Something happened to one of our two gerbils yesterday. It became apparent that my daugther, age of three, took one of the gerbils out of the cage without my knowledge. I believe that the gerbil escaped from her hand before she chased and accidentially stepped on its behind. It bit her finger so hard that it bleed a lot for a small cut. I think the gerbil was in deep pain when she picked it up. Im little concerned if it may have common diseases. We got the gerbils free from a friend who stated that he got it from another friend. The bad news is that since my daugther stepped on its back and it lost the use of its hind legs. It can only crawl with its front legs, dragging its hind legs around. I feel that it suffered a broken backbone. My main concern is whether the gerbil has some kind of common diseases, possibly rabies. I know dogs do get rabies, but Im not too sure about the gerbils.

i have had many gerbils and i have never read that they carry any diseases. you could always call your doctor's office and ask if she needs any shots, but i think your daughter will be okay. i hope you have the little gerbil put out of his pain.