Checking for Symptoms
Monitor your gerbil's weight. Sudden weight gain can indicate heart failure in gerbils. Purchase a digital scale, and weigh your gerbil at least once a week. If you notice any significant weight gain, call a veterinarian as soon as possible. To weigh your gerbil, place it on the scale and use your hands to brace the gerbil lightly without putting any pressure on the scale. Weight gain may also be a sign of other medical issues, such as kidney failure or tumors. A gerbil with sudden weight gain should always be checked by a veterinarian.
Look for a swollen abdomen. A distended belly may be a sign that your gerbil is suffering from heart failure. A buildup of fluid may fill up in the abdomen, causing your pet to look bloated. Contact your vet immediately if you notice this symptom. Your vet may be able to drain some excess fluid from your gerbil's abdomen to make it more comfortable.
Watch for labored breathing. Heart failure may cause labored breathing due to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Look for rapid breathing, which often results in your gerbil's sides heaving. You should also listen for wheezing sounds. Your gerbil may also have difficulty breathing because of a respiratory infection.
Note your gerbil's energy levels. Keep an eye on your gerbil's activity to see if it is less mobile and energetic than usual. Take note if it has difficulty moving or if it stays in the same spot for long periods of time. If your gerbil looks lethargic and listless, it may be suffering from heart failure. A lack of energy could be due to numerous conditions including constipation or kidney failure, but the symptom warrants a trip to the vet regardless.
Look for slightly gray or blue tongue and gums. Place your gerbil on your lap and gently pry open its mouth with your forefinger and thumb while bracing its body with your other hand. Look for a slight blue or gray tinge on your gerbil's gums or tongue, which is a possible sign of heart failure. If you see this discoloration, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Check for symptoms of Tyzzer's disease. Tyzzer's disease is a potentially deadly condition that affects different types of rodents, including gerbils. The main symptoms of Tyzzer's disease are diarrhea and lethargy, but you may also observe a rough coat and general weakness. Tyzzer's disease can cause the failure of almost every organ in a gerbil's body, including the heart. Visit your vet to confirm the diagnosis. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, although death is usually inevitable for rodents with this disease. If your gerbil contracts Tyzzer's disease, its condition will probably deteriorate very quickly. Most gerbils with Tyzzer's disease die within 24-48 hours.
Consult your veterinarian. As soon as you note any possible symptoms of heart failure, contact a veterinarian immediately. A vet will be able to examine your gerbil and assess its condition with more certainty. Provide as much relevant information as you can during your visit, such as any changes in your pet's eating patterns, behavior, and activity level.
Keeping Your Gerbil Comfortable
Discuss euthanasia with your vet. If your beloved pet is suffering from heart failure, speak to your vet about the option of ending your gerbil's life gently and painlessly. The procedure involves a simple injection that will cause your gerbil to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep and pass away quietly. Your vet can explain the procedure to you and ease you through this very difficult decision.
Reduce stress in its environment. If your gerbil is suffering from heart failure, it is probably feeling vulnerable and prone to stress. Reduce noise in the room you keep it in as much as possible. If you can, move your gerbil to a room with less traffic so it does not get startled often. For instance, avoid vacuuming the room while your gerbil is in it.
Cover your gerbil's cage so it can rest. Your gerbil will probably spend most of its time resting if it is suffering from heart failure. Help it relax by covering half of its tank or cage with a towel. This will provide your gerbil with a dark place to sleep and feel secure.
Maintain a moderate temperature in the room. Keep your gerbil in a room that is between 68-75° Fahrenheit (about 20-24° Celsius.) Make sure that it is not exposed to a draft or dampness. You should also make sure that your gerbil's cage is not too close to a radiator or in direct sunlight, which might be too hot for it.
Administer medication to your gerbil as instructed by your vet. If your vet diagnoses your gerbil with heart disease, they will likely prescribe a long-term medication to be given orally. Follow your vet's exact instructions for how to administer the drug, how much to give, and how often to do so. Your gerbil will likely take its medication from a syringe.
Alter your gerbil's diet if your vet recommends it. Ask your vet if there are any dietary changes that may prolong your gerbil's life after it is diagnosed with heart failure. For instance, your vet may suggest buying your gerbil pellet food that is lower in fat to reduce stress on its heart. Following this advice may help you keep your pet around a bit longer.
Spoil your gerbil during its last days. There is no guarantee how long your gerbil may live while experiencing heart failure, so help it enjoy every day as if it is its last. Give it plenty of attention and play with it if its energy level is high enough. Feed your gerbil its favorite food and treats, and make sure it has a cozy place to rest.
Comments
0 comment