Ferret care and husbandry.

Convivial and playful, the ferret has cohabited with humans for hundreds of years. Maintenance of this mustelid's health and quality of life is paramount for the endurance of the human-animal bond. This review article for veterinary care givers, veterinarians, and staff, encompasses discussions on: husbandry, clinical techniques, prevalent diseases, history taking, physical examination, vaccination, and pain recognition. This article also enables the veterinary community to contribute to the care and welfare of ferret patients by offering facts to distinguish these animals from dogs and cats.     

Avian care and husbandry.

Birds are becoming more popular as pets, and the need for veterinary professionals to learn more about these pets is crucial. This article introduces the veterinary staff to basic information required to provide high-quality care to avian patients. High-quality nutrition for a variety of species and ages is included in this article. The importance of proper husbandry and intellectual stimulation with toys is also discussed. Special emphasis is placed on instructions for clients when making appointments, as well as recognizing signs of illness for both clients and veterinary staff. Capture, restraint, and sample collection are an important part of this article, as well as medication administration, anesthesia, supportive care, preventive care and grooming. A variety of aspects concerning the care of the avian patient are covered for the benefit of the client and veterinary technician.     

Snake care and husbandry.

The snake has long been a contradictory species; you either love them or hate them. In the United States, these reptiles are popular pets.There is also a significant amount of energy placed into developing captive breeding programs to produce different color morphs for many species. In some cases, such as the ball pythons (Pythonregius), these color morphs can sell for 20,000 dollars to 30,000 dollars each. In comparison to domestic mammals, snakes are long-lived. It is not uncommon for corn snakes (Elaphe guttata guttata) to live for 15 to 25 years and for ball pythons to live 35 to 45 years. Because of the longevity and value of these animals, more snakes are being presented to the veterinarian to manage medical and surgical problems,as well as for routine medical care. Veterinary personnel working with snakes should familiarize themselves with the specific husbandry and medical requirements of these animals so that they can make informed decisions regarding their management.     

Rodent husbandry and care.

This article reviews the husbandry, care and normal behavioral preferences of pet rats and mice. It covers recognition of signs of pain, illness and abnormal responses, and describes necessary skills such as handling, blood collection and drug administration. Animal-human responses in owning and caring for rats and mice are considered. Included is advice on suitability of pet rats with children, neutering and dental examinations. The conclusion lists recommended textbooks, pet owner manuals, instructional CDs, and websites.     

Turtle care and husbandry.

Chelonians (turtles, tortoises, and terrapins) are not as well represented in private reptile collections as are snakes and lizards. Thismay be due in part to the fact that they often require more space and time for proper care. Nonetheless, they are still popular pets.Unfortunately, many people are not aware of what constitutes proper care for these animals. This article will discuss basic captive husbandry and nutrition issues of common chelonians, as well as recognizing illness, capture and restraint, sample collection, medication administration, and preventive care.     

Hedgehog care and husbandry.

An understanding of the unique behavior of hedgehogs is discussed,and is instrumental in approaching their nutrition, husbandry, and medical care. Physical examination, sample collection, anesthesia,hospitalization, and common signs of illness are presented.     

Pet fish care and husbandry.

This article guides the technician through the basic principles of fish health. Nutrition, including the proper storage of fish foods, is discussed,as are the varying dietary needs of fish. The ability to recognize water-quality problems is emphasized, especially the conditions that commonly result in high mortality. Collection of specimens for microscopic examination or other diagnostic tests is explained.     

Prairie dog care and husbandry.

The species of prairie dog most commonly found in the pet trade is the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomus ludovicianus. These prairie dogs are active, playful, and strong rodents that can make wonderful, affectionate pets when they are properly socialized and given attention. However, with a life span of 8 to 12 years, prairie dogs require a lot of care and a long-term commitment. Prairie dogs live in colonies; thus, they are highly social animals. Potential owners should understand a prairie dog's need for attention before adopting one.     

Guinea pig and chinchilla care and husbandry.

This article reviews breeds and coat colors of guinea pigs and chinchillas, their husbandry, care and anatomy. The unusual reproductive physiology and reproductive diseases of these animals are described. We cover nutrition, the potential for disease on poor diets, and the vocalization of hystricomorph rodents. Skills such as handling, sexing, blood collection and drug administration, including antibiotic toxicity are described. The conclusion lists recommended textbooks, pet owner manuals, and websites.     

Marsupial ophthalmology.

This article discusses ocular conditions found in marsupials. Marsupials are unique models for developmental biology because of their immature state of development at birth. There is considerable variation in the ocular evolution of marsupials, largely in response to their unique diversification. Many marsupials and their eyes have been studied.     

Marsupial, insectivore, and chiropteran anesthesia.

This article covers the manual restraint and anesthesia of marsupials, insectivores, and chiroptera. Marsupials commonly kept as pets in the U.S. [e.g., eastern gray kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus), and sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps)] are covered in detail. Marsupial species kept in zoological parks [e.g., Tasmanian devils, koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), and common wombats (Vombatus ursinus)] are covered in less detail. Of the insectivores, only the African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are commonly kept as pets and, consequently, the insectivore section concentrates on discussing these two species. The section on chiropteran anesthesia is divided into two broad categories: the megachiropterans (flying foxes and fruit bats) and the microchiropterans (insectivorous bats). Most of the information on the species covered in this article is anecdotal, and this should be kept in mind when using the anesthesia protocols described.     

Potbellied pig husbandry and nutrition.

Vietnamese potbellied pigs, when appropriately cared for, make excellent pets for some people. However, their proper housing, care, and training is more challenging to the average person than that required for most traditional pets, such as dogs and cats. Failure to feed and house the pet pig appropriately results in the most common health and behavior problems. The obese, intractable pet pig gives little pleasure to a pet owner and appears to lead a very poor-quality life, frequently leading to the pet pig being given away or worse. Preventing health and behavior problems is easy if pet owners are armed with correct information early, either before or immediately after their acquisition of a pet pig. A veterinarian prepared to share this information can save the lives of many pigs as well as keep clients happy and coming back.