GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS

The Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery is designed to be a source of information for veterinarians involved in public and private practice on reptiles and amphibians. The Journal is interested in all aspects of care for these species including natural history and maintenance in captivity as well as particular medical and surgical problems. Authors may submit manuscripts for publication in the following sections:

In My Experience:

Brief clinical experiences regarding adverse or unusual drug reactions, empirical drug dosages, therapeutic modalities, diagnostic aids, disease trends, species idiosyncrasies and herpetological medical care and husbandry in general.

Case Reports:

Reports of clinical cases with detailed introduction, signalment, history, captive care, laboratory and pathologic data, diagnosis, therapy and results. Cases need be neither unusual nor successful in their outcome, but they should be informative to veterinary practitioners. While multiple cases are preferable, single cases are acceptable if thoroughly documented. Discussion should emphasize the important clinical, pathologic and therapeutic features; should identify what is new and not previously appreciated and should include appropriate review of literature.

Pathology Pages:

This brief section is designed to familiarize practitioners with the specific animal as well as gross and histologic aspects of the featured disease. In addition, a short discussion of the disease and treatment options should be provided.

Nutrition Notes:

This section seeks to educate readers about nutrition of reptiles and amphibians through questions and answers, articles, abstracts or reviews of articles, listing of relevant publications, unique food-stuff compositions and updates from researchers.

Care in Captivity:

A section designed to improve knowledge of husbandry for common species so that owners can be intelligently advised.

Techniques:

This section is designed to educate readers about various diagnostic techniques.

Original/Review/Roundtable Articles:

In-depth articles or discussions focusing on a specific disease or topic; review of literature relating to a specific topic; clinical data and research concerning specific diseases or species.

Manuscript Submission

Two copies of each manuscript should be submitted to Thomas H. Boyer, DVM, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 3454 Chasewood Drive, San Diego, CA, 92111, USA; 858-484-3490; Fax: 858-541-2075; Email; terrapins@msn.com

1. Manuscripts, including references, photo and figure legends should be typewritten and double spaced using 12-point Arial with 1-inch margins and left justification. A 3.5 inch, 5-inch or compact disk, containing the manuscript on a word-processing file, should be submitted.
2. Manuscripts must be accompanied by a cover letter from the corresponding author. The cover letter must include the mailing and e-mail addresses, telephone and fax numbers.
3. A separate title page should include the title, the authors' full names and academic degrees, affiliations (hospital, institution) and complete addresses for all of those listed.
4. An abstract is required for all manuscripts except IMEs. The abstract should summarize your key points.
5. A list of six key words should precede all articles. Key words should include genus and species.
6. Species mentioned should be listed by common name, then italicized taxonomic name (for example, inland bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps). Where applicable sex, age, whether wild-caught or captive-born and length of time in which its history can be documented should also be included.
7. All measurements should be given in the metric system. Biochemical values should be listed in Systeme International units with conventional units in parenthesis, or on the next line (if in a table). Temperatures should be in Celsius, with Fahrenheit in parentheses.
8. Abbreviations may be used in the text if the full meaning was previously stated but should not be used to begin a sentence. Standard pharmaceutical abbreviations need not be explained. Numbers less than ten should be spelled out.
9. Drugs and all other products should be listed by generic or chemical name followed by, in parentheses, trade name, concentration, manufacturer, city and state or country (if other than United States). Dosages of all drugs should be given in mg/kg or ml/kg (if mgs are inappropriate), not how many milligrams or milliliters were given to an individual animal. Route of administration (abbreviated), frequency of dosage and duration of treatment should be indicated. If known, the ambient temperature at which the animal was maintained during treatment should be listed. For example, 2.5 mg/kg amikacin (Amiglyde V, 250 mg/ml, Fort Dodge Laboratories, Fort Dodge, IA), SC q 72 hr for 6 treatments at 30°C (86°F).
10. Black and white photographs are preferable to color, either should be submitted as 2 sets of 4 by 6 inch glossy prints or 35 mm slides or as Jpegs via email. Color is only used if it significantly improves understanding. Photographs should be labeled with the author's name, figure number and the top side indicated on the back. Drawings should be in black India ink. Glossy black and white photographs of the original drawing are preferable. Short legends must be provided for each photograph and should be typed on a page separate from the text. Illustrations should not be glued, stapled or taped to sheets of paper. Arrows or other identification marks should be applied on a tissue paper overlay over the photograph except for photomicrographs where a reference scale (e.g., 10 mm) should be on the print itself.
11. References should be cited by author and year, in parenthesis, and then listed in alphabetical order at the end of the text. For references with three or more authors, citations in text need include only the first author followed by et al; all authors should be listed in the bibliography. Journal titles should be abbreviated in a consistent manner. Use the following style: (Frye, 1998) then (Schumacher, et al, 1994) then (Bennett and Mader, 1996) then (Lawton, 1997)
    Chapter or Article in a Book
    1. Bennett RA, Mader DR. 1996. Soft tissue surgery. In Mader DR (ed): Reptile Medicine and Surgery. WB Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA:287-298.
    Article in Journal
    2. Schumacher J, Jacobson ER, Homer BL, Gaskin JM. 1994. Inclusion body disease in boid snakes. J Zoo Wild Med, 25(4):511-524.
    Proceedings
    3. Lawton MPC. 1997. Common ophthalmic problems seen in chelonia. Proc ARAV, 153-161.
    Personal communication
    4. Frye FL, DVM, MSc, FRSM. Personal communication, 1998. FL Frye and Associates, 741 Plum Lane, Davis, CA 95616.
12. All manuscripts are submitted with the understanding that all authors have seen the article. The Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery reserves the right to reject any manuscript. Submitted manuscripts are subject to anonymous peer review. Authors are expected to respond to reviewers' comments and make revisions within 14 days. Revised manuscripts are sent out for review again. Manuscripts that pass peer review are accepted for publication provided that the author has addressed all questions and concerns raised by review.
13. Acknowledgments should be limited to persons who have contributed materially to the content.