Description
Book SynopsisHarkness and Wagner's Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents, Fifth Edition is a practical reference in small mammal husbandry and health, encompassing the fields of laboratory animal medicine and pet practice.
Trade Review"The stated goal of the book aims to provide an easy to use reference that adds to improving the welfare of rabbit and rodent species. That achievement is reached with this 5th edition; having added over 200 very informative photos, more pertinent case reports, expanded coverage with additional disease descriptions, and wonderful easy-to-read tables. An instant flip of the pages and the reader will connect with this texts ability to inform and teach." (The Vin Book Reviews, 25 February 2011)
"My overall impression is that this is an indispensable text for practitioners in referral practice or studying towards a higher qualification, but would not be the text of choice for the average general practitioner." (Veterinary Record, 19 March 2011)
The first edition of Harkness and Wagner's Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents was published in 1977. Since then, this has become a respected textbook that is commonly found on the bookshelves of people whose profession or hobby involves rodents and rabbits.... Despite the fact that it is now an extensively illustrated reference, this comprehensive text remains an affordable paperback that should be of broad interest." (JAVMA, September 2010)
"This continues to be a strong introductory text for those caring for rodents and rabbits. The organization of the text facilitates the rapid development of differential diagnoses and performance of general biomethodology when caring for patients." (JAALAS, July 2010)
"The fifth updated edition of Harkness and Wagner's Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents is a 'must' for any library strong in small mammal husbandry and health. From lab animal medicine and pet practice to diagnosis, case studies, and clinical assessments of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and more, this reference is a key 'must' for practicing clinicians and vet students alike." (The Midwest Book Review, June 2010)
Table of ContentsPreface xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Chapter 1. Introduction, General Husbandry, and Disease Prevention 3
Introduction 3
Sources of Information 5
Taxonomy, History, and Behavior 5
Regulatory Considerations 6
Genetically Modified Mice 7
Equipment Needs 9
Major Concerns in Husbandry 11
Factors Predisposing to Disease 14
Allergies to Rabbits and Rodents 17
References 19
Chapter 2. Biology and Husbandry 23
The Rabbit 23
The Guinea Pig 45
The Chinchilla 58
The Hamster 65
The Gerbil 74
The Mouse 83
The Rat 95
Chapter 3. Clinical Procedures 107
Sample Collection 107
Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and Urinalysis 116
Medical Imaging 131
Ophthalmology 135
Administration of Drugs and Formulary 141
Anesthesia 147
Analgesia 167
Surgery 171
Dental Procedures in Rabbits and Rodents 180
Serologic Testing for Colony Health Surveillance 184
Other Special Techniques 187
Euthanasia 190
Chapter 4. Clinical Signs and Differential Diagnoses 195
The Rabbit 195
The Guinea Pig 208
The Chinchilla 219
The Hamster 220
The Gerbil 228
The Mouse 231
The Rat 239
Chapter 5. Specific Diseases and Conditions 249
Acariasis (Mite Infections) 249
Anorexia and Reduced Food Intake 260
Bordetella bronchiseptica Infections 262
Buphthalmia in Rabbits 265
Cestodiasis (Tapeworm Infestations) 266
Cilia-Associated Respiratory Bacillus Infections 269
Coccidiosis (Hepatic) in Rabbits 272
Coccidiosis (Intestinal) 275
Coronavirus Infections 277
Corynebacterium kutscheri Infections 283
Cryptosporidiosis 285
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) 287
Encephalitozoonosis 289
Enteropathies 292
Epilepsy in Gerbils 305
Gastric Stasis in Rabbits 306
Hantavirus Infections 308
Heat Prostration 310
Helicobacter Infections 311
Hematuria and Pigmented Urine 313
Hypovitaminosis C (Scurvy) in Guinea Pigs 316
Lawsonia Infections (Proliferative Ileitis of Hamsters) 319
Listeriosis 321
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection 322
Malocclusion and Dental Disease 324
Mastitis 327
Mousepox (Ectromelia Virus) 327
Murine Encephalomyelitis 330
Murine Mycoplasmosis 331
Murine Norovirus Infections 334
Myiasis (Fly Strike)—Primary 335
Myiasis (Fly Strike)—Secondary 337
Myxomatosis 338
Nasal Dermatitis (Sore Nose) in Gerbils 339
Neoplasia 341
Nephrosis 348
Oxyuriasis (Pinworms) 350
Parvovirus Infections 353
Pasteurella multocida Infections 355
Pasteurella pneumotropica Infections 359
Pediculosis 361
Pneumocystosis 363
Pododermatitis 364
Pregnancy Toxemia 366
Rabies Virus Infection 367
Ringtail 368
Rotavirus Infections 369
Salmonellosis 371
Sendai Virus Infections 373
Spironucleosis 375
Splayleg in Rabbits 377
Staphylococcosis 378
Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections in Rodents 380
Streptococcus zooepidemicus Infections in Guinea Pigs 382
Transmissible Colonic Hyperplasia in Mice 383
Tularemia 385
Tyzzer’s Disease 386
Ulcerative Dermatitis (Moist Dermatitis) 389
Urolithiasis 390
Venereal Spirochetosis (Treponematosis) 392
Viral Hemorrhagic Disease in Rabbits 394
Chapter 6. Case Reports 397
The Rabbit 397
The Guinea Pig 400
The Chinchilla 402
The Hamster 403
The Gerbil 404
The Mouse 405
The Rat 406
Suggested Solutions 407
Rabbits 407
Guinea Pigs 412
Chinchillas 415
Hamsters 416
Gerbils 418
Mice 419
Rats 421
Index 423
