Charles River Offers Free Handbook of Clinical Signs in Rodents and Rabbits

The Handbook of Clinical Signs in Rodents and Rabbits is a free resource designed to help those working with rodents or rabbits to recognize and clearly describe both abnormal and normal clinical conditions for these animals.

The handbook is organized into two sections. Section 1 discusses how to make observations and then describe those observations using clinically applicable terminology and measures. Section 2 contains descriptions and images of normal and abnormal clinical findings, some of the latter of which may be associated with illness, behavioral abnormalities, genetic conditions or injury.

The handbook is 133 pages long and features a table of normal physiologic values, an anatomic terminology guide and body condition scoring guides. It also includes a comprehensive glossary and 128 full-color images. The text is in English; however, French, Spanish and Chinese versions will be available in the near future.

The handbook is written as an introductory guide containing practical clinical information that will be useful to anyone working with laboratory rodents and rabbits, including veterinary technicians, research personnel, veterinary students, students in research programs, veterinarians and others involved in animal care programs, including regulatory and oversight bodies.

The handbook is offered free of charge. Multiple copies can be provided to institutions upon request. Unfortunately, due to the proprietary nature of some illustrations and text material, electronic copies of either the handbook or its illustrations are not available. To obtain a copy, contact us at askcharlesriver@crl.com.