Accepted Answer

Thank you for getting back to me. Gerbil lifespan is often listed as 3 to 5 years, but 2 to 4 years is probably more accurate. Either way, your gerbil is considered a senior. As gerbils get older, they become more prone to some diseases that can't be treated. Some of their organs can become embedded with minerals. They can develop cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Tumors and cancer become more common. They can have strokes. The weight loss, decreased appetite, and increased sleeping make me believe that your gerbil most likely has one of these diseases of old age. Cancer, kidney disease, and failure of other internal organs can cause these symptoms.

However, even at age three, there's a possibility that this may be something treatable. For example, dental problems can sometimes cause such symptoms. If you want to be certain about this, you should make an appointment with a vet. The sore probably can be treated, which would at least make her more comfortable. You can try treating it at home. Clean it with some Betadine (available in first aid departments of discount stores and pharmacies). Follow that with a light application of plain Neosporin. This can be repeated twice a day. If this is going to help, you should notice an improvement in several days. If there's no change, the sore may be caused by a fungus, or it could even be skin cancer. If you want to pursue further treatment, these links will take you to directories of vets who treat small rodents:

http://www.rmca.org/Vets/index.php?action=list

http://www.ratfanclub.org/vetref.html

Otherwise, all you can do is keep her as comfortable as possible and give her lots of her favorite treats. It's always painful to watch a beloved pet grow old and frail. I do hope you're able to see a vet and that this will be a treatable illness. If you have more concerns or questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/23/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant