The Merck Veterinary Manual (10th edition)
Reviewed by Derek D. Nestor, DVM, DACVIM
The Merck Veterinary Manual is known as a reference for veterinary students and practitioners. The 10th edition of the Merck Veterinary Manual continues to fulfill the purpose of being a concise, but thorough, source of information on disease diagnosis and treatment in a wide variety of species.
The 10th edition of the Merck Veterinary Manual continues many of the features from previous editions. The book is divided into 2 sections. The first section of the book is arranged by anatomic systems and features information regarding diseases that affect those systems. The second half of the book covers special topics or disciplines, such as behavior, nutrition, and toxicology. Thumb tabs allow readers to rapidly locate a particular anatomic system or topic, and a table of contents at the beginning of each section can be easily navigated to find the subject of interest.
The 10th edition of this book has several changes. Each chapter has been reviewed and updated, and several chapters have been substantially rewritten. There are also 10 new chapters that include topics such as African hedgehogs and cloning of domestic animals. The most important change is the fact that images are included in the 10th edition. Photomicrographs, illustrations, and radiographic, ultrasonographic, and endoscopic images are all included and are an extremely pleasant improvement over previous editions.
This book continues to be a valuable resource for veterinary students and veterinarians. The changes made to the 10th edition make the book more useful and continue to keep it current. The book is priced appropriately, given the size and content.—By Cynthia M. Kahn. 2,945 pages; illustrated. Merck & Co Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889. ISBN 0-911910-93-3. 2010. Price $60.00.
Advances in the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament
Reviewed by Nicole J. Buote, DVM, DACVS
In this first installment of the Advances in Veterinary Surgery book series, one of the most important anatomic structures, the canine cruciate ligament, is explored. Advances in the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament is the only book of its kind to focus solely on the canine cranial cruciate ligament, and it delves into everything from the microanatomy of the ligament to the myriad treatment modalities available to practitioners. Although the aim may have been for a broad audience, this book would primarily appeal to board-certified specialists, residents, or private practitioners with a strong interest in orthopedics.
The book is organized into 6 sections that include Structure and Function, Etiopathogenesis of Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Clinical Features, Surgical Treatment, Medical Management of Cruciate Rupture, and Future Directions. There is a succinct introduction to each section and each chapter that encapsulates the most important points for readers and allows them to easily find the section or chapter they need in a timely manner. The subchapters for the first 2 sections have extremely detailed basic science and biomechanical information with excellent visual aids, including photomicrographs, cadaveric photographs, and figures. In these first 2 sections, the current data regarding the role of the immune response in rupture of the cruciate ligament in dogs, stifle joint morphology, genetics, and biomechanics are discussed; however, the information may be too complex for some readers.
The sections regarding the clinical features of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs and surgical and medical management are excellent. There is the customary information summarizing epidemiology, clinical signs, and treatment modalities, but there are also 4 chapters on diagnostic imaging of the stifle joint that highlight exciting and underused modalities for diagnosis with wonderful images. Because this book was written as a project of the American College of Veterinarian Surgeons Foundation, part of the proceeds benefit that Foundation. I believe this book would make a wonderful addition to the library at any university, specialty hospital, or general practice with a high orthopedic case load.—By Peter Muir. 289 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1852-8. 2010. Price $124.99.
The Laboratory Xenopus sp.
Reviewed by Robert A. Wagner, VMD
The Laboratory Animal Reference Series published by the CRC Press has yielded another excellent pocket reference for a less commonly used non-mammalian animal of biomedical research. Xenopus spp have increased in popularity as laboratory animals and continue to serve an important role in biomedical research. The Laboratory Xenopus sp. is a practical reference for the humane care and maintenance of captive clawed frogs. It is well referenced and provides important biological information on husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental methods. This reference is thorough but brief and provides a good overview of the subjects. The sections of the book that focus on husbandry and experimental methods are particularly valuable. The section on veterinary care is well written and reflects the author's mastery of the subject. It is illustrated appropriately and fairly priced.—By Sherril L. Green. 162 pages; illustrated. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 6000 Broken Sound Pkwy NW, Ste 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487. ISBN 978-1-4200-9109-0. 2010. Price $59.95.
