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My gerbil is biting its stomach

  • Nibbler

    My 3 year old gerbil nibbler has been biting the same area on his stomach more and more lately, and now the area has a big so bloody lump on it, why might he be doing this? and what can i do to make him stop?

    Symptoms: lumps and swellings
  • Matthew Homfray

    Hi

    You need to rule out mites for sure, Nibbler might be biting himself because he is itchy. Mites are very common and are often picked up from an infested batch of bedding (e.g. sawdust). Were that to be the case, he would need a shot of ivermectin, perhaps several shots over a few weeks to eliminate them.

    Otherwise, he could have an abscess or tumor there - whatever the reason, you ought to get him checked out at a vet. Until then, clean the area with salty water to reduce the chance of infection.

    Good luck

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    PDSA is the UK's leading veterinary charity, caring for more than 350,000 pet patients belonging to people in need. We provide free veterinary treatment to sick and injured animals and we promote responsible pet ownership.