Diabetes sure leaped to my mind when I read the original post (large gerbil,
drinking alot). The three cardinal signs of diabetes are: Polyphagia
(increased appetite), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyuria (increased
urination). I don't think the obesity is a sign as much as it is a definite
risk factor. Long term, untreated diabetes tends to make people (animals)
waste away despite all the eating and drinking as the sugar cannot get into
the body cells but spills out in all that urine. So get him to a vet before
he starts wasting away!
And if any of the beloved listmembers is having those symptoms, PLEASE look
into it immediately. The statistic of undiagnosed diabetes doesn't come to
mind, but I do know it is frighteningly high.
