.png)
As a veterinary nurse, having the right textbooks can make all the difference when presented with an exotic pet. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why I'm here to introduce you to my top 5 textbooks. These books have been carefully chosen for their content, readability, and relevance to the subject of exotic animals. Whether you're a student or experience veterinary nurse, these textbooks are sure to provide you with the knowledge and understanding you need to excel in your nursing career. So without further ado, let's dive in and take a closer look at these fantastic resources!
In no particular order-
1.Exotic Animal Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide Second ed. by Lance Jepson
Pros-Covers species seen in most countries including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, pet rats, hamsters and other small rodents; parrots, budgerigars and related species, canaries, finches, toucans; lizards, snakes, tortoises and turtles, frogs, salamanders; pond fish, tropical freshwater fish and tropical marine fish.
Is a quick guide for diagnostic approaches, clinical techniques, anesthetic protocols, and treatment regimens offers an invaluable source of useful clinically applicable material.
Cons is targeted at Veterinarians however is still useful as a veterinary nurse/technician
Why I love it I found it useful for finding information on nursing the not so commonly seen species, especially when I was wanting to get into zoo nursing, the marmoset section was very helpful!
Cost $107.77 (as of 29/10/23)
Pages 656
2. Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets Second ed. by Simon Girling
Pros It offers in depth information on the three species groups (reptiles, small mammals and birds) including anatomy, husbandry, diet, anaesthesia, diseases and treatments
Cons Although touches on most areas required for nursing, doesnt have the opportunity to go into as much detail as their advanced programmes go into. Heres hoping they do a newer edition
Why I like it This book is my 'bible' that I have used more than any other textbook. It covers most areas needed and has had most of the answers needed throughout my exotics career, definitely a must have for any nurse wanting to get into the field
Cost $93 (as of 29/10/23)
Pages 384
3. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine & Surgery Third ed. by Stephen J Divers and Scott J Stahl
Pros Many well respected specialists have contributed to this text
to make it the most comprehensive reptile veterinary textbook on the market. An extensive amount of topics and species covered (including amphibians!)
Cons The price can be a bit hefty as an upfront cost, however it is truly an investment that will get lots of use in its time
Why I like it If you know me, you know im a reptile girl through and through, so being able to find the answer to pretty much every question Ive ever had within this textbook is a win.
Cost $313.52 (as of 29/10/23)
Pages 1537
4. Medicine of Australian Mammals by Larry Vogelnest and Dr Rupert Woods
Pros The most comprehensive textbook covering veterinary care of Australian
mammals. Covers many aspects of their care, including some great medication references and disease info.
Cons It would be great to have a textbook that covered ALL Australian species, not just mammals, however can you imagine how large that would have to be!
Why I like it goes quite in depth and has chapters written by many talented vets across the country. It is easy to use and a textbook I recommend every vet clinic owns
Cost $195 (as of 29/10/23)
Pages 704
5. Carpenters Exotic Animal Formulary Sixth ed. by James W Carpenter and Craig A. Harms
Pros Has drug recommendations, calculations and doses for most exotic pets you will find within the pet industry (including those found in the UK and US pet industry). Also has numerous tables containing biologic, hematologic, and biochemical norms of common exotic pets.
Cons I really havent found any! This book is used daily in exotic clinics that I have worked in, is regularly updated and very easy to use
Why I Like It Its an absolute necessity for any vet clinic that sees exotic pets
Cost $98.53 (as of 29/10/23)
Pages 848
Happy reading!
-Sam