Expert: Sheila Adby - 7/1/2009

Question
Hi Sheila, I've had a gerb for 2 years. I got him from a rescue as an adult at that time. I really don't know how old he is, I'm guessing 3 ish.  He's been to the vet and his lungs are as congested as they can be, I've got him on antibiotics and a drug to help dry his lungs out a bit. I have a few hamsters and can tell now when they're near their end but I haven't had a gerbil in too many years to mention! However I do remember my old gerb seemed to die of respiratory distress. Any thoughts, is it usually respiratory that shows up in gerbils at the end? He seems a little better, but not a lot and it's been a few days now.  Thanks
KJ

Answer
Hi KJ

Sorry I have taken a day to get back to you.

I think that a lot of small creatures get respiratory problems – but these could be symptoms of other medical conditions.  I’ve found that a lot of small animals (hamsters and gerbils) seem to get tumors and these can put pressure on other organs and cause breathing difficulties, along with walking/mobility problems.

I’ve had several gerbils and most have ultimately died from different conditions.  However, when they do get close to death their breathing does change – they tend to sit and pant a lot.  I think this is possibly just a sign that their body is closing down rather than a specific illness.  The breathlessness could be associated with their lungs, but could also be because their heart is weak.

As your gerbil is 3 and his lungs are really congested I doubt that you are going to see a dramatic improvement.  

The big question really is what quality of life your gerbil has at the moment.  If he has made some improvement and appears to be reasonably happy (eating/shredding normally) then it would be fine to leave him.  If he is dull and is sitting hunched up, unable/not wanting to eat or play, then it might be worth considering euthanasia.  Your vet would be able to advise you on this.

Has anything changed in your gerbil’s surroundings recently that might have caused a problem with his breathing?  Some of the woodchip can contain oils that cause respiratory problems, air fresheners/insect sprays/perfumes etc. if sprayed in the same room as a small animal can also affect them.  Is his cage dry and in a dry location or is there any possibility that there is damp or mould?  There is a respiratory illness called aspergillosis.  If an area of a hamster/gerbils cage gets damp (either through urine or uneaten food or sweat) and mould grows on it, fungal spores can be released into the air which if breathed in cause serious respiratory problems.  This is a very serious condition and does need urgent antibiotic treatment.  It might be worth checking his environment just to make sure there is nothing external that has made him sick.

I hope you get on OK.

Regards