Epileptiform seizures

Gerbils (both sexes) may manifest epileptiform seizures if excited by a sudden noise, handling, or a novel environment. This condition is manifested in animals at about 2 months of age, and incidence increases with age. Typically, episodes last a few minutes and involve hypnotic, cataleptic, or grand mal seizures. Animals recover with no outward ill effects.

This condition is inheritable. There are gerbil strains available that are seizure-prone and seizure-resistant. Animals with this predisposition can be habituated to some stimuli, such as handling, for minimizing the occurrence of seizures.