Diabetes is generally associated with weight loss despite a normal
appetite. Increased thirst and increased urination are signs as well. The
urine in these situations tends to be very dilute due to the level of water
consumption. A urine dip test can "rule in" the possibility of diabetes,
but can't diagnose it definitively.
How old is Raven? One common cause of death in gerbils that can't be
determined except by a necropsy is renal failure, which does bring on
increased thirst. Also, a steady weight gain can also indicate a tumor on
the adrenal gland, although this is usually accompanied by some changes in
the sex organs, as the tumor will often cause the overproduction of sex
hormones.
Jill
----------
> From: Deborah Adams <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Diabetes information
> Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 3:20 PM
>
> I remember that some time ago there was discussion on this list about
> diabetes in gerbils. Anyone have any experience with this?
>
> Raven, my black yearling, has gained considerable weight lately and is
> drinking constantly. I've checked the water bottle repeatedly to see if
all
> this sucking is due to a clogged bottle but that's not it. Raven's been
> drinking his bottle dry.
>
> Of course, I can't really tell if he's urinating more, but I assume he
must
> be considering how much he drank this past week.
>
> Thanks for any information!
>
> Deb Adams
>
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