Introduction

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Domestically raised mice and rats are very popular pets in the

United States.  They are readily available, relatively

inexpensive and easy to care for, and usually enjoy human

handling.



These animals have been used extensively in research laboratories

for many years.  Consequently, their medical problems (many of

which are inherited disorders resulting from intensive

inbreeding) have been traditionally approached on a group basis

rather than on an individual basis.  As a result, very little

practical and useful information exists on the medical care and

treatment of individual pet mice and rats.  Furthermore, even

less information is available to the pet owner on responsible

home care of murine rodents and recognition of their potential

medical problems.