Why is my 3-year-old gerbil suddenly not eating and losing weight?

Hello, I would recommend taking Lightning into your veterinarian as soon as possible. It sounds like she is very weak, possibly from illness or pain, and requires immediate medical attention. Hair falling out can be a sign of skin mites in gerbils, and the discomfort can lead to a lack of appetite and energy. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Your gerbil may be quite sick or possibly injured. Without an exam, it is difficult to determine what the underlying cause may be. If he will allow, gently open his mouth and check his teeth for overgrowth or misalignment. This could affect his appetite which, in turn, could lead to the other symptoms. If his teeth are too long, your veterinarian can trim them. If they appear normal, there may be something else causing his symptoms. Ideally, Zach should be physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any infection or injury.

If he will allow, check his teeth for overgrowth or misalignment. Also, look for obvious signs of infection or injury. This may include redness, swelling, bleeding, bruising or discharge. If you see anything suspicious, he will need to be seen by your veterinarian for confirmation and treatment. If his teeth are fine, clean his cage and sanitize bowls, water bottle, toys and hides. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Maintain a stable temperature and keep him as stress free as possible. If his symptoms persist, a veterinary exam will be needed.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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.

I am sorry to hear that. If you feel that your gerbil is extremely ill, you should seek veterinary attention, either to try and make it well again or to help end its suffering. I of course understand this is never an easy decision but sometimes it is the kindest thing we can offer. If you would like to post a more detailed question regarding your gerbil, myself or someone else would be happy to try and help. Hope this makes sense.

Hi there! The symptoms that Nova is exhibiting are very concerning, especially the hypothermia. Rodents are very susceptible to a decrease in body temperature, and this could be life-threatening for her. The circling could be caused by multiple issues, including an ear infection, vestibular disease (a condition that affects an animal's balance), or a brain tumor. It sounds like she needs to get to the vet as soon as possible to determine the cause of her symptoms, and if they are treatable. Depending on the cause, Nova could be in pain, so she should be seen ASAP. In the meantime, I suggest keeping Nova warm and separating her from any other gerbils you have to minimize stress. Good luck, and I hope Nova recovers!