Prefac
The Fourth Edition of Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits has been extensively revised in response to reviewers' and colleagues' comments, as well as addition of new material that has arisen since the Third edition was published in 2007.
In particular, the chapter on rabbits has been significantly revised and expanded. A resounding message from reviewers and colleagues was to publish this edition in color. Technology has advanced such that color images are not only possible but also cost-effective. The images in this text are nonpareil, and have been generously contributed by colleagues, gleaned from the recent literature, and derived from personal collections of the authors.Also notable in this edition is the change in authorship. Dean Percy has fully retired as an active author of this text, but his significant input remains throughout the text from previous editions. This book was his dream, and its long-term success since publication of the First Edition in 1993 can be largely attributed to his vision, energy, and perseverance. Stephen Barthold stepped up to the leadership for this edition, with the considerable assistance of his friend and colleague, Stephen Griffey. Reviewers suggested a third, younger author (Dr. Griffey) to carry on the tradition of this text in future editions. Dr. Griffey, like Drs. Percy and Barthold, is a veterinary pathologist with extensive experience and expertise in laboratory animal pathology.
Delving into the literature has been a thoughtprovoking journey down memory lane. Many of the contributors to the laboratory animal pathology field are deceased. Unfortunately, younger members of our profession must forego the privilege of personally knowing these giants upon whose shoulders our field has been built. Discovery of new diseases continues, but not at the pace that took place in the 1970s and 1980s.
This book is dedicated to our families, our mentors, our colleagues, and our students... past, present, and future. It is especially dedicated to the subjects of this text: laboratory rodents and rabbits. They contribute enormously to biomedical and veterinary science, and deserve our respect and full support.