Finding a Vet

How do you find a vet experienced with small animals to treat your gerbil? This can be difficult as many vets do not see many small animals. Try these sources to find a vet familiar with gerbils. (Thanks to the AGS members list for these suggestions!)

http://www.avma.org/statevma/default.asp - the American Veterinary Medical Association’s database of state Veterinary Medical Associations lets you search by specialty within your state.

http://www.aemv.org - the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians lists veterinarians by state under the link for geographical location.

http://www.aav.org - the American Association of Avian Vets. Avian vets often treat other exotics as well.

http://www.ratfanclub.org/vetref.html - a list of vets recommended by the Rat Fan Club for Eastern and Midwest US.

For people in the Northwest Boston, MA area, we recommend Dr. William Sager, Sager Animal Hospital, 436 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720, (978) 263-3535.

The Visit

Bring the sick gerbil with his or her companions when you see the vet. Unless its normal housing is too heavy or awkward to travel, bring your gerbils in their usual housing. More than a few situations requiring a vet’s attention involve a husbandry issue, or require treatment of companions.

Bring the water bottle, but remove it from the tank while travelling, other wise it will drip all over.

Write down the progression of illness and symptoms you have noticed. Jot down what food you are feeding, how much and how often.