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What do I do if my gerbil has a red nose?
Your veterinarian will begin by cleaning the porphyrin deposits and irritated parts of the face and applying topical medications to encourage healing. If your gerbil has scratched to the point that there are lesions, further treatment will be necessary.
Why is my gerbils nose raw?
Sore noses are one of the most common gerbil health problems. They can be caused by allergy to bedding, especially cedar, over-enthusiastic burrowing with the nose, or stress.
Why do gerbils rub their face?
If you own a pair of gerbils, they will greet each other by running and touching their mouths or noses together. They do this because they recognize each other by the taste of their saliva or the scent of their body. It is a good sign if your gerbils do this, as it means they are eager and happy to see each other.
How do you treat a gerbil wound?
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 are gerbils allergic to?
Gerbils’ nasal passages are easily irritated by aromatic oils produced in cedar shavings, or household air fresheners. Some are also allergic to pine. Using Aspen or paper-based bedding is much better for gerbils that have allergies.
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 is nasal dermatitis in gerbils?
Facial Eczema (Sore Nose) Facial eczema, sore nose, and nasal dermatitis are synonyms for the syndrome of facial lesions in gerbils. This clinical syndrome is caused by an increase in harderian gland secretions, which are irritating to the skin.
How do I know if my gerbil is cold?
Gerbils occasionally catch a cold, and the symptoms are similar to the ones we experience when we have colds. In other words, sneezing, runny noses, and wheezing. Colds can develop into more serious illnesses in gerbils, so it’s good practice not to handle them if you have a cold yourself.
Why does my gerbil squeak when I pet him?
Animals make high-pitched sounds when they are hurt. A sharp squeak from a gerbil, therefore, most likely means that the rodent is hurt. If your pet makes that sound when you pick it up, it means that you have probably held them too tight.
Is it painful for a gerbil’s nose to be red?
The condition can be very painful, especially when the nose gets really sore, red and infected. As with any illness or health problem, the earlier it’s discovered the better chance there is of treating it without causing too much stress and discomfort to a pet.
Can a gerbil lose hair from the top of its nose?
It is very important to catch the onset of nasal dermatitis at an early stage as it can spread to include the mouth, front legs and chest if not arrested with the appropriate treatment. The first signs are that the gerbil will lose hair from the top of its nose and the bald patch will look sore.
What to do if your gerbil has nasal dermatitis?
The antibiotic cream when rubbed on will be an affective way of dealing with any external infection. Catching the onset of nasal dermatitis early prevents it from spreading into the animal’s mouth, to its front legs and chest.
Why does my gerbil have allergy symptoms?
The allergy-like symptoms could possibly be a symptom of an underlying condition, rather than an allergy. Gerbil’s limbs are fragile, and a fall or a panic-induced tussle with ladders or other cage fittings can lead to breaks.