It sounds like the leg is probably broken- I can't believe the pet store
was going to drown him! That's really disgusting.
Broken gerbil bones usually heal on their own within 2 weeks time, most of
the time with no permanent damage. I would just watch the leg for swelling,
or feeling "hot" to the touch which could indicate an infection. Can you
see any breaks in the skin? If you suspect and infection, I would bring him
to the vet as he should get a course of oral antibiotics to prevent the
infection from becoming systemic.
Splinting or casting the break could do more harm than good, as the gerbil
may injure himself further while trying to chew off the splint/cast.
With a little time, he'll be as good as new.
Good luck,
Jill
----------
> From: Sarah Davies <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: tidbit the gimp
> Date: Saturday, April 28, 2001 6:21 PM
>
> i was at a pet store today and of course had to explore the gerbil cage.
> there were some few-week-old gerbs in there and i noticed one was hanging
out
> near his mother and he was dragging his right hind leg. i brought it to
the
> attention or one of the workers there and he was going to drown him! many
of
> you might think this is a hopeless case, but this guy was as active as
any
> other, and he can still dig and get around. does this sound like a break
to
> you all? should i take him to a vet and see if i can get a splint? will
it
> heal on its own? will it ever heal?
> thanks,
> Sarah
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