Gerbil Ear Infections

Elderly gerbils are more likely to develop ear infections than younger gerbils. Gerbils have a relatively short life span, usually between three and five years. Gerbils older than two years may develop rapidly onsetting ear infections. Both middle- and inner-ear infections are common. Left untreated, these infections can be very severe or a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a middle- or inner-ear infection include scratching and wobbling. Some gerbils may turn uncontrollably or spin when trying to walk.

    Treatment

    • Symptoms usually develop very rapidly with few warning signs. Take a sick gerbil to the veterinarian for antibiotic treatments. Ask the veterinarian for pain medicine as well, because ear infections are extremely painful for these animals.

    Chronic Infections

    • If your gerbil does not respond to antibiotic treatments or develops another ear infection soon after treatment, it may have a more serious condition. Aural chloesteatomas are the most common ear disease, though ear and brain tumors may also be the cause.

    Aural Chloesteatomas

    • This condition is a mass in the inner ear caused by protein buildup. These masses are found in 50 percent of elderly gerbils.

    Inner Ear Damage

    • Aural chloesteatomas and other ear tumors cause elderly gerbils to develop hearing loss and inner-ear damage.

    Surgery

    • Some inner-ear problems and masses can be treated with surgery. However, it is best to catch ear infections early to avoid surgery or long-term complications.