Just wondering where you got the information that gerbils can catch human
colds- viruses are by and large species specific. In all my years of caring
for gerbils and doing my pre-veterinary work, I've never heard this. I'd
like to see what source has this information and how they explain it.
Thanks,
Jill
----------
> From: Deb Rebel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: eye problems
> Date: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 10:22 AM
>
> >just fine, but because she's nursing five pups I'm
> >worried about whether it could be an infection.
>
> Sticky eye is never a good sign.
>
> >anyone have any idea what I should do? I know that
> >everyone in the house has been sick with colds and I'm
> >wondering if maybe the gerbils could have got it from
> >one of us? Usually I'm the only one who handles Tina
> >because of the pups and she's rather skittish, but I
> >do remember my son sticking his hand in the cage about
> >the same time. *shrug* I don't know, but any advice
> >would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> >RW
>
> If you have colds, use hand sanitizer before and after handling
> the gerbils, try not to breathe on any animals, and...
>
> Go for tetracycline in the water for 10 days, with hand feeding
> a few drops to the mother and each pup 3-4 times a day to
> make sure they're getting it (and to check for dehydration
> problems). Take a soft cloth moistened with a little warm water
> and gently wipe off the eyes, to get them open. The animal
> always seems calmer if it can see....
>
> Gerbils can catch human colds, and it usually is a lot rougher
> on them...and can spread from animal to animal...keep a close
> eye on the rest of your animals. Especially for one that seems
> sluggish, lethargic, and cold....
>
> Deb
> Rebel's Rodent Ranch
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