What was the vet's intention in using astro-turf? to eliminate any possibly
allergy sources? This doesn't sound wise to me- if accidentally ingested,
it could potentially cause a blockage. The best allergy-safe bedding to use
is plain white unscented tissue and paper.
I would give the remaining gerbil at least a couple weeks alone before
trying to introduce a new companion. Animals will often take time to grieve
for a lost companion.
Jill
----------
> From: Kelly Moore <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: re-post serious question
> Date: Monday, June 25, 2001 12:46 AM
>
> Okay, I would like to re-ask this question, as it's pretty important to
> myself and my remaining gerbil, and I feel that time is of the essence
here.
>
> (posted Saturday 23 June)
>
> Okay, I used to be on the GML, but unsubscribed awhile ago. Just
yesterday
> one of my female pair of a year and a half died from an advanced
> respiratory infection. I'm 2000 miles away, and wasn't able to diagnose
> the problem before it came to death. My question is this: the vet had my
> sister (the current care giver) replace the litter with astro-turf, rinse
> all parts in vinegar, take out most chewing stuff, and prescribed
> anti-biotics for the remaining gerbil, now under quarantine for 2 weeks
> (!?). I questioned the whole astro-turf thing. Also, should I attempt
to
> introduce a new cage mate (Spoo, the remaining one took forever to warm
up
> to Key, the now deceased one, however is now lonely and before
> introductions was pulling her tail fur out), and if so, what is the
> thoughts on the quarantine time length?
>
> I would greatly appreciate any feedback. It's hard being away from my
> "kids" (now kid) in their time of need.
>
> Kelly Moore
