Review by Kathy Lyon (Click on stars for an explanation)

You may purchase this book in the VIN store.

The first thing you notice about this book is the casual style of the author. The book is written in language suitable for clients and ferret owners. In fact, the preview text indicates that the book "Bridges the gap between ferret owner and the veterinarian". There are many experiential anecdotes scattered through the text, giving it a chatty tone. There are statements that appear to be unsupported by references, although there are plenty of scientific references listed at the end of each chapter. Perhaps some of these statements are supported in the list of references, but in that case, they should have been numbered in the text. Also, I would have liked to have attacked this text with a blue pencil. I apologize if this is the result of an unfamiliarity of Australian terminology and grammar structure

I suppose it is in keeping with the familiar nature of this volume that ferrets mentioned in the text or shown in photo, are referred to by their call-names. Am I old-fashioned in thinking that this is not correct in a scientific book? In all of my editing, I have always removed all references to personal pet names.

The information is very good. There are excellent contributors to this book and I know that their knowledge of ferrets is vast. There are numerous illustrations of the variety of coat colors and marking combinations. These would make any ferret breeder happy. The section on breeding and whelping is detailed and informative. The history of the domestic ferret is discussed in several different chapters.

Much is devoted to ferret diets, the varieties and usefulness thereof. There is a good chapter on diseases of ferrets, covering those diseases which may affect ferrets, their treatment, and prognoses. Some illustrations of surgeries are included. Also included, a nice series of endoscopic views from Dr. Michael Murray (USA). The chapter on parasitic diseases of ferrets is excellent, explaining the connection between dogs, cats, and rats/mice and ferrets in the cycle of disease.

Many chapters do not list an author, so I assume that the book author was the writer. Those written by other contributors list their names at the chapter heading.

Include in the illustrations are a number of radiographs. The chapter on dentition has an array of excellent examples of various diseases, represented by skulls.

I did not come away with a firm idea of what the author thinks of analgesics. He seemed to feel that once a surgery patient is awake, that the pain would be gone, but then he does recommend possible drugs and dosages. His recommendations however, come from other veterinarians and are quoted as being from "One ferret vet [sic]" or from "Another ferret vet [sic]" as though his information on analgesics all comes from others.

All in all, I have mixed feelings about this book. I am sure that there is an abundance of information about ferrets, more than enough to be of great interest to ferret veterinarians. The lack of professional direction may or may not be a distraction to the serious clinician. I would have been more impressed if the book had been directed more toward the veterinarian or veterinary student, rather than to the ferret owner. If the reader is not an editorial snob, then he or she will find the book delightful and informative.

Publisher's Comments
Features

• Bridges the gap between ferret owner and the veterinarian
• Tables and boxes highlighted for easy reference
• Many clinical cases are given throughout, ensuring vital points in the text are illustrated to the maximum
• Includes section on husbandry, offering basic information on how to keep ferrets
• Sections on medicine and surgery give more in depth content needed to treat ferrets

• 5 new chapters written by 4 new contributing authors
• New research on ferret genetics in breeding and examination, with discussion on genetic causes of diseases
• Further research given on Disseminated Idiopathic Myositis (a new mystery disease affecting ferrets in the US) and fungal infections in ferrets (especially Cryptococcosis foramens spp.)
• Full colour throughout with many new illustrations
• Expanded sections on anatomy, nutrition, adrenal disease complex and insulinoma

• Husbandry
• Classification, History and Current Status of Ferrets
• External Features and Anatomy Profile
• Accommodation
• Nutrition
• Reproduction
• Handling and Medication
• Medicine
• Viral, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases
• Parasitic Diseases of Ferrets
• Diseases of the Internal Organ
• Diseases of the Ferret Ear, Eye and Nose
• General Neoplasia
• Endocrine Diseases
• Surgery
• Anaesthesia and Radiology
• General Surgery
• Ferret Vasectomy and Orthopedic Surgery
• Ferret Emergency Techniques

Saunders/Elsevier publication, ISBN 0 7020 2827 4. Paper cover, 521 pages. Color and black and white illustrations. $110. USD