Common Surgical Procedures in Pet Rodents

Performing surgical procedures, whether elective or therapeutic, on pet rodents is an important component of clinical exotic companion mammal medicine. The most common surgical procedures involve the reproductive system (both elective and therapeutic) and the integument. Dental procedures are also frequently performed on pet rodents and knowledge of normal, topographic and surgical anatomy is essential to adequately perform routine as well as complex surgical procedures on these companion animals, as well as specialized equipment. This article reviews the basic principles of surgery and common surgical procedures.