Have you ever taken your ferret or rabbit to the vet and later thought, “I should have asked him/her about this?” The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult for Ferrets and Rabbits is a handy reference that can answer some of those questions. The book is divided into two main sections – one for ferrets and one for rabbits. Inside the front cover is a great picture of the skeleton and organs of a ferret and their relative location; inside the back is a picture of a rabbit’s organs. The book is arranged by problems and diseases since it is primarily geared for veterinarians to use during diagnostics.

Each topic has six sections. The first section is Basics. This covers the definition of the problem or disease, pathophysiology, systems affected, whether genetics plays a role, incidence/prevalence, geographic distribution (is this more common in certain geographies), signalment (do breed, sex, or age matter), signs, causes, and risk factors. The second section is Diagnosis. In this section various aspects of diagnosis are covered: differential diagnosis, CBC/Biochemistry/urinalysis, other lab tests, imaging, and diagnostic procedures. The Treatment section covers variables like diet and exercise. The Medication section offers information on current drug therapies including contraindications, precautions, interactions, and alternates. The Follow-up section includes information on monitoring and complications. The Miscellaneous section covers topics like associated conditions, age-factors, zoonotic potential, etc.

Why I like this book

When I run to the vet with an emergency I am usually choked up with anxiety about my animal. The vet usually tells me everything he is doing, what is wrong, what I should do …but I often get home and forget half of it. It could also be three or four days later and a new symptom presents itself. When I reach over and whip out the book to read up (again) on my pet’s illness, I am reading the same information my vet has. I can also look up things he/she may not have discussed like the zoonotic potential to make sure I am taking the proper precautions – especially around children.

If you are like me and have a copy of The Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment (for humans), you will certainly appreciate the format and content of The 5-Minute Consult for Ferrets and Rabbits.

Recommended: Yes
Species: Rabbits, Ferrets

Title: The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult – Ferret and Rabbit
Author: Barbara L. Oglesbee
Publisher: Blackwell
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 139780781793995

5 Minute Veterinary Consult for Ferrets & Rabbits is available through Amazon.com.


Love rabbits? Try artwork from Art.com