Diseases Of Domestic Guinea Pi » (2nd Edition)

Richardson, V.C.G., MA,VetMB, MRCVS

This book provides a comprehensive text covering all aspects of guinea pig medicine. This updated edition will be of value to veterinary surgeons and students, veterinary nurses, breeders and all those working in the animal care industry. Written in note form the book assists in the formulation of a diagnostic plan when the practitioner is faced with a sick animal. Sections on clinical signs, diagnoses and treatments, allow rapid reference in successive chapters on the reproductive, digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal and urinary systems, the skin, head and neck, nervous system and husbandry.

All the latest drug information has been included and full details of dose rates, contraindications and components of the proprietary preparations are listed in chapter 11. A new chapter has been written providing information on herbal and homeopathic remedies.

Michael A. Ringenberg

The author of this text offers a systematic approach to the biology, behavior, diseases, and treatment of disorders relating to cavies. This second edition follows eight years after the previous publication. The purpose, according to the author, is to provide a comprehensive text covering all aspects of the species. The objectives are worthy for this subject. I believe the author's objective is met. The text is intended for small animal practitioners. The author provides a systematic approach to the species' specific anatomy and diseases affecting cavies. The conditions are addressed in bold headings followed by a brief (often a paragraph or two, seldom more than a full page) description of the signs and treatment of the disorder. There are few cartoons that are simple yet functional which are appropriately positioned in the text. A single chapter has been set aside in which the author specifically addresses the few zoonotic conditions. Appendixes include one for physiologic data and another for herbal/homeopathic treatments. Specific references are not given, but a short list of further readings is presented at the end of the text. The index is user-friendly. This is a comprehensive text solely devoted to the cavy. The text is geared towards the practitioner and will prove most useful to individuals having little experience with the species. While topics are often not covered in-depth, academic information is avoided and the focus is on the clinical aspects of the animal. The cost of the book is justified for individuals interested in gaining background information on these animals.

Preface..

1. The Skin.

Specific skin Conditions..

2. The Reproductive System.

Anatomy.

Reproductive physiology.

Pregnancy.

Infertility..

3. The Urinary System.

Anatomy.

Physiology.

Symptoms of urinary tract disorders..

4. The Respiratory System.

Anatomy and physiology.

Symptoms of respiratory disorders.

Respiratory infections..

5. The Digestive System.

Anatomy.

Physiology..

6. The Musculoskeletal System.

7. The Head and Neck.

The Eye.

The ear.

The mouth.

The Neck..

8. Behaviour and the Central Nervous System.

9. Husbandry.

Housing.

Nutrition..

10. Anaesthetics and Surgical Preparations.

Inhalation anaesthetics.

Injectable anaesthetics..

11. Treatments.

Antibiotics.

Probiotics.

Fluid therapy.

Anti-fungal agents.

Anti-diarrhoeal preparations.

Topical preparations.

Eye preparations.

Ectoparasitic preparations.

Endoparasitic preparations.

Miscellaneous treatments.

Vitamin preparations.

Cleansing solutions..

12. Alternative Therapies.

Homeopathy.

Common homeopathic remedies.

Herbal remedies.

Medicinal plants..

13. Zoonotic Aspects.

Appendix 1: Miscellaneous Physiological Data.

Appendix 2. Summary of Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies and their Uses.

Further Reading.

Index.