Gerbils Flashcards
What is the genus and species of gerbils?
Meriones unguiculatus
What is the average life span of gerbils?
24-39 months
What is the length of the estrus cycle in gerbils?
4-7 days
What is the length of gestation in gerbils?
23-26 days
What is the average litter size in gerbils?
3-8
What is the average weaning age in gerbils?
21-28 days
What do gerbils consume very little of?
Water
Where do they get their water from?
Food
What do gerbils have on their abdomen?
Prominent sebaceous glands
What research studies are gerbils used in?
Endocrine function studies
Lipid metabolism studies
Stroke studies
Radiobiologic studies
Why are gerbils used in Endocrine function studies?
Due to their low water requirement
Highly concentrated urine
Why are gerbils used in lipid metabolism studies?
Because they develop high serum and hepatic cholesterol levels even on a low fat diet
Why are gerbils used in Radiobiologic studies?
Because they are radiation resistant
Are describes the gerbils estrous cycle?
Polyestrous
Spontaneous ovulators
Are gerbils monogamous?
Yes. Males assist in caring for young
Are gerbils nocturnal?
No
What temperature is best for gerbils?
65-75 F
What is the best humidity for gerbils?
50 to 60%
Why should you avoid extreme temperatures in gerbils?
Because they can induce seizures
Where are subcutaneous injections usually given?
Under the loose skin over the shoulder area
What is the maximum volume you can give a gerbil SQ?
3 to 4 mls with a 21 g needle
Where must IM injections be given?
Quadriceps or gluteal muscles
Where can IV injections be given in a gerbil?
Cephalic
Lateral metatarsal
Jugular
Is fasting a gerbil required before anesthesia?
No because their small size and high metabolism predispose them to hypoglycemia and hypothermia when fasted
What is required for blood collection?
Anesthesia
What other sites can blood be taken from in a gerbil?
Retroorbital sinus
Cardiocentesis
What bacterial diseases are gerbils prone to?
Tyzzer’s disease
Salmonella
What viral diseases are gerbils prone to?
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
What cestode of gerbils is of zoonotic concern?
Rodentolepis
What other parasites can gerbils be infected with?
Syphacia oblvelata (mouse pinworm) Syphacia muris (rat pinworm)
What infections have been reported in gerbils older than 18 months?
Demodex criceti
Demodex aurati
What are the clinical signs of demodex infections?
Alopexia over the rump, back and neck
What is the treatment of demodex infections?
Topical acaricides
What is the most common benign neoplasia in gerbils?
Gastrointestinal polyps & adenomas of the adrenal cortex
What are the malignant tumors found in gerbils?
Lymphosarcoma
Gastrointestinal or adrenal carcinoma
What are the malignant tumors found in gerbils?
Lymphosarcoma
Gastrointestinal or adrenal carcinoma
What do older gerbils develop?
Chronic interstitial nephritis
What is commonly seen in older females
Cystic ovaries
What is indicative of barbering?
The absence of pruritis or evidence of alopecia
What is a common condition of juvenile gerbils?
Nasal dermatitis
What is Nasal dermatitis also known as?
Red nose
Sore nose
Stress-induced chromodacryorrhea
What is a nasal dermatitis infection associated with?
Staphylococcus Stress factors (loss of cagemate, incompatible mate, overcrowding)
What are the clinical signs of Nasal Dermatitis?
Nasal dermatitis
Alopecia around the upper lip and external nares
What is the treatment of Nasal Dermatitis?
Topicals
Mechanisms to reduce stress
Gerbils are social animals but can become aggressive when:
Overcrowded
Gerbil cages should have a securely fitting lid because gerbils:
Can jump fairly high
Gerbils are native to:
The harsh desert regions of the Mongolia, southern Siberia, and northern China
