The third edition of the Exotic Animal Formulary was initiated because of the rapid growth of exotic animal medicine in the past 5 years. Many of the veterinarians who have helped advance our field during this time agreed to become contributors to this edition; their role was to evaluate the drug dosages, relevant appendixes, and references published in the second edition and to expand and update these where appropriate.
This book is not intended to replace existing medical resources or the use of sound medical judgment but rather to serve as a guide in providing medical care to exotic animals. It contains a formulary (in table format) and appendixes with commonly needed information, as well as reference lists for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, miniature pigs, and primates. The tables assume that the reader has a reasonable understanding of veterinary medicine. For example, drug indications are generally listed only in unique situations. The appendixes have been carefully selected to include those topics of major importance in clinical practice.
As in previous editions of this book, the selection of species, drugs, and other information was based on an extensive review of the literature and on our collective teaching and clinical experience. The book is not intended to be all-inclusive but rather a quick reference for the common questions and medical situations we have encountered in clinical practice.
Unfortunately, relatively few pharmacodynamic studies of exotic companion pets are relevant to the medications we use in practice. Most dosages used in these species are based on empirical data, observations, and experience. Perhaps one of the greatest needs in exotic animal medicine is for us to increase our efforts in evaluating the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of the drugs that we use.
This book is intended to be a practical, “user-friendly,” and quick reference for veterinary clinicians, students, and technicians working with exotic animals. We hope therefore that you find this formulary and selected appendixes easy to use and that it adds to the quality of the medical care you provide to your exotic animal patients. Exotic animal practitioners face daily challenges to meet the pharmaceutical and clinical needs of their patients; our hope is that this book will help you meet these challenges.