Changes

[[Aminoglycosides|Aminoglycosides]] are toxic to gerbils. Due to this antibiotic ointments that contain aminoglycosides can cause mortality due to ingestion of the drug. Clinical signs may include neuromuscular paralysis due to dysfunction within the [[Neurotransmitters_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|acetylcholine]] system.

[[Aminoglycosides|Aminoglycosides]] are toxic to gerbils. Due to this antibiotic ointments that contain aminoglycosides can cause mortality due to ingestion of the drug. Clinical signs may include neuromuscular paralysis due to dysfunction within the [[Neurotransmitters_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|acetylcholine]] system.

===Endoparasites===

===Endoparasites===

====Pinworms====

====Nematodes====

There are two main types of endoparasite that are found within laboratory gerbils. These include the mouse pinworm, ''Syphacia obvelata'' which is found in the cecum and/or the small intestine. The gerbil pinworm '''Dentostomella translucida'' can also be found in the same areas of the digestive tract. Both types of worm can be identified by a fecal flotation test.

There are two main types of endoparasite that are found within laboratory gerbils. These include the mouse pinworm, ''Syphacia obvelata'' which is found in the cecum and/or the small intestine. The gerbil pinworm '''Dentostomella translucida'' can also be found in the same areas of the digestive tract. Transmission is via the faecal-oral route. Mild enteritis may occur with a heavy infection but no clinical signs have been reported in gerbils. Both types of worm can be identified by a fecal flotation test.

====Protozoa====

====Protozoa====

Flagellated protozoa such as ''Giardia'' and ''Tritrichomonas'' are commonly found colonising the intestines of the gerbil. However, these protozoa are commensals and naturally occurring and therefore are usually not associated with any clinical signs. Overgrowth of these protozoa can lead to disease. Identification of these protozoa can be performed by faecal examination for cysts.

Flagellated protozoa such as ''Giardia'' and ''Tritrichomonas'' are commonly found colonising the intestines of the gerbil. However, these protozoa are commensals and naturally occurring and therefore are usually not associated with any clinical signs. Overgrowth of these protozoa can lead to disease. Identification of these protozoa can be performed by faecal examination for cysts.

====Tapeworm====

====Tapeworm====

The tapeworms ''Hymenolepis nana'' or ''Hymenolepis diminuta'' can cause dehydration and diarrhoea.

The tapeworms ''Rodentolepis nana'' (dwarf tapeworm) or ''Hymenolepis diminuta'' can cause dehydration and diarrhoea. ''R. nana has a direct life cycle and has the potential to infect humans if ingested.

 

===Enteritis===

===Enteritis===

The bacteria ''Salmonella enterica'' has been shown to cause enteritis in gerbils along with food deprivation. Clinical signs include moderate to severe diarrhoea, a rough coat, weight loss, depression and dehydration. Morbidity and mortality are higher in younger animals. Transmission is associated with food or bedding contaminated by insects and/or other gerbils.   

The bacteria ''Salmonella enterica'' has been shown to cause enteritis in gerbils along with food deprivation. Clinical signs include moderate to severe diarrhoea, a rough coat, weight loss, depression and dehydration. Morbidity and mortality are higher in younger animals. Transmission is associated with food or bedding contaminated by insects and/or other gerbils.