What can I do for our sick gerbil?

Ok all you gerbil lovers out there. Please help me with this. I am babysitting my daughters pet gerbils (they have been with me three weeks now) and one of them has all of a sudden fallen ill. I will be taking it to the vet tomorrow - they’re not open today - but I’m afraid he’s not going to make it. He has lost weight, he’s weak, and wobbly on his legs, and his breathing is labored. I’ve been giving him fresh fruit like grapes to keep him hydrated as he won’t drink from the water bottle. He’s separated from his brother and being kept dry and warm. He is just shy of four years old. What else can I do for him?

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Answer #1

Thanks to all that posted an answer for me. The little guy passed away early this morning.

Answer #2

try checking its butt, if it looks matted or like its pooped all over its self then it might have wet tail which is common among small animals. There is treatment for it called Dri Tail, you can find it in pet stores or you can order it online. You just put recommended dose in the water or you can hand give it to them with the dropper provided. Usually within a couple of days, they gradually get better, but the trick is to catch it before they get too far gone to where nothing works.

Answer #3

Thank you for your responses. His bottom is clean and dry and there is no evidence of wet stool anywhere. His breathing is quite labored though and he is snorting a lot. I suspect some sort of respiratory ailment. He is quite old but until the last day or so was active and happy looking. I will be taking him to the vet when it opens tomorrow if he can make it thru the night.

Answer #4

we just saw a gerbil at our vet hospital last week, all we were able to do was give some fluids and a shot of conveinia. But there life expentancy is not that long and I am affriad that this may be age related.

Answer #5

Please anyone, any ideas?

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