Contents : The rationale for this approach A few concepts and an introduction to the diagnostic process Methods and instruments Medical records The history General impression General examination Respiratory system Circulatory system Digestive tract Kidneys and urinary tract Female reproductive tract Male reproductive tract Skin, hair, and nails Mammary glands Locomotor system Nervous system Eyes Ears Endocrine glands Behavior Emergencies Handling and restraint - Injections and blood collection Collection of material for diagnostics in the lab Preanesthetic examination Health certification Birds Small mammals Reptiles Appendix 1 Guidelines for housing of rats, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets as experimental animals Appendix 2 Classification of reptiles Appendix 3 Basic husbandry requirements for reptiles (I) Appendix 4 Basic husbandry requirements for reptiles (II)