Clinical problems in small mammals: Eleven-year retrospective study

Abstract

The article presents the results of observations concerning the practice of the Division of Small Mammals at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at The University of Life Sciences in Lublin between 2008 and 2018. The 11-year period analysed here, was in Poland a time of increased interest of rabbits, rats and mice as companion animals. This resulted in the creation of specialized veterinary clinics, increased interest in training in small mammal veterinary medicine, and numerous publications on this subject addressed to practitioners. The results of this retrospective study reveal changes that took place in the veterinary medicine of small mammals during that period, especially with regard to the treatment and diagnosis of this type of patient. This knowledge may be useful for veterinarians, as well as for manufacturers of veterinary drugs.