Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Lab Animal Health

Characteristics

Naturally consume v little water → dry feces

Require humidity of 30-50%

Temp tolerance of 0-32C

Longer + slimmer, long hindlimbs

Ventral sebaceous gland for marking territory

Sensitive to cedar induced bedding

Uses in Research

Radiation, infectious disease, endocrinology

Seizures after excitement, stress + show spontaneous recovery

Breeding

Monogamous + mate for life

Gestation period of 25 d

Estrous cycle of 4-6d

Spontaneous ovulation

Tyzzer’s Disease

Used as sentinels + highly susceptible

Caused by Bacillus piliformis - spore forming Grey spots on liver

Nasal Dermatitis

Stress-induced

Caused by S. aureus or S. xylosus

lesions + alopecia around upper lip + nose

Salmonella

zoonotic

diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss

Malocclusion

Overgrown incisors

trim teeth + allow access to things to chew on