Resources for preclinical EMS

A thorough understanding of healthy animal behaviour and the impact of environmental factors is essential to help prevent, diagnose and resolve behaviour problems. Observation of the rabbit, handling, and behaviour problems are all addressed in this chapter. A questionnaire is included at the end of the chapter.

Problem’ behaviour in cats brought to the attention of veterinary surgeons is based on the individual owner’s subjective assessment and perception of what constitutes a problem. Many of the behaviours highlighted by owners will be normal for the species but are misinterpreted by the owner as being ‘bad’. This chapter looks at taking history, house soiling, urine spraying, aggression toward other cats, aggression toward people, anxiety/fear, excessive scratching of furniture, behavioural problems associated with old age, feline facial pheromones, psychotropic medication and when to refer.

In order to work cooperatively with cats, in which the fight or flight response is triggered so easily, we need to engender empathy, based on an understanding of their nature and innate behaviours, i.e. to see things from a cat’s perspective. This chapter looks at understanding feline behaviour, environmental adaptations in the home, reducing the threat of the clinic experience from the cat’s perspective, equipment, general approach and handling, taking the history and examination. Quick reference guides: Calculation of energy requirements for ill cats; Techniques for simple procedures; Examining the eye; Examining the mouth; Thoracic examination; Neurological examination; Blood sampling.

The ferret is a small carnivore of the Family Mustelidae, which also contains stoats, weasels, otters and badgers. Ferrets are long thin carnivores with short legs, adapted for hunting in tunnels and cavities. Many of their features are similar to those of the dog or cat. The chapter considers where the ferret differs greatly from other species in the following areas, Skeleton; Gastrointestinal tract; Respiratory system; Urogenital system; Adrenal glands; Blood, Skin and fur; Nervous system; and Senses. In addition, the chapter discusses Reproductive biology; Behaviour; Husbandry; and Health care.

There is an increasing trend for keeping rodents as pets and correspondingly high client expectation that their pet will receive quality veterinary care. As such it is important for the veterinary surgeon in practice to have up-to-date knowledge when dealing with this mammal group. The aim of this chapter is to outline some of the basic biological, anatomical and physiological features of rodents and give information on their basic housing, nutrition, reproduction and preventative healthcare.