Common Health Issues in Gerbils
Gerbils are active, curious, and generally robust little animals. With proper care and housing, they can live healthy lives. However, they are susceptible to certain conditions that owners should be aware of for prevention and early detection.
1. Respiratory Infections
This is one of the most common ailments in gerbils. It can be caused by bacteria (like Mycoplasma), stress, or environmental factors like dusty bedding or poor ventilation.
- Signs: Clicking or rattling sounds when breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, and a hunched posture. This is often referred to as "the sniffles."
- Prevention: Use dust-free bedding such as aspen, kiln-dried pine, or paper-based products. Avoid cedar and untreated pine, which contain harmful oils. Ensure the habitat is well-ventilated but free from drafts. Keep the cage clean to reduce ammonia buildup.
- More Info: Respiratory Issues in Gerbils
2. Scent Gland Tumors
Gerbils have a ventral scent gland on their abdomen, which they use to mark territory. This gland is prone to developing tumors, especially in older male gerbils. While often benign, they can become ulcerated, infected, or cancerous [1].
- Signs: A visible lump, sore, or ulcer on the gerbil's belly. The gerbil may be excessively grooming or scratching the area.
- Management: Any lump or sore on the scent gland should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Surgical removal is the most common treatment and is often curative if the tumor is benign.
3. Tail Slip (Degloving)
Like degus, gerbils have a defense mechanism that allows the skin on the tail to slough off if they are grabbed by it. This exposes the bone underneath, which will eventually dry up and fall off or need to be amputated by a vet.
- Prevention: Never pick up a gerbil by its tail. Always use a scoop or two hands to gently cup and lift the gerbil from its sides.
- More Info: Tail Slip in Gerbils
4. Dental Disease (Malocclusion)
Gerbils' incisor teeth grow continuously. If they don't have adequate materials to chew on, their teeth can become overgrown, leading to difficulty eating and painful mouth injuries.
- Signs: Overgrown or misaligned front teeth, drooling, weight loss, decreased appetite.
- Prevention: Provide a constant supply of safe chewing materials. Cardboard (from toilet paper rolls or tissue boxes), wooden chew toys, and hay are all excellent for keeping teeth worn down.
- More Info: Dental Health in Gerbils
5. Tyzzer's Disease
Tyzzer's disease is a serious and often fatal bacterial infection that affects the liver and digestive tract. It is highly contagious and is often triggered by stress, such as from shipping, overcrowding, or poor sanitation [2].
- Signs: Sudden death is common. Other signs include lethargy, ruffled fur, watery diarrhea, and dehydration.
- Prevention: This disease is difficult to treat, so prevention is paramount. Purchase gerbils from reputable sources. Quarantine all new animals for at least 3-4 weeks before introducing them to existing pets. Maintain a scrupulously clean and stress-free environment.
Regular observation of your gerbil's behavior, appetite, and droppings is the best way to catch any of these issues early.
References
[1] Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Disorders and Diseases of Gerbils. Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/gerbils/disorders-and-diseases-of-gerbils
[2] VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Gerbils - Common Problems. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gerbils-common-problems