Exotic mammal diagnostic endoscopy and endosurgery.

Despite the extensive use of endoscopy in avian and domestic animal practice, inclusion of exotic mammals (rabbits, rodents, ferrets, and so forth) in the endoscopist's case load is a much more recent phenomenon. Initially used as a means for the detailed evaluation of the oral cavity, rigid endoscopy has also become invaluable for the evaluation of the nasal cavity, urogenital tract, and increasingly for laparoscopic procedures. This article summarizes the most common procedures used by the author for first opinion and referral cases, and introduces some of the recent developments that are expected to become the standard of care in exotic animal practice in the future. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.