Gp care is a very steep learning curve and changes rapidly.For so many years gps were rarely taken to vets so the vet schools did not se any needx to give the students any training in rodents.In fact,they got scant training in rabbits who have always been more popular pets. Untill the last few years,practically the only studies of gps were done in laboritories.,and conditions there are very different to pet gps. Also, lab.animals are nor kept alive long enough for long term studies to be done on them.
When I first started to keep piggies,many years ago,I was horrified a t the lack of literature about them.I scoured all the uni book stores,but could only find lab.based books.Even now there are very few vet books on gps.Peter Gurneys books are excellant but as they were written a few years ago,are sadly rapidly going out of date re meds.,although the general info is still sound.
There is only one book on gp anatomy and physiology,and that went out of print years ago.Anne got her copy from Peter who had been donated the book from a retiring vet.I took 3 months to get my copy through an antiquarian bookshop.It cost nearly £100 !.
Forums like this are necessary to get the knowledge we have all acumulated to all the new owners.
Hopefully,one day,as much will be known about gps as cats and dogs.,then owners will not have to travel many miles to a good vet.
