Etiology: Cystic ovarian disease accounts for the majority of cases of decreased fertility in breeding aged gerbils.
Incidence: The incidence is common. Cystic ovaries occur in approximately 50% of all female gerbils over one year of age.
Clinical signs: Usually there are no clinical signs. Abdominal swelling, symmetrical alopecia, lethargy, anorexia and infertility may be seen [1].
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and can be confirmed with histopathology.
Photo on left courtesy of: MONGOLIAN GERBILS: Care, Diseases, and Use in Research, S. L. Motzel, DVM, MS, PhD, J. E. Wagner, DVM, MPH, PhD
1. The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, And Other Rodents. 1 ed2012, 225 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA 02451: Elsevier.