Ana_The_Dreamer
Well-Known Member
I know it's a bit strange to ask about gerbils on a rabbit website, but I'm not sure where else to turn.
I have a wonderfully sweet 4 year old gerbil, Daisy. Over the past few months Daisy's teeth have been splitting. So I've been trimming them every other week for her, and giving her soft foods. But recently, she's just gone down hill. She's skeleton skinny (but still eating and drinking), doesn't move much, and always sleeps. I think she's also now having respiratory issues (She's sneezing and squeaking constantly). She's also developing head tilt. I know she's in pain just by the way she moves around.
Last night I picked her up and discovered she has a huge tumor growing in her stomach. The whole "pear/bell" shaped body, way too skinny body, etc: should have caught my attention sooner. But it didn't. I guess I was in denial or something. I feel so irresponsible!
She's hardly eating at all anymore, not even opening her eyes.
I feel absolutely horrible about her situation and just don't know what to do! I know putting her down would be the most merciful thing. I can't help wanting to be selfish and let her live as long as she can. Daisy has a cage mate, Loki. I also don't know how Loki will deal with Daisy passing. So that's another concern. The thing that upsets me the most, is when I pick her up, she's lively and wants to run around and play. I can't help but think, "Well, she wants to live!"
I just need some advice is anyone has any. I'm clueless and feel like if I put her down, I'll be playing God or something. If that makes any sense. :bigtears:
(If anyone needs any background on my gerbil experience, I've owned many gerbils over the past 10 years. But none of them have died/begun to die like this.)
I have a wonderfully sweet 4 year old gerbil, Daisy. Over the past few months Daisy's teeth have been splitting. So I've been trimming them every other week for her, and giving her soft foods. But recently, she's just gone down hill. She's skeleton skinny (but still eating and drinking), doesn't move much, and always sleeps. I think she's also now having respiratory issues (She's sneezing and squeaking constantly). She's also developing head tilt. I know she's in pain just by the way she moves around.
Last night I picked her up and discovered she has a huge tumor growing in her stomach. The whole "pear/bell" shaped body, way too skinny body, etc: should have caught my attention sooner. But it didn't. I guess I was in denial or something. I feel so irresponsible!
She's hardly eating at all anymore, not even opening her eyes.
I feel absolutely horrible about her situation and just don't know what to do! I know putting her down would be the most merciful thing. I can't help wanting to be selfish and let her live as long as she can. Daisy has a cage mate, Loki. I also don't know how Loki will deal with Daisy passing. So that's another concern. The thing that upsets me the most, is when I pick her up, she's lively and wants to run around and play. I can't help but think, "Well, she wants to live!"
I just need some advice is anyone has any. I'm clueless and feel like if I put her down, I'll be playing God or something. If that makes any sense. :bigtears:
(If anyone needs any background on my gerbil experience, I've owned many gerbils over the past 10 years. But none of them have died/begun to die like this.)
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