Accepted Answer

<p>Hi there, </p><p> </p><p>The first thing to say (and I'm sorry if this is pointing out the obvious) is that if you can contact your friend, then it really is their decision regarding what you do here - you are caring for the gerbil on their behalf but if you can talk to them then this would be a good idea.</p><p> </p><p>If this is not possible, then decisions lie with you. The symptoms that you describe can occur for a couple of reasons, from an inner ear infection, to a type pf stroke or even a tumour of the brain. Unfortunately these thing all tend to look the same - the difference being that an ear infection may well be treatable, whereas a brain lesion probably will not. We often find that, while some of these problems progress and cause more problems with loos of balance, the inablility to get around and also loss of appetite, sometimes they get these symptoms and then happily live with them for a while - getting no better but no worse.</p><p> </p><p>My advice as a vet would be to have her looked at by your vet - trying treatment is probably the only way to know if it will work, but it won't do any harm. Definitely clean out the cage - she may be more suscpetible to infection if she is not well. If you do not take her to the vet, there is a chance that she will get worse. As long as she is eating and drinking and moving around she must be fairly comfortable - keeping an eye on this will give you a good idea of how she is progressing. If she starts to deteriotate significantly so that you feel she is suffering, she definitely needs to see the vet.</p><p> </p><p>I hope this helps, </p><p> </p><p>Jen </p>

Expert:	J E Harrison
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/14/2009

Veterinarian

UK small animal vet and acupuncturist with an interest in rabbits,geriatric patients and surgery.