Of all the animals, people are the only ones that can now regularly survive to old age. However, death by old age is noticeable. If you have lots of gerbils, a respiratory infection can pass between them easily. This is because the body will decompose and attract bacteria. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. It will also start to smell, drawing the attention of pests and tainting your home. Either way, gerbils regularly die of old age as the body begins to break down. By. In this article, well explore the signs that your gerbil might have died and what to do if thats the case. You should also take the gerbil to the vet if you notice red, puffy eyes; a rough, patchy coat; or a runny nose. Of course, its always best to consult with a veterinarian to be sure. Your gerbil may find comfort in hearing your voice and sensing your presence, especially if its attached to you. A broken bone is very painful, so a trip to the vet is needed. Gerbils may be entertaining, but its vital to remember that they are animals and can die suddenly for no apparent reason. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor. 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. It may be a bad sign if your gerbils need disappears or it only eats tiny amounts. Shock or fright can also cause death through seizures. Rat bite fever. The same thing happens to gerbils when they get colds. Gerbils get these seizures because of genetics. Tyzzers disease is far more severe than that. Thetreatmentis based on enilconazole. However, before you arrange a burial for your gerbil, make sure its definitely passed away. However, what doesnt happen is your gerbil dying suddenly because of shock. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. They took the assigned diet for an additional three weeks. This means that most gerbils are inbred in some way. It plays a role in the appearance ofnasal dermatitis. If you have to, lower the water bottle so your gerbil can reach it more easily. This could be the reason why lots of your pets died one after the other. gerbils eat meat! If your gerbil is dying, the vet will be able to give them pain relief and help them cross over peacefully. The unfortunate outcome of these fights can be sudden death. (who is kind of the wild one) and put her in her own box with food and water. A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. So, when they grow old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until the very end. The surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the tumor with your pet under anesthetic. For example, if bacteria enter a wound, it becomes harder to treat. Look at your gerbil's eyes. I'll have to get in touch with her. While each seizure wont cause lasting damage, their continuation can cause issues. In most cases, nature will take hold and run its course. 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. While they are friendly with people and each other, they can Declan. The pair fight, and the loser must leave the social group. The pet and laboratory gerbil is Meriones unguiculatus, commonly known as the Mongolian gerbil. However, heart failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals. The average resting heart rate of a person is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM). It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. But animals suffering from a painful or uncomfortable health condition may need medication to help them feel more at ease with their problem. They are not above cannibalism. Some dying gerbils enjoy being handled by their owners, but some will only want you to sit nearby. Five years old, or any longer, is exceptionally old for a gerbil. You may not notice the behavioral signs of this occurring. Why Do Gerbils Tails Fall Off? Ways that this is possible include: According to Europe PMC, Tyzzers disease is a bacterial disease that affects many pets. 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 may be a reason why your gerbil has died. They will also do this to assess their safety or situation. RIs are like severe colds, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot. Over time, your gerbils organs like its heart, kidneys, and liver will begin to fail. To counter this infection, the nose will produce lots of mucus. The symptoms of a stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and closed eyes. But the main dangers in captivity that might lead to a short lifespan are improper care and a bad diet. Masses: especially in gerbils of a certain age, the appearance of masses may be indicative of tumors. Hymenolepiasis (dwarf tapeworm infection) Gerbils can be infected with several strains of Salmonella bacteria. Eye problems occur, especially cataracts. The symptoms are the same as those experienced by people. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Replace the bedding and place your gerbils back in the enclosure. I have a rubber gerbil and cat ears! The falls if they are of great height taking into account the size of the animal can cause serious injuries like fractures, contusions and even the death. You must talk to a vet to obtain the correct antibiotics. This might involve separating them to live in new groups, administering antibiotics, or cleaning their cages more often. Unfortunately, neglect is one of the most common reasons why captive gerbils die. I think my gerbil Dustie had a stroke yesterday. People with epilepsy try to avoid these triggers. Causes: Tyzzer's is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium piliforme. Hosting A Camp; Camp Forms; Staff So, when a gerbil dies, it can take you by surprise. However, these seizures dont kill gerbils. However, in gerbils mortality of 80% or more of animals showing symptoms is common. Cedar pine bedding can be particularly irritating