Tyzzer’s disease can kill gerbils quickly. Because gerbils are prey animals, they tend to hide signs that they are sick. If a predator ever sees a sick gerbil, it is easier to kill a gerbil than a healthy gerbil. Gerbil keepers should observe their pets daily to learn how their pet eats, sleeps, poops and defecates regularly. Variations from this can characterize a disease such as Tyzzer’s disease.
For an unknown reason, male gerbils come down with Tyzzer more often than females, according to Susan Brown, DVM. Women can still catch and die from this disease. The good news is that Tyzzer’s is very affordable. Regularly cleaning the gerbil’s tank and removing all uneaten fresh food after a few hours can reduce harmful bacteria growing alongside the gerbil. Fresh food can rot after a few hours.
Warning Signs
The bacteria that causes Tyzzeri’s disease attacks the digestive system and liver. And this will cause the gerbil to either lose its appetite or significantly reduce its appetite. A gerbil will also not be as active and may just want to sleep all the time.
Another important sign is that the gerbil is going into a hump. A gerbil may lose interest in things that normally excite him or her, such as a special food treat. Hiched stature can make a shirt scruffy or undress from odd angles.
Also see the castings. Gerbils should have well-formed balls and not runny or soft balls. Gerbils usually keep themselves very clean, but a sick gerbil can clean itself under the tail of its hind legs. These areas could be stained with feces.
Cure
The prognosis for gerbils with Tyzzer is poor, but treatments are possible. The gerbil can stop drinking and therefore the water syringe helps to reduce dehydration from the flow of the stomach.
All suspected gerbils need a Tyzzer at the vet. Sometimes vets can order medicine over the phone without the need to bring the gerbil in, but they need to have seen the gerbil recently. Policy change from vet to vet. The gerbil should be prescribed an antibiotic such as tetracycline.
Any sick gerbil companions will also be infected, even if they do not show any symptoms. This is why Tyzzer’s writing is incredibly contagious. Cage members will also need to be placed on a round of antibiotics. See hand washing when treating a sick gerbil with Tyzzero to avoid spreading it to other gerbils, pet mice or other small mammals.
References:
“Gerbils.” Sue Fox TFH Publications; 2007
Pet MD. “Tyzzer’s Disease in Gerbils.” http://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/digestive/c_ex_gb_tyzzer_disease
Veterinary Partner.com. “Small Mammal Health Series: Gerbils.” Susan Brown, DVM. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A;=682&S;=1&SourceID;=43
Report:
- agsgerbils.org/Learn/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.php< /li>
- netvet.wustl.edu/species/gerbils/gerbils.txt< /a>
- www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/digestive/c_ex_gb_tyzzer_disease< /a>< /li>
