help my gerbil, too!

[Bill and Laurie Mueller]

I am new to this list.   I noticed this afternoon that my son's female gerbil suddenly had lots of blood on the left side of her face under her ear.  We washed her off as best we could, but it still seems to be bleeding and bothering her (she scratches it a lot)  Also, her back left leg now appears to be dragging.   The vet wants $55 for an appt and the gerbil was bought at a pet store for $6 a bit over a year ago.  I really hesitate to spend that much money when her lifespan is probably only 2-3 years anyway (right?)   is there anything I should look for or do??   Laurie in NY