How do you treat gerbil allergies?
Using Aspen or paper-based bedding is much better for gerbils that have allergies. Another cause for sore gerbil noses is Staphylococci bacilli. Your vet can easily treat this and prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Gerbils kept in a cage will very often get sore noses.
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.
What kind of vision does a gerbil have?
With their large eyes, you might think that gerbils have good vision. However, gerbils rely on their sense of smell more than their vision. Gerbils can see clearly, but have better distant vision than near vision. They can see in color, but are likely red-green colorblind like other rodents, and can see UV light too.
What kind of marking gland does a gerbil have?
Gerbils have a large, ventral abdominal marking gland that is androgen dependent. It attains greater size in males and develops at an earlier age. The gland is used for territorial marking.
How to tell if a gerbil has nasal dermatitis?
Nasal dermatitis infection may extend to the maxillary sinuses. Affected gerbils develop anorexia, stop drinking water, lose weight, and die. The distribution and nature of the lesions are useful in diagnosis. Accumulated porphyrins will fluoresce under ultraviolet light (Wood’s lamp).
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.
Why does a gerbil scratch its nose so much?
When a gerbil is sick, exposed to allergens, or is under stress, more porphyrin is produced than normal. It builds up around the gerbil’s eyes, nose, and mouth. As it dries, it can form crusty deposits which are itchy and irritating. As a result, the gerbil scratches and rubs the area incessantly. This causes nasal dermatitis.
What should I do if my gerbil’s nose is red?
A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and soothing ointment to help heal your gerbil’s sore nose. Why Is My Gerbil’s Nose Sore? What Causes Red Nose Disease in Gerbils?
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 does gerbil sick look like?
Your gerbil, if infected, will not eat and will appear lethargic, possibly hiding more than usual. He or she may have a hunched over posture. He or she may lose weight and appear emaciated very quickly. When you pick up your sick gerbil, he or she may seem limp or tired.
Can you be allergic to gerbils?
Small rodents and rabbits: Despite their small size, the hair, dander, and saliva on the fur of these animals can set off an allergic reaction. And the urine of rodents like gerbils, mice, and hamsters also has chemicals some people are allergic to. These get into the air as your pet moves around its cage or bedding.
How do you know if your allergic to gerbils?
Symptoms
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Itchy, red or watery eyes.
- Nasal congestion.
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
- Postnasal drip.
- Cough.
- Facial pressure and pain.
