My gerbil couple (Anne and Gilbert) had three pups three days ago. Now it appears that two of the pups are making the "clicking" sound associated with respiratory infection.
I'm sorry, but I'm not going to pay a hundred dollars or whatever to take these pups to the vet.
I've emailed some rodent-savvy people but none of them are getting back to me this early. This is pretty crucial and urgent so I'm hoping someone here knows something about it.
I'm also concerned about spreading it to the rats (Rat Boy and Splinter).
quote:Flu and Respiratory Infections. If your gerbil appears to be having problems with breathing, particularly if you can hear clicking or squeaking sounds, take him straight down the vet. A respiratory infection can be treated with antibiotics (again usually a baytril injection). It may be a sign of a more serious problem such as lung tumours in older animals but this is less likely than an infection.
This person does not claim to be a vet but seems to know a lot about animals.
Edit: Also found this
quote:Young pups, elderly,or gerbils under stress are most susceptible to respiratory infections. There are a number of causes from viruses, bacteria, to environmental. Two common irritants are the use of cedar or pine bedding. Pups having respiratory problems during weaning can be treated with Ornyclycline in the water. Purchase this in the bird section of a pet store and use the dosage for a small bird (canary). Treat the water for at least ten days. Supplemental feeding with Kitten Replacement Milk can help keep up the strength of weaning pups with respiratory infection.
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Well, the consensus seems to be that a vet trip is needed, but the vet cannot honestly do anything with my pets that I can't do myself except surgery, so I try to avoid them whenever possible, unless I don't know the cause of the illness. I do the injections, Sub-Q and otherwise, and all that good stuff.
What I mean is, I don't like to pay the vet to do what I could have done myself. I'd rather just have him tell me what to do, but they don't do it that way. Maybe I can call them and make them give me some info.
Oh, and I am already using ornacycline, and they are not on cedar or pine or any of those other evil beddings that I hate.
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