Zoo Animal & Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia
Reviewed by Donald L. Janssen, DVM, DACZM
The editors of the comprehensive Zoo Animal & Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia had an ambitious plan when they set out to organize this textbook. Without doubt, this book will find a place on a convenient shelf in the library of almost every zoo hospital around the world. The editors state in the preface that the “goal of this book is to provide a comprehensive resource for anesthetizing any non-human animal.” The target audience includes clinicians, students, technicians, biologists, and researchers. There are 68 contributors, primarily from Australia and North America, who have provided 60 chapters covering anesthesia of virtually every species of veterinary interest. This large book is divided into 6 sections (pharmacology and drug delivery; supportive care, monitoring, and complications; physical restraint; anesthesia of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles; anesthesia of birds; and anesthesia of mammals).
Chapters are clearly written in a fairly consistent format, which facilitates the ability of readers to find information quickly. Almost all chapters provide current information and are extensively referenced, which allows readers to delve more deeply into subjects, if desired. Some chapters contain helpful, original diagrams and color photographs that aid in the understanding of key concepts, although many of the photographs are of lesser quality and appear to lack purpose. Tables are used frequently to summarize anesthetic regimens for a given group, and this adds value for readers.
The strength of this book is that it is comprehensive; this also results in minor weaknesses. With so many authors, there are the inevitable conflicting opinions and chapters of varying quality. Some of the general chapters, although creating a useful basic overview, are covered in general anesthesia textbooks and take up considerable space. In contrast, some taxonomic groups appear to receive inadequate attention. For example, there are only 3 chapters on anesthesia of birds, compared with 36 chapters on anesthesia of mammals. This hardcover text is fairly priced considering its usefulness as a comprehensive reference book.—By Gary West, Darryl Heard, & Nigel Cauklett. 718 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-2566-3. 2007. Price $149.99.
Epidemiologic Principles and Food Safety
Reviewed by Michele T. Jay-Russell, DVM, MPVM, DACVPM
Since the dawn of epidemiology as a scientific discipline following John Snow's famous removal of the Broad Street pump handle in 1854, maintenance of a safe food and water supply has been a core function of the public health system. Despite major advances in the understanding of agents that cause food-borne disease and the control of these agents, food safety remains a major concern and the subject of many textbooks. The description for Epidemiologic Principles and Food Safety states that this book is the first of its kind in food safety. Indeed, the compilation of relatively concise chapters by expert authors offers a unique perspective. The authors are notably direct in their discussion of the historical, political, legal, and economic implications of work in food safety as exemplified by the following quote from chapter 6: “The food-borne outbreak investigation is essentially a scientific study that takes place in an extremely public and political atmosphere, compressed in a relatively short period of time.”
In contrast to other texts that detail specific foodborne pathogens and toxins or statistical methods used in epidemiology, this book provides readers insight into the daily challenges of working as an epidemiologist on the front lines of food-borne illness investigation, regulation, and policy development. The chapters are supplemented with interesting historical facts, case studies, and reproduced data that illustrate the challenges and opportunities for epidemiologists and other professionals involved in this arena. Additionally, the authors explore the interface of infectious and chronic disease epidemiology and suggest that readers consider cross-fertilization between these disciplines to develop innovative approaches that will promote a safe food supply.—By Tamar Lasky. 254 pages; illustrated. Oxford University Press, 198 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10157-2081. ISBN 978-0-19-517263-8. 2007. Price $49.95.
Illustrated Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Alastair Watson, BVSc, PhD
Perhaps “The pen is mightier than the sword” or “A picture tells a thousand words” are glib aphorisms, but when words are combined with simple and clear illustrations, as in the second edition of Illustrated Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature, they indeed invoke power. Nevertheless, anatomic nomenclature sometimes raises displeasure in students and scientific writers, although this circumstance is probably a statement more about reluctance to change and the acceptance of a unified authority than about the terms themselves. Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, which was first published in 1968 and had its fourth edition in 1994 (including histologic and embryologic terms), is recognized internationally as the standard for names of anatomic structures in common domesticated mammals (eg, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, oxen, and horses) and, by homology, all mammals. The 614-page Illustrated Veterinary Anatomical Nomenclature contains the 6,545 Latin terms from Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, almost all of which are included in the 1,316 line illustrations. The arrangement of text, with the terms and brief definitions on the left-side page and the concisely labeled corresponding illustrations depicted on the opposite page, makes terms accessible and readily understandable. A 39-page index lists the terms alphabetically but will be frustrating for many. There is no listing for English terms such as heart (under cor) or brain (under encephalon), and the terms are ordered under their full Latin names (eg, external jugular vein is listed as V jugularis externa). Even with these shortcomings, this is a superbly illustrated, concise companion for readers intent on morphologic inquiry, although it in no way replaces a standard textbook of anatomy nor the authoritative Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. This handy tome is of value to all those needing precise anatomic terms. One final note: this 2007 version appears to be a publisher's reprint of the first edition (published in 1992); other than a new cover, there is scant evidence of change from the original.—By Oskar Schaller. 614 pages; illustrated. Thieme New York, 333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10001. ISBN 978-3-8304-1069-0. 2007. Price $129.95.
Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Medicine
Reviewed by Tia D. Simms, DVM, DABVP
Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Medicine provides an excellent reference tool for formulating differential diagnostic problem lists for small animal patients. The goal of the author was to provide a thorough list of differential diagnoses for small animal medicine in 1 book without having to consult several textbooks. The author is an advocate of the problem-oriented approach to medical management of medical cases and states that the most important aspect of the system is the formulation of a differential diagnosis list for all problems identified in a patient. The author does a superior job in meeting this goal.
The book is divided into 4 major sections, including Historical Signs, Physical Signs, Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Signs, and Laboratory Findings. The text is easy to follow, with highlighted headings and sections arranged alphabetically for quick use. Most common conditions are indicated by an asterisk, and conditions common to dogs or cats are indicated by a D or C, respectively. Charts of normal and abnormal results in the Laboratory Findings section are particularly helpful. There are 4 smaller sections that are quite helpful in a clinical setting, including Diagnostic Procedures and Testing, ECG Findings, Diagnostic Algorithms, and Consultation Forms. The index is comprehensive and user-friendly, and the table of contents quickly guides readers to topics of interest.
The author has succeeded in providing a textbook that allows veterinary students and clinicians with all levels of experience to promptly formulate a complete differential diagnosis list for problems in small animal medicine. The text provides an inclusive and concise reference in an easy-to-navigate format and is recommended for use in private clinical or academic settings.—By Alex Gough. 464 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-1-4051-3252-7. 2007. Price $59.99.
A Color Handbook of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
Reviewed by Katharine G. Palmer, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
A Color Handbook of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine is a welcome addition to the reference library of any emergency clinician. Common disease processes and clinical dilemmas are clearly provided in the format of a quick reference guide. It complements more comprehensive textbooks that focus on pathophysiologic processes, internal medicine, or surgery. The authors hope that this book will be found most often in the animal treatment areas, rather than on a bookshelf. On the basis of a trial run in my clinic, that is the case.
The book's first section covers emergency medicine on topics ranging from shock, cardiac, and respiratory emergencies to trauma, toxin ingestion, and reproductive emergencies. The second section on critical care addresses factors needed in the provision of supportive care once the initial crisis has passed. All chapters are clearly written in an economic, accessible style enhanced by the facile use of tables, diagrams, and highquality photographs. The chapter on nutritional management of critically ill patients has useful worksheets to calculate enteral and parenteral nutrition. The techniques section and appendices are particularly helpful and have clear directions on emergency and critical care procedures, such as placement of arterial catheters and calculations for constant rate infusions. The omission of information on ophthalmologic emergencies is the only disappointment. This text should be especially useful for veterinary students, interns, or anyone beginning in emergency or critical care medicine, but it is valuable to experienced clinicians as well.—By Elizabeth A. Rozanski & John E. Rush. 304 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-84076-073-6. 2007. Price $99.99.
Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine
Reviewed by Gary L. Wood, DVM, DACVIM
Cardiovascular Disease in Small Animal Medicine excellently accomplishes the author's stated goal of creating a practical clinical reference that will also provide a broad overview of small animal cardiovascular medicine. The book strikes a great balance between comprehensiveness and usefulness in everyday practice. The author has favored utility over exhaustive compilation.
There are 3 sections. Section 1 reviews the cardiovascular system and common methods used for cardiac evaluation. It includes chapters on the normal cardiovascular system, cardiovascular examination, cardiac radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. Section 2 contains overviews of common clinical problems, approaches to differentiating clinical manifestations of disease, and management of animals with heart failure and arrhythmias. Section 3 includes chapters on congenital cardiovascular diseases, acquired valve diseases, myocardial diseases of dogs, myocardial diseases of cats, pericardial diseases and cardiac tumors, pulmonary hypertension, heartworm disease, and systemic hypertension.