for gerbils. This stops blood from feeding oxygen to each part of the body. It can be stressful to think that your gerbil might be sick, but there are signs you can look for that will tell you whether its time to visit the vet. Diarrhoea does not always appear. All of the surviving gerbils had detectable CVA16 seroconversion. If your gerbil goes a day or two without eating and drinking, it indicates something is wrong. Provide extra bedding and a possible heat pad to remain warm when your gerbil isn't able to maintain its body temperature the way it used to. If you think one of these reasons killed your gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian for an autopsy. List of the main problems suffered by gerbils: She remains prostrate in a corner, do not move too much. The treatmentconsists of local disinfection and antibiotic therapy. Tyzzers disease is difficult to get rid of. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. This is normally due to a severe health problem, or worse,, Many people underestimate how much sleep the average gerbil needs. References. Because your gerbil continually rubs its belly on things, it can become inflamed. It is the common disease of all rodents. Your pet gerbil can reach old age if youre a good owner. Carefully place surviving cage mates back in. They will make loud squeaking noises at one another. Sometimes, gerbils can enter a state of hibernation and appear quiet when just sleeping. Questions and Comments about the forums. It is possible that we find the animal lethargic, immobile and even in shock. Having achieved freedom, he explored the table and (this part . Alternatively, switch it off for a few days. If your gerbil dies suddenly, you will have to dispose of it. You can also try offering them small amounts of food and water to see if they will eat or drink. You may think your gerbil has died or is dying, but it's not. [2] Signs of a gerbil dying can include lethargy, not eating or drinking, bloating, and more. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight. Blood pressure drops and heart rate changes. Superficial wounds rarely need intervention and heal quickly. Despite its status as a healthy rodent, your gerbil is quite sensitive to bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. In more severe cases, your gerbil may be entirely paralyzed. This allows it to get some rest. Its also unlikely theyll have the energy to fight back, so theyll get stressed out quickly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why Does My Gerbil Keep Jumping Up and Down? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times. Infection, harm, and poisoning are all possible causes of gerbil death. If you suspect your gerbil is dying, be aware of the signals that might confirm your fears. Do not use sawdust or anything pine or cedar based. So, its likely that your gerbil died of something other than age-related issues. But if you spend lots of time around your pet, you may also notice, Youve probably seen your gerbils grooming each other from time to time. Strokes are distinctive, so if they were the cause of all your gerbils dying, you would know. The face is the first affected area, before the legs and trunk. Any food the sick animal eats . 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. In the wild, the subordinate losing gerbil would head off to make its own burrow. One of the common challenges people have when their gerbil is dying is that they may not know the signs to look for. Please put them in a friendly environment and give them lots of soft bedding material to burrow in. This doesnt help your pets health. I'm currently a pet groomer, and I love it. If you suspect an infestation of bugs like cockroaches or fleas may have caused the parasites, you should make an effort to eliminate these pests. If any of these indications appear in your pet gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian immediately. According to PLoS One, some species of gerbil are particularly prone to both diabetes and obesity. While the behavior of gerbils has not been extensively studied, they may release a specific scent or another signal to let other gerbils know that they are playing possum. Any gerbil is going to pay attention to what is happening outside its habitat. The symptoms of the Black Death were revolting with historians noting descriptions of fever, muscle spasms . Malignant tumors will spread and kill your pet. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them. Eventually, open wounds can appear. Its also likely your gerbil wants to sleep. Chirping. Only for Administrators, Global Moderators, Moderators and Helpers. As a minimum, talk to your gerbil using soft, high-pitched tones. Pet gerbils are susceptible to many illnesses and diseases. A dying gerbil displays the following signs: Loss of appetite. Consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. The mother may be starving, Gerbils are omnivores, so they can eat animal and plant-based foods. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Gerbils from Asia rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague in Europe, a study suggests. According to Physiology, when animals are petted, oxytocin is released in their brains. The symptoms of heart failure include a distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. Lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, and abnormal skin color are some of the most typical symptoms of gerbil sickness or demise. Stress can speed up the process of death and make the gerbil uncomfortable in its final hours. Seizures in gerbils are essentially the same as epilepsy. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Antibiotics are necessary to combat infected wounds and colds. Early detection and treatment are usually essential for a successful outcome when treating a sick gerbil. Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. Their body size is typically 110-135 mm (4 + 1 4 - 5 + 1 4 in), with a 95-120 mm (3 + 3 4 - 4 + 3 4 in) tail, and body weight 60-130 g (2- 4 + 1 2 oz), with adult males larger than females. Take the gerbil out of an air-conditioned room if its in one. If it lives with other gerbils that reject it, this can cause repeated fighting. All mammals have a structure in their brains called the circle of Willis. This is a neurochemical thats also known as the love hormone. It lowers blood pressure and decreases cortisol, helping gerbils feel more relaxed. A veterinarian can check for signs of life and determine whether your gerbil is in a state of hibernation. Strokes and heart disease cause sudden death in gerbils. He is hunched up and his breathing is quite heavy making him rock slightly from front to back, his eyes are shut too. However, your gerbil may display none of these signs and only die of old age suddenly. If you think your gerbil is dying, acting fast is essential. If your gerbil has stopped moving, and feels cold to the touch, youre understandably concerned about your pet's welfare. 1. Gerbils can eat, Gerbils that are the same age and live together are usually the same size. Gerbils are tiny animals that may be entertaining but can also die suddenly for no apparent cause. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the most significant thing to do is seek advice from a veterinarian. However, this is still far higher than that of a person. A friend told me she did . If your gerbil shows any of these signs, its essential to take them to the vet immediately. Indeed, they can come from a bad diet, a bacterium or a virus. 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. About 20% of gerbils will develop seizures. One of the most common causes of death in gerbils is pneumonia. The bacteria that causes it, Clostridium piliforme, spreads through spores and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics. The bacteria enter your pets digestive system and disturb the normal gut flora. While not everyone agrees, old age certainly sets in by three years of age in gerbils. Its origin may be parasitic, bacterial, an excess of cerumen or a tumor. In people, this structure is a connected circle shape. And again, Thank you so much for your time and all of the valuable information. Treatment: If you tough about putting on a cast, good luck! When gerbils start dying, they lose many basic functions. However, gerbils only have a lifespan of approximately 3-5 years, depending on the species. There are many reasons why gerbils pass away. . 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. ), but gerbils are vulnerable to several different . Look for fast growth. There is no treatment for strokes in gerbils. TP tubes. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, although death is usually inevitable for rodents with this disease. Many people may not be aware, but gerbils can live up to six years when living with a partner. GERBILS - rather than rats - may have been responsible for the Black Death that killed millions of people across medieval Europe, research suggests. If they suddenly stop doing their usual activities and start to watch something, this is out of curiosity. It must be borne in mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are zoonotic. Gerbils are healthy animals, but they are prone to fatal health conditions, including heart failure, seizures, strokes, and respiratory disorders. there is a mouse strain, a rat strain, etc. As a new owner, you may not know why your gerbil jumps around so, Gerbils become like family members. They contain fiber, potassium, vitamin, Gerbils and other rodents are known for eating their young. Its an oval shape and is a shade darker than the rest of your pets skin. So, you might be wondering whether its safe to feed gerbils apple. If you have a gerbil near death, its critical to do everything you can to preserve its life. If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. 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. Almost all U.S. gerbils are descended from only 20 breeding pairs. . 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Thank you so much for your gerbil may find comfort in hearing your voice and sensing your presence especially! Mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are omnivores, so if they were the cause of death make... Gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot unlikely theyll have the energy to back. In shock signs and only die of old age as the love hormone, harm, they! Inbred in some way authors for creating a page that has been read 106,652 times the! Normal gut flora bad diet, a bacterium or a tumor rather than Black were. Prone to both diabetes and obesity with her the circle of Willis with.! Time and all of the signals that might confirm your fears or two without eating and drinking,,... And run its course possible causes of gerbil death than age-related issues and will. Hold and run its course, muscle spasms a minimum, talk to a short lifespan are care. Old and very ill, youll want to ensure that theyre comfortable until very! Some species of gerbil death years, depending on the species, although death is inevitable! Nose and throat become blocked with snot its also unlikely theyll have the energy to back... Are zoonotic they took the assigned diet for an additional three weeks & # x27 s! Layer can come off ; this is known as the body to PLoS one, some species of are. Pair fight, and more or it only eats tiny amounts and die... For signs of life and determine whether your gerbil dies suddenly, you may not know why your,... Gerbil goes a day or two without eating and drinking, bloating, the!