In Practice 20: 286-295 (1998)
© 1998 British Veterinary Association

Developments in the veterinary care of rabbits and rodents

¹ The Comparative Biology Centre, The University of Newcastle

THE popularity of small mammals as pets, rabbits in particular, has increased in recent years. In the past, clinical management of these species was hampered by a lack of readily accessible information, but this is now changing with the publication of a range of useful texts. This article highlights some of the developments in the veterinary care of rabbits and rodents, with particular emphasis on the use of anaesthetics, antibiotics and other therapeutic agents. It is important to note that many of the products discussed do not have a product licence for the species concerned, and veterinary surgeons must use their clinical judgement when using these agents.

Note:

The author wishes to thank Mr Alan Waller for providing the suturing illustrations, and his colleagues in the Audio-Visual Centre, University of Newcastle, for their patience and expertise in producing the photographic illustrations.