On Wed, 1 Mar 2000 09:53:44 -0000, Arabelle Sexton wrote:
(message-ID<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> )
>OK, firstly, testing the amount of sugar in the urine is not conclusive. In
>order to be certain a blood sample must be taken. This would involve
>sedating the gerbil and taking blood directly from the heart. This is a
>very risky procedure and the vet would not recommend it unless the gerbil
>was very sick.
No, that is very risky. It is a very hard procedure, and can only be done
by someone who does this on a daily basis. I would never have this done (or
do it) to one of my gerbils, if not the last thing to do!
> The specialist also said the sugar in the urine could be
>indicative of kidney failure rather then diabetes.
Yes, kidney failure is more common in Mongolian gerbils than diabetis.
> Again, the blood test
>would determine this but it is too risky and too stressful for the gerbil.
>
Yes!
>The specialist suggests and injection of anabolic steroid - if it is a
>kidney problem this will help and should stabilise the metabolism and
>prevent further weight loss. My gerbil has lost about 1/2 oz but he doesn't
>seem to be continually losing. If however, the condition is diabetes the
>steroid injection will not help but it will not harm the gerbil.
Than you can give it a go, I would say!
Does your gerbil drink a lot?
>The most important thing I was told is to remove all oily seeds (especially
>sunflower seeds) from the diet, and this will also help to stabilise the
>gerbil's condition.
>
>My gerbil is still fit and active with no progressive weight loss, so
>fingers crossed
I will!
Karin.
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>>>>> Karin van Veen <<<<<
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