> Paige McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>
> >My dear sweet girl, Mystery, has just had her legs chewed off to the
bone by
> >her mate. She's in terrible condition.. I know she won't live, but what
can
> >I do for her? Is there a quick and painless way to end her suffering?
Please
> >help, I'm so upset..
> From: Julian and Jackie <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> It may be better to consult a vet. Gerbils have remarkable powers of
> recovery and can adapt well to life with damaged limbs etc. The vet may
> be able to help make sure you gerbil recovers well, or if that is not
> possible, be able to give her a peaceful end with barbiturates.
>
I agree with Julian. I had a similar thing happen with a Shaw's jird. He
was attacked by his female partner. The bones on his hind feet were just
left sticking out. However, Josh did not seem to be in much pain. Once
separated from his tormentor, he ate and drank. As it was weekend when it
happened, I first saw an emergency vet. He was all for putting Jake down
there and then. However, as I did not think that Jake was in too much pain
I asked if i could try antibiotics and painkillers first over the weekend
and consult my usual vet on Monday. By Monday, Jake had trimmed all the
bones himself and the foot was showing signs of healing. I continued the
antibiotics and it cleared up nicely. He was left with 2 hind stumps, on
which he managed to live the rest of his life perfectly happily.
Good luck
Sue
> --
> Julian
>
> ************************************************************************
> * Jackie and Julian *
> * [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
> * National Gerbil Society *
> * http://www.gerbils.co.uk/ *
> ************************************************************************
