ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

The veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice
Volume 23 | Issue 3 (September 2020)

Geriatric Care of Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas.

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. September 2020;23(3):567-593.

Teresa Bradley Bays¹

¹ Belton Animal Clinic and Exotic Care Center, 1308 North Scott Avenue, Belton, MO 64012, USA. Electronic address: igvet@aol.com.

Abstract

Specialized veterinary care needed for geriatric rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas is described along with medical conditions common in this age group. Clinical signs of pain, safe analgesics, therapeutics, and alternative modalities are outlined along with guidelines for end-of-life care and decision-making. A handout containing advice for small mammal herbivore clients with geriatric pets is included.

Keywords

Alternative therapies; Chinchilla; Disease; Geriatric; Guinea pig; Hospice; Pain management; Rabbit;

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