Our son and his friends were playing with our gerbil yesterday, and they said he was dropped a few feet. At first, he just dragged the back half of his body around. Now, he has been lying down all day, still breathing, but not opening his eyes. Is there anything I can do?
2007-03-19 12:37:08 · 15 answers · asked by Christine I 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Take the gerbil to the vet and see what it going on. Gerbils that are paralyzed can continue to live a long, happy life (if that is the only problem), the vet can do tests to find out, for example by pinching the feet.
Even if the gerbil can't be cured, the vet can euthanize the gerbil with a minimum amount of pain. The cost for this is only about $25. Don't try to do this on your own -- a botched euthansia will put your gerbil through much additional misery.
2007-03-20 06:31:55 · answer #1 · answered by ABC Gerbils 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to be the bearer of sad news, but here it goes.
More then likely the gerbil has suffered a spinal injury. There's nothing a vet can do for this, but take away their pain by putting him down. Where you put about the dragging of the back legs, this is an indication of them being paralyzed. If this is the case then your may want to consider putting him down to end his suffering. Also where you also have described the lack of any movement and won't open his eyes, the animal is near death already. We had a young hamster that my then, 18 yr old was holding and he suddenly jumped from his hands to a laminate floor and died 12 hours later in my hands.
2007-03-19 13:05:50 · answer #2 · answered by wolfinator25840 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
at first, you ought to bypass on the gerbil's %.. regular, the gerbil would be a miles greater effective selection than a hamster. you ought to are turning out to be 2 gerbils, they're social animals and can replace into depressed in the event that they stay their finished lives on my own. First, talk in low voices so which you do no longer startle it. placed your hand, palm dealing with up on the shavings and enable it sniff you and if it runs away, enable it. do no longer jolt or flow. next, supply a sunflower seed or a pumpkin seed as maximum gerbils can not face as much as this. If the gerbil takes the deal without of your hand, then this is a sturdy sign first of all. for less demanding %.-up and an less demanding way for the gerbil, try getting a cup and scooping the gerbil up rather of choosing the gerbil up with the help of your palms. Then once you have a secure area like a mattress, sofa or perhaps your lap, enable the gerbil bypass and work together with it and supply him a cope with. he would be attentive to that he gets a cope with while he comes out to play so he will desire to return out. If the gerbil is youthful, he/she would be in a position to be less demanding to tame and it won't take as lengthy. i'm hoping this helps you.
2016-10-19 02:58:48 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor gerbil :( I have owned gerbils before and have dropped tem various times. Once it seemed that the gerbil had hurt herself, but turned out she just sprained it or got a scare. This sounds more serious. As others have suggested, I'm assuming a vital bone was broken or fractured or something. I wouldn't take the gerbil to the vet because, in most likelihood it costs more to see one then to buy more. It seems like this little guy is pound for a miraculous recovery or his fate of death. I just had two of my gerbils die so i know what it's like, but i hope something happens and he is well. Good luck!
2007-03-19 12:58:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet to be euthanised. It sounds very harsh, but your gerbal probably has a broken back and head injury and is in a LOT of PAIN. Explain to your son accidents happen, but I wouldnt let him play alone with any more pets until he is older or can be more careful.
Also explain why you are going to have to euthanize the gerbil and what that means, dont hide it from him as he will learn the truth eventually.
2007-03-19 12:42:29 · answer #5 · answered by finniganwood05 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This exact thing happened to my dwarf hamster, it is most likely a spinal injury, you need to take him to a vet, but im sorry to say, he might die, because thats what happened to mine.....first after we dropped him, he was fine for a few minutes, then he just dragged him back legs around for a little while, and finally he just laid there sleeping til he finally died
but i would definately take him to a vet fast!
hope everything turns out ok
2007-03-19 13:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like they broke his neck or back. You can try taking him to a vet, but it's very difficult to treat such small animals. In all likelihood the poor thing is going to die soon. Put a him on a soft towel to keep him comfortable and wait.
2007-03-19 12:41:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
taking him to the vet is pretty much the dumbest thing the dumb people are suggesting. the vet cannot X-ray and certainly cannot fix a spinal injury. euthanize this loved animal and end its pain
2007-03-19 15:39:24 · answer #8 · answered by Eric J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
please take him to a vet. This poor gerbil might not survive, but at least the vet can help him and make it a little easier on him without all the severe pain.
2007-03-19 12:40:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Take him to the vet immediately!
If it were a dog or a child, would you hesitate to get medical treatment? Why is a hamster different? Even if it is beyond help, they can give it something to ease its pain or put it to sleep humanely.
2007-03-19 12:43:37 · answer #10 · answered by mmct21 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