Small Mammals: Self-Assessment Color Review PDF

Preface

Small mammal veterinary medicine has greatly expanded in its breadth of knowledge over the past ten years. During the same period, people owning pets such as rabbits, ferrets and rodents have demanded a higher quality of medical care than was formerly expected. These two factors have forced veterinarians to seek out sources of information about these species. Until recently, it has been difficult to obtain accurate, current, non-anecdotal written material on small mammals.

To aid veterinarians in their quest for information, we offer this text in a selfassessment format which challenges readers to use their clinical knowledge on a variety of species. We have assembled an international collection of distinguished colleagues that have contributed cases which range from basic to advanced. Therefore, this book can be used by veterinarians with a wide range of clinical experience.

The format is a question followed by its detailed answer on the next page. We have strived to construct every question and answer to ‘stand alone' and not rely on information provided in other cases. The topics consist of case reports, clinical techniques, anatomy and husbandry. We have tailored the number of questions per species to reflect the frequency in which these species are seen in practice. As such, rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs constitute the largest numbers of cases in the book.

A unique aspect of this book is that most questions are illustrated with a photograph, radiograph or diagram to aid in understanding a concept. Most case report answers include differential diagnoses to enable veterinarians to reason beyond the the scope of particular questions. Unlike many other small mammal texts, this is a very practical book with detailed solutions that allow veterinarians to put into use the information they have just read.

We anticipate that some readers will criticize the extent or complexity of the diagnostics and treatments suggested for some of the species in the text. Although financial constraints often determine the level of veterinary care patients receive, veterinarians are obliged to make owners aware of all the available options. We have offered in our answers the best possible treatment plans available at the time of writing and, as needed, other less complex or expensive options can be tailored from this information. We must, as veterinarians, offer the same high standard of care for these small mammal species as we do for other companion animals and let the owners decide for themselves the extent to which they wish to pursue treatment. The human-animal bond can extend to all species and it should not be dishonored by our prejudgments.

The text is not meant to be memorized. Small mammal medicine is a rapidly evolving field. The ultimate challenge to veterinarians is to apply the critical thinking this book demands, the fundamental veterinary medicine principles, and the basic knowledge of physiology, anatomy and husbandry to future situations that may be encountered in small mammal species.