Veterian Key

CHAPTER 3 INVERTEBRATES Trevor Zachariah, Mark A. Mitchell Invertebrates represent the largest group of animals on Earth, with approximately 1 million species characterized to date. Additional species are being discovered…

CHAPTER 14 RABBITS Kristine M. Vennen, Mark A. Mitchell Domestic rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, belong to the order Lagomorpha, and their ancestors are from Western Europe and northwestern Africa.1,2 Unlike rodents,…

CHAPTER 18 CHINCHILLAS Shannon M. Riggs, Mark A. Mitchell COMMON SPECIES KEPT IN CAPTIVITY There are two species of chinchilla that are kept in captivity: Chinchilla laniger (or lanigera) and…

CHAPTER 15 HAMSTERS AND GERBILS J. Jill Heatley, M. Camille Harris COMMON SPECIES KEPT IN CAPTIVITY Hamsters and gerbils are members of Rodentia, the largest order of mammals. Their name…

CHAPTER 16 HEDGEHOGS J. Jill Heatley COMMON SPECIES KEPT IN CAPTIVITY Hedgehogs are members of the order Erinaceomorpha, family Erinaceidae, subfamily Erinaceinae. The 12 species from 5 genera are widespread…

CHAPTER 12 MICE AND RATS Thomas N. Tully, Jr. This chapter, on mice and rats, contains information on the companion species that is useful for veterinarians treating the animals or…

CHAPTER 19 WILDLIFE Maya Bewig, Mark A. Mitchell IMPORTANCE OF VETERINARIAN PARTICIPATION IN WILDLIFE CARE As humans continue to encroach on previously undisturbed and pristine wild habitats, the frequency of…

CHAPTER 11 MARSUPIALS Deborah Carboni, Thomas N. Tully, Jr. INTRODUCTION Marsupials are an interesting group of animals. These primitive mammals are being presented to veterinarians with increased frequency. This chapter…

CHAPTER 13 FERRETS Tiffany M. Wolf The ferret, Mustela putorius furo, has been domesticated for more than 2000 years. Its origin and early use are unclear, but historically it has…

CHAPTER 2 PREPARING YOUR HOSPITAL FOR EXOTIC PETS Mark A. Mitchell ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INCOROPORATING EXOTIC PETS INTO A VETERINARY PRACTICE When considering whether to incorporate exotic species into…