What is wrong with my gerbils eye?
Eye Infections If your gerbils’ eyes are swollen, puffy, red or runny, they might be suffering from an eye infection. This could be due to your pet having something stuck in its eye – a piece of hay, for example.
What happens when gerbils have red stuff in their eyes?
Porphyrin Deposits in Gerbils In gerbils, in times of stress, the unbound porphyrin can leave deposits in the tear ducts, causing red colored stains around the eyes and nose as the tinted tear fluid leaves the eyes. These stains are often mistaken for blood, and must be differentiated.
How do you catch eye infections?
A virus that causes viral pink eye can spread from your nose to your eyes, or you can catch it when someone sneezes or coughs and the droplets come in contact with your eyes. Bacteria cause bacterial pink eye. Usually the bacteria spreads to your eyes from your respiratory system or skin.
Can gerbils get sick?
Just like any other animals, gerbils can be susceptible to illness, disease, or parasites. These little furballs aren’t always very easy to read, however, especially when compared to a more expressive animal like a dog or cat. Healthy gerbils will be playful and alert, and will have a good appetite.
What do I do if my gerbil is bleeding?
If you suspect your gerbil has a wound, change the bedding to towels to prevent infection. Arrange to take your gerbil to the vet as soon as possible for antibiotics. If you are not able to get to your vet within 24 hours, clean the wound with salt water or diluted Hibiscrub to reduce the risk of infection.
What should I do about my gerbil’s swollen eye?
Determine the appropriate treatment. Depending on your gerbil’s diagnosis, your vet may recommend antibiotic eye drops or ointment that you apply to the area several times a day. The vet may also try to remove any irritants or obstructions in your gerbil’s eye to reduce the swelling and irritation.
What to do if your gerbil has an infection?
A vet will need to treat all your gerbils with antibiotics. The infections that cause this problem are easily passed on, and the others might have been infected without yet showing the obvious signs.
Why do gerbils keep their eyes closed all the time?
One common reason why gerbils keep their eye or eyes closed is infection. Gerbils can get eye infections which cause pain and difficulty seeing. This infection has similar symptoms to conjunctivitis in people, such as: Swelling. Infection results in swelling because the body produces bacteria-killing cells that travel through the blood.
Why are my gerbil’s eyes red and puffy?
If your gerbils’ eyes are swollen, puffy, red or runny, they might be suffering from an eye infection. This could be due to your pet having something stuck in its eye – a piece of hay, for example.
What happens if you give a gerbil an eye infection?
If the chronic phase of this condition is not treated then the gerbil will often become totally incapable of caring for itself, it will collapse and quickly die. If your gerbils’ eyes are swollen, puffy, red or runny, they might be suffering from an eye infection.
A vet will need to treat all your gerbils with antibiotics. The infections that cause this problem are easily passed on, and the others might have been infected without yet showing the obvious signs.
How do you give a gerbil eye drops?
Wrapping the gerbil in a towel, with its head exposed, may help it stay still. Ask a friend to tilt the gerbil’s head back as you use your fingers to gently open its eyelids and drop in the eye drops. When you give the gerbil its eye drops, do not touch its eyes with the dropper.
What should I do if my gerbil makes a clicking noise?
Your gerbil might also make a ‘clicking’ noise when it breathes, indicating moisture clearing out of the airways. In addition, your gerbil’s eyes might look dull and half closed. Seek treatment advice from your vet. Many cases of respiratory problems in gerbils require treatment with antibiotics, which are available through your vet.