Hi!
A week ago I lost 3 , five week old Gerbil pups out of a litter of 4 to what
I think was Tyzzers disease.The symptoms were listlessness,low body
temperature, ruffled coat, eyes closed, dihorreah and loss of weight.Two of
them actually died in my hand and were fitting as they died.
Stupidly I didn't take them to the vet as the Parents and the remaining pup
were doing well.They all still are doing well.
However yesterday an unrelated mother Gerbil who had 8 pups started showing
the same symptoms.The pups were trying to feed bvut she didn't have the
energy.I took the whole family to the vet (including dad) and she said that
the Male looked fine (which he was he was still trying to mate with her) so
she didn't think it was contagious and said it was likely to be the stress of
having a large litter. she injected her with some warm fluid, Baytril and
another antibiotic.She survived the night and I gave her another shot of
Baytril by a dropper this morning.I went to work for 4 hours but when I
returned she was dead:(
The vet reccommended feeding the pups every hour with KMR and keeping them
as warm as possible.So they are in a room with a fire and also have a hot
water bottle .I have seperated them from the father as I will need to handle
them a lot to feed them and he may not recognise their scent.Also a couple of
the pups have had their rear legs chewed at and I am not sure whether it was
the mother or the father.
I am just looking for any advice really that anyone can give me to help the
little ones through it (there are only 7 now I think one must have been eaten
as no sign!).I am stimulating their stomachs with a cotton bud after feeding
to make them go to the toilet but I haven't seen anything pass yet.They are
taking to the KMR well though so at least thats something.
Sorry it's so long and thanks for any help.
Sarah
