Why is My Gerbil’s Poop Red? Common Causes and Treatment Options Explained.

by

As mentioned above, a gerbil’s poop can vary in color from light brown to dark brown. The color can also be influenced by their diet. For example, if a gerbil eats vegetables with high beta-carotene content, such as carrots, their poop may appear orange.

Consistency

A healthy gerbil’s poop should be firm and dry. If the poop is soft or runny, it may indicate a digestive issue that requires veterinary attention.

Why is My Gerbil’s Poop Red?

There are two possible reasons why your gerbil’s poop might be red – it could be bloody stool or reddish/brown poop.

Bloody Stool

Bloody stool is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. The causes of bloody stool in gerbils can include:

Internal Injury

If your gerbil has suffered an internal injury, such as a ruptured spleen or a perforated intestine, it can lead to bloody stool. In this case, your gerbil may also exhibit other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing.

Bacterial Infection

A bacterial infection can cause inflammation in the intestine, leading to bloody stool. If your gerbil has a bacterial infection, they may also have other symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as coccidia and giardia can cause bloody stool in gerbils. If your gerbil has intestinal parasites, they may also exhibit other symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, and dehydration.

Colitis

Colitis is a condition that results in inflammation of the colon. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, diet, and bacterial infection. If your gerbil has colitis, they may have bloody stool as well as other symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Treatment Options

If you suspect that your gerbil has bloody stool, it is important to take them to a veterinarian immediately. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the bloody stool. Treatment options may include:

Antibiotics

If your gerbil has a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up the infection.

Antiparasitics

If your gerbil has intestinal parasites, antiparasitic medication may be prescribed to eliminate the parasites.

Diet

If your gerbil has colitis, your vet may recommend a change in diet to reduce inflammation.

Reddish/Brown Poop

Reddish/brown poop is less serious than bloody stool, but it is still important to identify the cause and seek veterinary attention if necessary.

Causes

The causes of reddish/brown poop in gerbils can include:

Diet

If your gerbil eats foods with high levels of beta-carotene, such as carrots, their poop may appear reddish/brown.

Certain Medications

Certain medications, such as iron supplements, can cause reddish/brown poop in gerbils.

Treatment Options

The treatment for reddish/brown poop will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

Adjusting Diet

If the cause of reddish/brown poop is related to the diet, your vet may recommend adjusting their diet to reduce the pigment in their poop.

Stopping Medications

If your gerbil’s reddish/brown poop is caused by a medication, your vet may recommend stopping or adjusting the dosage of the medication.

When Should I See a Vet?

If you notice that your gerbil’s poop is red, it is important to monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if necessary.

Signs of Serious Illness

If your gerbil exhibits any of the following signs, it may indicate a serious illness and requires immediate veterinary attention:

Loss of Appetite

If your gerbil stops eating or drinking, it can indicate an underlying health issue.

Weight Loss

If your gerbil is losing weight rapidly, it can indicate an underlying health issue.

Behavior Changes

If your gerbil is behaving differently than usual, such as being lethargic or aggressive, it may indicate an underlying health issue.

Dehydration

If your gerbil is dehydrated, it can indicate an underlying health issue. Symptoms of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry mouth, and lethargy.

Diagnosing and Treating Serious Illnesses

If your gerbil exhibits any of the signs above, it is important to take them to a veterinarian immediately. Your vet may perform blood and urine tests as well as x-rays and ultrasounds to diagnose the underlying health issue. Treatment options may include IV fluids and medications.

Conclusion

Red gerbil poop can be a cause for concern, but it is important to identify the underlying cause and seek veterinary attention if necessary. Whether it is bloody stool or reddish/brown poop, understanding the causes and treatment options can help keep your gerbil healthy and happy. Remember to monitor your gerbil’s poop regularly and seek veterinary attention if you notice any changes.

ThePetFaq Team
Latest posts by ThePetFaq Team (see all)