Is surgery safe for an old, stressed gerbil with a belly lump?

Question

Hi. My gerbil has what looks like a growth on his belly. I have called my vets and they told me to bath it in rock salt water till I can bring him in. They have told me the only option would be to operate to remove, but I'm unsure about this he's quite an old gerbil and my past gerbils got so stressed by vets that they have passed away within a week. Would I be doing the right thing to just keep it clean. He's eating, drinking and acting normal. Advice please I'd do anything so he doesn't suffer. Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Anaesthesia can be very hard on small mammals. In the case of an older gerbil I feel that it would be a lot to put the little thing through for what may be not a lot of time. Personally I would leave the lump alone if it is not infected or causing discomfort. If the lump starts to interfere with his quality of life I think it would be kinder to have him put to sleep rather than put him through surgery.

Is surgery safe for an old, stressed gerbil with a belly lump?

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