Which rodent is seizure-prone and may have seizures triggered by handling?

Which rodent is seizure-prone and may have seizures triggered by handling?

• A. Gerbils
• B. Rats
• C. Mice
• D. Hamsters

Answer: (A)

Seizure susceptibility varies by rodent species, and Mongolian gerbils have a known tendency toward seizures that can be triggered by stressors such as handling. Their nervous system is particularly sensitive to handling, so even gentle restraint can provoke a seizure in some individuals. That makes them the best answer here, since the other common lab rodents—rats, mice, and hamsters—are not typically described as seizure-prone from routine handling (they may seize under specific strains or conditions, but handling alone is not a characteristic feature for them). In practical terms, this means for gerbils you should use especially gentle handling and minimize stress to reduce seizure risk.

Seizure susceptibility varies by rodent species, and Mongolian gerbils have a known tendency toward seizures that can be triggered by stressors such as handling. Their nervous system is particularly sensitive to handling, so even gentle restraint can provoke a seizure in some individuals. That makes them the best answer here, since the other common lab rodents—rats, mice, and hamsters—are not typically described as seizure-prone from routine handling (they may seize under specific strains or conditions, but handling alone is not a characteristic feature for them). In practical terms, this means for gerbils you should use especially gentle handling and minimize stress to reduce seizure risk.