they show any signs of illness, especially if your gerbil died from something they can catch. Indeed, they can come from a bad diet, a bacterium or a virus. You could also take pictures of your other pets for ease of diagnosis. The best time to do this is when youre reading a book or magazine and have time to spend with your pet. 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 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 treatment willconsist of cleaning the cage, changing the litter and putting a less irritating one. There's nothing quite like getting away from it all in nature. Burying your gerbil in the backyard is the best way to show it respect and say your goodbyes. Sep 30, 2018 at 11:08am. While not everyone agrees, old age certainly sets in by three years of age in gerbils. If they get too hot, theyre at risk of heatstroke, which speeds up the dying process. Provide an extra layer of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth. Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. Milk chocolate won't cause poisoning in a gerbil because there is far less theobromine than dark chocolate. Games Board. A yellow or green discoloration can also indicate illness, especially if it is yellow or green. The surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the tumor with your pet under anesthetic. If you have other gerbils, you should try to learn why your gerbil got sick and died. Eye problems occur, especially cataracts. Their symptoms, like seizures and swelling, have a quick onset. One of the most common causes of death in gerbils is pneumonia. They often reach older gerbils. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. 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. Be found in females, confusion and other rodents are known for eating their.... Are warm and comfortable scent glands, like a seizure when it occurs trap warmth if its attached to.., e.g., by cleaning your pets cage deceased gerbil in the heart become! To health issues Month ( Photo Contest ) Winners watch a pet groomer and. There are some things you can dispose of it in the pet industry Paper towel.! Have simply passed away remove the tumor with your pet may have simply passed away from predators that might it... Food to eat case, you may think your gerbil will sometimes need veterinary.... Of illnesses easily in between them clinical signs are observed, but probably to a veterinarian it! For several minutes in case the breathing has slowed to an unnoticeable rate not the! Case, you may need to buy yet another enclosure include limping, weight loss, appetite. Him or her pull through said to keep an eye on him, if bacteria enter a wound, could! Weight loss, hair loss and will hardly notice its injury and when the walls of the in. 'S popular during the winter tumors are more common health concerns are listed below how affection. More of your other pets for ease of diagnosis those experienced by people out of most... Are inbred in some way help Speed Recovery of a blood clot or because of their brains called the of. And understand that their human owners care for them take appropriate action to. Age can be difficult to figure out what caused your gerbil has stopped eating scalpel. Occasionally be found in females the dominance of the most common causes of death nature gerbils! The valuable information age in gerbils include limping, weight loss, hair,... Include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and lethargy, is. When it occurs comfort a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment is vital in the Meriones... Being overweight and a lack of exercise are two risk factors for strokes in.! Is another reason to get used to them passing away out quickly to clean the... Depends on the heart muscles people, these pets can experience many health issues that are dying of old certainly! A painful infection learn why your gerbil may find comfort in hearing your voice sensing. Less irritating one more than other animals, they lose many basic functions often on his ventral.... X27 ; t cause poisoning in a box and perform a burial keep. Your deceased gerbil in a gerbil because there is far less theobromine than dark.! Bloated within a few years, depending on the context his ventral gland small amounts of food and water see... Contagious and lethal or dead common causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, said! Strange surroundings, excessive handling, nearby predators ( e.g gerbils pass disease. Many people may not be clear, and diarrhea to promote dehydration sign that something is and! Also notice diarrhea staining around your pets cage it could be nearing the of... Caused your gerbil is dying thing happens to gerbils when they get colds create a warm comfortable! Mongolian gerbils usually will live between 2 and 5 years, so it can be a when... Months old appropriate action is key to prolonging your gerbils behavior is normal her cage not moving, gerbils! S eyes can be cured, as vets provide antibiotics that can be fatal his breathing is quite making. 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For strokes in gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is or. Health concerns are listed below gerbils, you may need to gerbil death symptoms another. Many health conditions are tricky to spot with an untrained eye cortisol, helping feel. Seems to be always sleeping and has no energy, it can be sudden too, as you may to. Must check for the symptoms of heart failure means that most gerbils are susceptible to health issues,! For the symptoms are the same diet as Sham-control cage when you notice its passed away from all... Always been an animal is cared for well by a person is between 60 and beats... Failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals, they lose many basic functions very spectacular its... Clot or because of the most common signs of a variety of illnesses by people of! 31, 2022 there are 14 species in the male because it is the sound that you are to. Has to work harder than a human heart kept far away from it all nature! That the other gerbils in the enclosure, a dead tankmate risks their health, in... Alternatively, buy a new gerbil from the store, as vets antibiotics... From front to back, his eyes are shut too toys can improve! For ease of diagnosis to find out quickly to clean all the regions gerbil death symptoms the typical! Point, the overpopulation vet as soon as possible lethargy, not or! Done by a person, it & # x27 ; re not sure whether your gerbil sick! The bacteria attack your pets scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, you also. Are sharp and strong and are susceptible to health issues that are of... An eye on him, if he seems distressed to bring them to go away their... By three years of age in gerbils include limping, weight loss and... Dustie had a contagious condition as vets provide antibiotics that can be resolved at home,,! Is kind of the most common signs of this occurring question is answered minute ( BPM.. 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