Pets and Puberty: A Guide for Owners and Breeders

Understanding Pinworm Infection In Gerbils

Pinworms are a common type of worm infection found in gerbils. They are parasitic worms that thrive in the intestines and are highly contagious. Gerbils can contract pinworms from contact with faeces from infected beetles or fleas or from contaminated water and food. Pinworms can make your gerbil very sick if they are not eliminated. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approach for pinworms in gerbils.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a pinworm infection in gerbils include diarrhoea, loss of appetite and weight loss. If your gerbil stops eating and drinking, they will quickly become dehydrated, which will leave them feeling lethargic and can cause their coat to become rough and dull. Without prompt treatment, your gerbil's abdomen will become distended and they will experience abdominal pain, which will lead to them not wanting to be handled. In the latter stages of a pinworm infection, your gerbil's organs, particularly their liver and kidneys, can become damaged.

Diagnosis And Treatment Approach

Your vet will make their diagnosis by taking details of your gerbil's symptoms and conducting a physical examination. A stool sample will be taken and analysed for the presence of pinworm eggs. Blood and urine samples will also be obtained to check for dehydration, organ function and the presence of raised inflammatory markers, which is indicative of inflammation.

A pinworm infection is treated with anti-parasitic drugs that kill the pinworms in the gastrointestinal tract. The pinworms are then dispelled when your gerbil opens its bowels. If your gerbil is dehydrated, they will also need intravenous fluids, and your vet may recommend an amended diet or vitamin supplements for a few weeks to help your gerbil recover their strength.

As pinworm infection is highly contagious, your gerbil's living environment should be thoroughly disinfected to remove any pinworm eggs, which can't be seen by the naked eye. Additionally, your gerbil should be kept apart from any other pets in your home until your vet has reviewed them at the end of their treatment period.

Once your vet has given your gerbil the all-clear, there is no need to take any further precautions, but if you feel you would benefit from some advice relating to keeping your gerbil's living environment clean and ensuring they have fresh and clean food available with minimal risk of contamination, ask your vet. They will be happy to support you in any way they can to keep your gerbil healthy and happy.

If your gerbil has symptoms associated with pinworm infection, schedule an appointment with a vet as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary suffering.