my gerbil seems sick- HELP!!

[Randi111]

Hi there. I have never been to this sight before, but I need some advice. My gerbil seems like he is really sick. over the last two weeks or so Mouse (my gerbil) seems to have doubled in size. His belly is huge. he is also loosing the hair on his tail. he's not opening his eyes all of the way and just looks miserable. I just noticed tonight that he has an open wound on his front leg. It almost looks like he has been chewing on it. he is eating fine, but I caught him eating his bedding a couple of days ago. I can't find a local vet that deals with gerbils, and I don't want him to be miserable, and I also don't want his cagemate to get sick. does anyone have any idea what might be happening?

[Jade]

http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8...5427461939400#

That vet is 20ish minutes from you and surely treats small mammals. Your gerbil needs veterinary care.

[Randi111]

Thank you. I hadn't found that one. I'll give them a call this morning.

[Brenna]

Awww good luck! I haven't had much experience with gerbils, but I hope he gets better!

[Randi111]

I got mouse an appointment with the vet. He seems to be doing a little bit better for now. He is eating and drinking well and doesn't seem to be having any trouble with the hurt leg. He is still huge, but doesn't look as sad as he did the other night. Thank you for the information on the vet. And thanks for you concern.

do you think that I should try to seperate Mouse and George until Mouse sees the vet? I don't want to stress either of them out, but I want to make sure that George stays healthy.

[Randi111]

it's cancer. they say that it'll be a few days at best. they drained a ton of fluid from his abdomen and he seems to be a lot more comfortable. I will probably take him back in tomorrow to be put down.

[Randi111]

Mouse passed away last night. I thought that it was going to happen when I went to bed last night and when I got up this morning he was gone.

[bokuza]

Oh wow....Im so sorry.......wow........