Which laboratory rodent is particularly prone to epileptic seizures?

• A. Rat
• B. Hamster
• C. Gerbil
• D. Guinea pig

Answer: (C)

Gerbils have a natural predisposition to seizures, with spontaneous epileptic events happening in many individuals and can be triggered by handling or sudden noise. This heightened susceptibility is linked to brain circuitry, particularly in the hippocampus, which makes neural networks more prone to abnormal, synchronized firing that leads to a seizure. In a lab setting, you’ll often observe seizures during acclimation or under stress, so gentle handling, stable environmental conditions, and careful monitoring are essential. Signs to watch for include sudden loss of balance, tonic postures, tremors, or rhythmic movements around the face or jaw. While other rodents can seize, the incidence is much lower, making the gerbil the best answer to identifying a rodent particularly prone to epileptic seizures.