Acknowledgments
In writing this book I am grateful to veterinary surgeons Peter Helmer, Doug Whiteside and John Lewington for contributing the excellent Amphibian and Ferret chapters.
I would like to thank the Natural History Museum of Ireland who provided the sources for the following illustrations: Fig 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.12, 6.14, 6.15, 6.17, 6.25, 6.67, 9.6, and 11.7.
Also Janet Saad for her exceptional snake photographs.The Elsevier editorial team were wonderful with their belief in this project, their constant support and endless patience. I would also like to thank Samantha Elmhurst for her skilful and beautiful illustrations. And Tasha my poor dog who missed out on walks so this book could be researched and written.
Lastly, I would like to dedicate this book to my beloved mother, the late Mary Pat O'Malley, whose enthusiasm and encouragement kept me going as I endeavoured to juggle the demands of lecturing and running my own exotic animal practice with writing this book.