It is most important when dealing with exotics and wildlife to treat these animals with the same kind of respect given to cats and dogs.

It may be that if you are unaccustomed to dealing with a particular species additional advice may need to be sought. As with all the subjects encompassing veterinary nursing always ask a qualified veterinary nurse or the veterinary surgeon if there are any aspects regarding a case which need further clarification.

Useful websites:

www.wildlifetrusts.org - information on wildlife groups.
www.russelrabbit.com - information promoting the well-being of small animals.

The Small Animal Directory produced by Supreme Pet Foods is a good source of information for the nutritional requirements of "children's pets".

Recommended reading:

• Veterinary Nursing (Butterworth Heinemann) - Edited by D R Lane & B Cooper - Chapter 10 Exotic Pets & Wildlife - by J E Cooper & C J Dutton.
• Multiple Choice Questions in Veterinary Nursing - Edited by the College of Animal Welfare.