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

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

===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.  

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. 

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Macroscopic pathological findings will include a congested liver and distension within the gastrointestinal tract. There may also be a fibrinosuppurative peritonitis. Microscopic findings will include a positive culture of ''Salmonella'' species.

Macroscopic pathological findings will include a congested liver and distension within the gastrointestinal tract. There may also be a fibrinosuppurative peritonitis. The spleen may contain patchy pulmonary haemorrhage. There may also be a concurrent peritonitis. Microscopic findings will include a positive culture of ''Salmonella'' species.

 

===Starvation/Water Deprivation===

===Starvation/Water Deprivation===

These findings will often be associated with gerbils that have been kept in overcrowded conditions or after shipping. Weanlings are also particularly susceptible if they are unable to reach the food container or water bottle.

These findings will often be associated with gerbils that have been kept in overcrowded conditions or after shipping. Weanlings are also particularly susceptible if they are unable to reach the food container or water bottle.