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Please note: if you believe your pet's situation is critical, Dr. Baum urges you
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ASAP.
Dear Dr. Baum --
My gerbil ran from my
hand and while I was trying to catch him I stripped some skin from
his tail. How do I treat it and will the hair grow back?
Thank you,
Wayne Riggle
Orlando, Florida
Dear Wayne --
The prognosis varies with
the severity of the injury. If you ripped a full thickness piece of skin that leaves a
significant portion of the underlying tissue exposed, that portion
will ultimately dry up and die. Less severe injuries should heal by simply applying an antibiotic
ointment regularly that will keep the underlying tissue moist.
The downside of an ointment is that bedding in the cage can adhere
to it. This most commonly occurs with shavings so I advise changing to a
litter like Yesterday's News
which has a larger particle size.
Good luck!
Dr. B
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