----------
> From: Clare L <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Urgent! Help!
> Date: 04 March 2001 22:17
>
> I have three male Gerbils who are all around two years old, and this
morning
> one of them couldn't open his eyes - they were stuck together and I had
to
> bathe them with warm water so he could open them. I had to go to work,
and
> later on when I got home he wouldn't move when I picked him up. Normally
as
> soon as anyone picks him up he tries to run away, but he just sat in my
> hand. I've not seen him eat or drink anything all night, apart from a
tiny
> bit of gerbil chocolate, and I can't get him to take any water - it just
> drips down his fur. I've made a warm corner in the tank using a lamp,
but
> is there anything else I can do to improve his chances before I can get
him
> to a vet tomorrow morning?
>
> Clare
Sticky eyes are a sign of stress. It sounds very much like your gerbil has
an infection But can you see where the problem lies. e.g.is his breathing
noisy or laboured suggesting respiratory illness, has he got a stained anal
area suggesting diarrhea, are there any noticeable sores on his body
suggesting fighting?
As you live in the UK, you need to see a vet to get antibiotic treatment.
This is probably your best hope, so the sooner the better tomorrow.
I would not suggest force-feeding as it can do more harn than good.
However, sometimes you can get a sick gerbil to lick off your hand.
Licking takes up less energy than chewing and obviously they get some
moisture by doing this. I don't suppose you have access to baby food, the
sort that you mix with water. They usually like that. I
I hope the gerbil is ok
Cheers
Sue
