Exotic Animal Formulary, 2nd Edition
J Herpe Med Surg 12[1]:36 Spring'02 Book Review 0 Refs

"This formulary is a 'must-have' for anyone in the exotic animal medicine business. Although the formulary covers a variety of animals from fish to sugargliders to primates, I would like to concentrate on the parts pertinent to the reptile and amphibian practitioner. ... The primary drug classifications are antimicrobials, antifungals, antiparasitics and restraint/anesthetic agents. Additional categories include hormones, nutritional and fluid support, and miscellaneous. Numerous appendices are also pertinent to the reptile practitioner, including classification of select antibacterials in exotic animal medicine, antimicrobial susceptibility tables and select laboratories for avian and reptile diagnostics. As it is a formulary, it also contains tables such as determining the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of animals, allometric scaling and common abbreviations used in prescription writing. ... The individual sections are divided into tables as previously described. The tables contain the drug name, usually more than one dosage, frequency, route, and indication, with associated comments. Reference numbers are also included. The reptile section is very thorough, not only in the number of drugs listed, but with many indications for their use in snakes, lizards and chelonians. Where data for specific species are known, that information is also mentioned. ... At the end of the formulary portion of the reptile section are several appendices that are very useful. ... Two tables that are especially useful to the exotic animal practitioner are on the diagnosis and treatment of dystocia and metabolic bone disease (nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism) in reptiles. ... The amphibian section offers a variety of treatment options and has a nice selection of bath treatments, which are often easier to use with the smaller species than injectables. It also contains a section on the use of hormones. The restraint section is quite comprehensive and also contains drugs to be used for analgesia. The miscellaneous section is once again very helpful with feeding formulas, vitamins and topical treatments. An appendix on physiological values and a comprehensive reference section wrap up the chapter. ... The book is priced well and is a necessary addition to any exotic animal practice." Reviewed by: Nancy Carpenter, DVM