Share thisElsevier released the Second Edition of Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, Clinical Medicine and Surgery, by Katherine E. Quesenberry and James Carpenter in 2004. Contributors from around the world specializing in exotic small mammals have combined their expertise to create a reference book for such unique species including sugar gliders, prairie dogs, and hedgehogs. Since the first edition, published in 1997, the popularity of these small animals as household pets has grown tremendously, thereby necessitating veterinary attention. Advances in human and veterinary medicine and research have also contributed to their improved medical care as many of these species are used as research models.
The book is divided into five sections of exotic animal categories, a general topics section encompassing reference data for all of the species, with the final section being an extensive drug formulary. Each of the animal sections contain detailed chapters on information such as basic husbandry, disease problems, medical management, and soft tissue surgery. Section One on ferrets and Section Two on rabbits comprise nearly half the text, with comprehensive chapters on gastrointestinal, urogenital, respiratory, neoplastic, and dermatologic diseases, and commonly encountered surgical problems. The section on ferrets in particular begins with excellent diagrams of ferret anatomy and is full of demonstrative black and white photos. Although several of the photos throughout the book are blurry, the majority are of good quality and quite useful.
After basic veterinary care and handling, the chapters therein follow a logical systems approach to common diseases and surgery. Each of the five animal sections is organized in a similar manner for easy reference, complete with many clear tables and charts of information, photos, and excellent diagrams. Each of the chapters cites extensive reference material for the veterinary staff. The small rodent section also lists suggested reading and resources for the small mammal exotic pet owner, children and adults alike.
“Section Six: General Topics” is an interesting resource for dentistry, orthopedics, endoscopy, ophthalmology, and zoonoses of the aforementioned species. Although not an extensive section, it outlines the key information fundamental to the care of most small exotic mammals, pointing out important species differences. Excellent radiographs, well-labeled illustrations, and several color plates of endoscopy and cytology are included for completion. Often more knowledgeable in the area of zoonotic disease than their physician counterparts, veterinarians are an important link in the health care chain since nontraditional animal species are not only an integral part of the laboratory but increasingly as companions to the general public.