I was not directing the post at you or sage tikeyas_mom, I used gerbils as an example cuz they are the critter I know the most about. sage had nothing to do with it. in fact I had been wondering about that for a ong time long before I ever found this board.

primbella: yes if it was really serius I supoose you could take them to the vet. I personally would not though, I want my animals to be comfy and under my care. not in some strange place where I can not be sure of anything