Why is my female gerbil bloated, squeaking, and has eye issues?

Thanks for reaching out about Robyn. A distended stomach could be bloat, but also infected foreign body, internal tumor or other concern. A veterinary visit is recommended either way, the sooner the better. She is getting up there in years, but age is not a disease. Good luck.

Ideally, you should have her physically examined by your veterinarian. An exam and may diagnostics, such as a fine needle aspirate, may determine what the mass is and if it is dangerous. For now, keep the cage clean, dry and warm and keep Mitzi as stress free as possible.

Thanks for reaching out about Snickers. It sounds as if she is painful. A veterinary visit is recommended. Check for appetite, water consumption, urination and defecation. Offer water via a syringe of no urine or drinking detected. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Gerald and including photos. Squinty eyes can be due to infections or inflammation of the eyes, or even congenital problems. A veterinary visit can assist with the first two. Maintain good nutrition and husbandry. Discontinue any dust baths, if offered. Any chance of an aerosol spray into the eyes. Good luck.

Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine what the lump is and what her medical status is currently. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian. Antibiotics can be dispensed for minor infection. A fine needle aspirate can be done to collect samples for pathology. She is "old" for a gerbil, but more information would be needed before determine a course of action, let alone euthanasia.

Unfortunately besides surgery, there is nothing you can do but monitor her quality of life. If Saphira reaches a point where she isn't eating or drinking, or has trouble moving, is losing weight, and/or is lethargic, I'd consider letting her go peacefully with the vet.

Hello, Many small rodents already naturally carry the bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections, but the bacteria can overgrow when they have another illness that is suppressing their immune system, are under some stress (such as a move), or in unclean conditions with poor diet. It sounds like in your case, it's more likely to be one of the first two reasons. You can read a little more about it here: https://www.petcoach.co/article/mycoplasma-infections-in-mice-and-rats/ I would recommend having Ophelia seen by a vet to start some antibiotics. We generally use a combination of two antibiotics to tackle this difficult bug- most commonly, a combination of enrofloxacin and doxycycline. These can be compounded into a flavored liquid for easier medicating. I hope this helps! Thanks for using PetCoach!