Minor oversights include not placing all drug formularies in 1 table and the omission of digital media to enhance the excellent printed illustrations with sound and real-time videos. Images are paramount in diagnostic cardiology. Illustrations in this book are superb in quality and quantity, clearly indicating the author's concepts. Furthermore, clinical approaches to disease are provided in a straightforward manner, even when discussing controversial areas. The result is a clear and practical book with great value for practicing veterinarians and veterinary students. The price is appropriate for such a rich and useful text.—By Wendy A. Ware. 396 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-1-84076-076-7. 2007. Price $189.99.
Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals
Reviewed by Jeffrey Levy, DVM
The subject of animal rehabilitation represents an emerging field of study that is of interest to veterinarians and veterinary technicians alike. The growth of several academic and certification programs, along with the growing recognition by many practitioners of the potential importance rehabilitation could play in promoting more successful outcomes in their orthopedic and surgical endeavors, has fostered the publication of only a limited number of textbooks and manuals devoted to this topic.
Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals represents a new addition to this area and offers a survey of the basic principles and techniques relevant to this field of practice. Divided into equine and companion animal chapters, this book provides an introduction to many important physiologic principles as well as an overview of many of the more common pathologic conditions a practitioner may encounter. In addition, methods of assessment and techniques of therapy are covered.
Other chapters provide reviews of applied animal behavior and nutrition and relate to the basic notions and practice of electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. The use of various case studies, charts, tables, photographs, and highlighted key points serves to further enhance the ability of readers to understand the text. This book should serve as an additional resource for veterinary students and established veterinarians who seek to better understand the principles and techniques relating to the practice of animal rehabilitation that many now consider a complimentary adjunct to the field of veterinary orthopedics and surgery.—By Catherine McGowan, Lesley Goff, & Narelle Stubbs. 258 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-1-4051-3195-7. 2007. Price $69.99.
Veterinary Medical Team Handbook
Reviewed by Scott W. Rundell, DVM
At first glance, Veterinary Medical Team Handbook appears to be another of those books that attempt to summarize everything and therefore sacrifice depth of coverage in the process. However, this book and companion CDs differ substantially from other published books in the genre of global coverage. It certainly does its share of attempting to reduce large subjects to small chapters (eg, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, and pharmacology), but these have been covered adequately elsewhere and do not need to be rehashed in this text. Where this book definitely changes gears is in its primary focus on patient triage and client communications. The first 2 sections are not organized by academic subject; instead, they provide a case-based–systems approach aimed at directing personnel into a systematic and thorough evaluation of patients with appropriate responses (for veterinary technicians) to a wide variety of situations. Virtually every page contains important information to elicit from a client when taking a history or to deliver to a client when releasing a patient. Given that teaching someone how to obtain a medical history, perform patient triage, and conduct client communications is one of the most challenging areas in the education of veterinary technicians, this approach is a welcome breath of fresh air. It will be quite helpful in teaching courses that use a case-based approach versus a single-subject approach. The companion CD-ROM is also a departure from the usual in that it is much more than just a reorganization of the printed text. The cases provided on the CDs are informative, fun, and challenging. They take the information in the book and synthesize it into situations that provoke the type of critical thinking veterinary technicians need to achieve. Most impressive are the extremely good audio recordings of heart sounds that accompany each case. My only complaint about the CDs is that there are only 2 disks. It should be mentioned that the primary emphasis is on medical cases instead of surgical cases. I will definitely use this book and the CDs in my courses, and I clamor for more and better from this talented author.— By Andrew J. Rosenfeld. 533 pages and 2 CD-ROMs; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-7817-5759-1. 2007. Price $79.99.
Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian
Reviewed by Leslie Sinclair, DVM
Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian is a useful glossary for those associated with the veterinary profession without benefit of a formal veterinary education. It is a simple and straightforward presentation of almost every term a veterinary assistant, office manager, kennel worker, or any other key staff member might need to clarify or spell during the course of his or her typical workday. The definitions are easy to understand, and common as well as scientific terms and phrases are included. Appendices include an extensive table that lists common names, major uses, and possible side effects of drugs often used in veterinary medicine as well as a table of acronyms and abbreviations; formulae for converting weights, units, and measures; and a chart of common reproductive information (ie, gestation duration) that is sure to be referenced often. The volume is slim but suitably priced, and it is apt to be tucked beside the telephone or computer monitor of most veterinary practices. The only failing of the book is that it does not provide pronunciation guidance for the many words it defines; staff members who wish to converse expertly with the knowledge they gain from perusing this otherwise useful book are left to fend for themselves phonetically.—By Jennifer Coates. 317 pages; illustrated. Alpine Publications Inc, 38262 Linman Rd, Crawford, CO 81415. ISBN 978-1-57779-090-7. 2007. Price $22.95.
