Tail Slip in Gerbils

Tail slip (or tail degloving) is a common and serious injury in gerbils. It is a defensive mechanism, similar to how a lizard can drop its tail. When a gerbil is grabbed by the tail, especially the middle or end, the skin and fur can tear away, leaving the underlying bone and tissue exposed. This is a painful injury that requires prompt attention.

The Cause: Improper Handling

The sole cause of tail slip is improper handling. A gerbil should never, under any circumstances, be picked up or restrained by its tail. The skin on the tail is very fragile and is not well attached to the underlying bone. Any pulling or grabbing force on the tail can cause the skin to rip off.

This is a natural anti-predator response. In the wild, if a predator (like a bird) grabs the gerbil by the tail, the skin slips off, allowing the gerbil to escape.

What Happens During a Tail Slip

When a tail slip occurs, the outer layer of skin and fur is torn away, leaving the delicate bones and tendons of the tail exposed. The gerbil will likely be in pain and distress. The exposed bone will dry out and die. The gerbil will often try to chew off the injured part of the tail.

Treatment: What to Do

If a tail slip occurs, you must take your gerbil to a veterinarian.

1. Veterinary Amputation: The veterinarian will need to surgically amputate the exposed part of the tail. This is a necessary procedure to prevent infection and further injury. The vet will perform the amputation under anesthesia, stitch the remaining skin closed over the stump, and provide pain medication and antibiotics.

2. Self-Amputation: If veterinary care is not sought, the gerbil will eventually chew off the dead part of the tail. This is not ideal, as it is very painful and carries a high risk of infection. The resulting stump may not heal cleanly.

The skin on the tail will not grow back. The gerbil will have a shorter tail for the rest of its life, but it will adapt perfectly well.

Prevention: The Only Real Cure

Tail slip is 100% preventable through proper handling.

• Never Grab the Tail: Teach everyone in the household, especially children, that it is never okay to pick up a gerbil by its tail.
• Use a Scoop Method: The best way to pick up a gerbil is to cup your hands together and scoop them up from underneath.
• Use a Container: If a gerbil is not tame and you need to move it, encourage it to walk into a small box, tube, or container, and then lift the container.
• Grasp at the Base: If you must restrain a gerbil for a health check, grasp the tail only at the very base, right next to the body, where the skin is more firmly attached. This should only be done when necessary and with great care.

By always handling your gerbil correctly and gently, you can completely avoid this common and painful injury.