Gerbil Seizures

Gerbils are prone to experiencing seizure activity in their adulthood. Although there is no known treatment for gerbil epilepsy, the animal can hurt itself during aggressive seizure activity and should be seen be a veterinarian promptly.

  1. Symptoms

    • Gerbils engaged in a mild seizure will remain motionless, staring into the distance for a short time. More intense seizures may result in the twitching of limbs and, sometimes, brain damage.

    Expert Insight

    • According to Dr. Holly Nash of the Veterinary Services Department at Drs. Foster &Smith, Inc., seizure activity in gerbils is an inherited trait affecting up to 40 percent of all gerbils.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Gerbil seizures are thought to be prompted by rough handling, fright or exposure to a new environment. According to PopularPets.net, frequent handling of the gerbil during its first few weeks of its life can decrease the risk of adult epilepsy.

    Theories/Speculation

    • According to the National Gerbil Society, scientific studies have shown that gerbils prone to seizures spend less time engaging in certain social activity, like scent gland marking and fighting with other gerbils.

    Considerations

    • The American Gerbil Society highly discourages the breeding of gerbils that have exhibited seizure activity due to the high genetic propensity to the disorder.