Gerbils are usually relatively healthy, strong animals that hardly experience a day of sickness, although they sometimes get a variety of illnesses, including stroke.
A stroke is a dangerous ailment that threatens a gerbil’s health and life. It is essential to detect the symptoms of stroke in gerbils earlier to get treatment.
In this article, you will learn all stroke symptoms so you can take your gerbil to the veterinary early enough before major calamities like death occur. Let’s dive into it.
Symptoms of Stroke in Gerbil
1. Paralysis
Paralysis, partial or complete, is a vital sign that your gerbil has suffered a stroke. A gerbil that has experienced a stroke may be paralyzed on one half of its body and cannot move its limbs. Paralysis may indicate spinal damage.
If your gerbil continues to engage in typical behaviors, such as feeding and grooming, it may eventually recover from the stroke. Immediately consult a veterinarian if your gerbil is coiled up and unresponsive.
2. Head Tilting
Head tilting is when a gerbil tilts its head to one side. It is commonly a sign of a stroke. Nevertheless, if no other signs of a stroke are detected, it may indicate a tumor, mid-infection, or cyst.
Antibiotics treat these infections. If additional symptoms, like paralysis, are present, head tilting consults a veterinarian to confirm whether it’s a stroke.
3. Eye Issues
If the gerbil cannot wholly open one of its eyes, it may have a stroke. In the absence of additional stroke symptoms, the inability to completely open one’s eye may suggest damage or irritation. If the gerbil’s eye doesn’t improve, the veterinarian should examine it.
4. Disorientation
A gerbil’s disorientation indicates that it may have a stroke. Incapable of traveling in a straight path, the gerbil could rotate in circular motions or move uncomfortably. It might lose its equilibrium and tumble if it tries to stand.
If you feed the gerbil its preferred snack, it may not respond. All of these symptoms may indicate that the gerbil is disoriented. Visit the veterinarian immediately if it is so confusing and inactive that it is not feeding or grooming itself.
What Causes Stroke in Gerbils
The circle of Willis is a structure found in the gerbil brain. All mammals possess this structure inside their brains. It is a round structure composed of arteries that carry blood to the brain. Issues with this structure may bring on brain embolisms.
The gerbil’s circle of Willis is problematic. The circle is complete in humans, enabling blood to circulate freely. According to the Institute of Laboratory Animal Research, it is incomplete in gerbils.
When gerbil has a problem with their blood circulation, they are more prone than other creatures to have a stroke. While the underlying science is complex, the outcomes are straightforward.
The cerebral artery anatomy of certain gerbils is inferior to that of others. It could be passed on from their parents.
Because all pet gerbils are offspring of about fifty breeding pairs, inbreeding has posed a problem for decades. It has undoubtedly exacerbated the problem with the gerbil’s Willis circle.
Sadly, it’s hard to resolve this issue. If your gerbil is born with this condition, he will always have it.
What to Do if Your Gerbil Has a Stroke
Consider Taking Your Gerbil to a Veterinarian
If your gerbil has a stroke, you must take it to the veterinarian for an examination. Although many gerbils make a complete or nearly successful recovery after a stroke, it is prudent to get your gerbil examined to ensure that it is healthy.
Taking your gerbil to the veterinarian may assist verify that there are no associated issues and that your gerbil receives the necessary nourishment throughout the recuperation process.
Feed Your Gerbil if They Cannot Feed Themselves
You may provide their favorite food and water if your gerbil cannot feed themselves. Considering the gerbil might not be capable of standing and holding seeds or other meals in their paws, feed the gerbil soft food they can consume with their tongue.
Place the meal on a spoon for your gerbil to lick off. If your gerbil cannot swallow water, you may provide it using an eye dropper. Lower the water container so your gerbil can reach it more readily if necessary.
Provide a Stress-Free Environment for Your Gerbil’s Recovery
Providing your gerbil with stress-free surroundings may hasten its rehabilitation. If there are too many disturbances, gerbils may get quickly frightened and distressed. After a stroke, relocate the gerbil’s cage to a calm, low-traffic area to prevent loud sounds that might frighten them.
Consider leaving the room dark or placing a towel over a portion of the cage so the gerbil may sleep in a dark, quiet location.
Conclusion
Strokes are typical in gerbils of advanced age. Strokes induce paralysis anywhere on the gerbil’s body, making fundamental actions like feeding difficult.
If your gerbil has a stroke, ensure they are feeding, keep them comfy, supply them with materials to remain warm, and relocate them to a stress-free atmosphere.
