The Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science, Second Edition: Animal Models, Volume III is the final volume of the Handbook. Like Volume II, it is dedicated to the use of laboratory animals as models for humans in a range of biomedical research disciplines. Although Volumes II and III aim to give a comprehensive introduction to the use of animal models in biomedical research, there will be areas of research not covered by this Handbook. We welcome comments from readers and colleagues that may assist us when correcting errors and updating the text when the time comes.  We are most grateful that so many eminent scientists who are leaders in their respective fields agreed to contribute to this book with their knowledge and hands-on experience from their own research.
The individual chapters of Volume III are focused on the use of animal models in very different research areas. We hope they will be found useful for other specialists in the respective subjects as well as for postgraduate students embarking on their studies. Each chapter can be read as a stand-alone text without the necessity to consult other chapters for information. However, the entire Handbook is an integrated text with respect to giving an in-depth introduction to laboratory animal science. Volume I is focused on basic laboratory animal science — the value of animals as sensitive research tools and the importance of safeguarding the well-being of animals used in biomedical research, as well as the importance of implementing the three Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) in biomedical research. The chapters in Volumes II and III are all on applied laboratory animal science and comparative medicine. They do not necessarily emphasize the importance of animal welfare and implementation of the three Rs, because this principle underlying all modern use of animals in biomedical research has been thoroughly dealt with in Volume I. Biomedical postgraduate students are thus advised not just to read the most relevant chapter(s) in Volumes II and III but also to peruse Volume I.
We hope that our readers will find Volume III useful, and we wish to take this opportunity to thank the many readers of Volumes I and II for their constructive and kind comments. We also wish to thank John Sulzycki and his expert team at CRC Press for their great enthusiasm and help in the process of producing this Handbook.