Color Atlas of Small Animal Anatomy: The Essentials
Reviewed by Shireen Hafez, BVSc, PhD
The Color Atlas of Small Animal Anatomy: The Essentials beautifully depicts the topographic anatomy of organ systems in dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, and guinea pigs. It includes an introduction explaining the topographic terms used in veterinary anatomy illustrated on a dog to help readers with no previous background in anatomy. Beautiful diagrams of the special sense organs are depicted for dogs and cats. Dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of the brain are depicted for all species. Whenever needed, male and female animals of the species are illustrated on facing pages for comparison. The atlas includes artwork to illustrate the position and orientation of structures in situ as they will be encountered when conducting a physical examination or surgical procedure. The arrangement of the plates illustrating internal organs of the laboratory animals is consistent, which allows comparison among species. The authors consistently use English nomenclature, rather than the Latin terms.
The atlas is an invaluable source of accurate basic anatomic illustrations for veterinary medical students, practitioners, and educators and contains reasonable details to be of use for laboratory animal researchers. This book is strictly an atlas; there is no accompanying text to describe origin and insertions of muscles or other integrative ideas that are essential to students who plan to use their anatomic knowledge in the service of surgical or clinical practice. The plates are organized anatomically from superficial to deep. This organization helps in laboratory dissection, but there are no dissection instructions. The atlas lacks cross-sectional illustrations that could aid in assessment of diagnostic images, such as ultrasonograms. I recommend this beautiful atlas to students of veterinary anatomy, but only as an adjunct to other texts. It can provide excellent views of structures that can be difficult to visualize, but it cannot replace texts that provide more details in a functional context.—By Thomas O. McCracken & Robert A. Kainer. 138 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-7817-4391-4. 2008. Price $59.99.
Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Lois Roth-Johnson, DVM, PhD, DACVP
The authors have updated Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology with new information and enhanced graphics. Chapters are formatted as detailed outlines, and many new references have been added.
Almost all of the chapters begin with an expanded, useful list of topics. The introductory chapter discusses general concepts of clinical pathology. Information on reference intervals, quality assurance, and assay comparison has been expanded. The added discussion of herd-based testing is helpful for clinical pathologists in diagnostic laboratories.
The chapters devoted to hematology have been reorganized. Discussion of analytic concepts for leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets is in chapters devoted to these blood components. This arrangement allows more complete coverage of a topic before continuing on to the next topic. The number of photomicrographs is decreased from the first edition, but those included are larger and have better color reproduction.
The chapter on bone marrow and lymph nodes has also been reorganized and expanded and includes 2 pages of quality photomicrographs. This chapter is concise and covers the basics of sample collection, specimen preparation, and evaluation. Two plates of related photomicrographs are included. The next 12 chapters are devoted to clinical biochemical analysis. Each chapter has been slightly reorganized and includes new information. Most notable is inclusion of a discussion of ketoamines in the chapter on glucose metabolism and regulatory hormones.
A chapter on cavity effusions has been added. The authors intentionally keep the coverage of cytology brief and appropriately focus on the biochemistry of effusions. They also have 30 quality photomicrographs.
This textbook is particularly useful for residents in clinical pathology and internal medicine training programs. It is an outstanding reference for clinical pathologists and anyone involved in performing and interpreting clinical pathology data. Owners of the first edition should consider purchasing this book if the enhancements are essential to their job responsibilities.—By Steven L. Stockham & Michael A. Scott. 908 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-0076-9. 2008. Price $94.99.
Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles
Reviewed by Marion Ehrich, PhD, DABT
Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles provides a lot of in-depth information in 1 text, including some not readily available elsewhere, for < $100. A number of the topics included are contemporary (agents of terrorism, testing models, nanomaterials, and proteomics), which increases its value for toxicologists who are not specifically veterinary toxicologists. The text includes areas (eg, water contaminants, epidemiology of animal poisonings, and chemical structures of plant toxins) that are relevant for veterinary toxicologists who perform diagnostic work. There is more extensive coverage of pathology than is typical of toxicology texts. Extensive reference lists are provided after each chapter. Internationally recognized experts have made contributions, which are especially notable in part 1. Many of the chapters have a similar template, even though there is some unevenness in how this is executed. For increased usefulness to clinical toxicologists, more than the LD50 is needed—veterinary toxicologists need information regarding the importance of blood and tissue concentrations. Sometimes, shades of gray are too similar to allow readers to easily distinguish bars in the figures (eg, in the chapter on cardiovascular toxicity), but use of color would have markedly increased the cost. As a whole, this text provides unique information in a toxicology text at a reasonable cost and should be a valuable reference, especially for veterinary toxicologists involved in research and teaching.—By Ramesh C. Gupta. 1,201 pages; illustrated. Academic Press Inc, 30 Corporate Dr, Ste 400, Burlington, MA 01803. ISBN 978-0-12-370467-2. 2007. Price $99.95.
Small Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia
Reviewed by Deborah A. Grosenbaugh, DVM, PhD, DACVA
Small Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia fulfills its intended purpose of being a quick review for veterinary students or a rapid reference for busy practitioners. It is succinct and concise without dumbing down the subject. Should readers elect to pursue any of the topics in greater depth, they are directed to appropriate seminal references. The fundamentals of traditional subjects are adhered to, whereas recent or recently resurrected modalities are expanded on.
The equipment overview is concise. Often a daunting subject in specialized texts, this topic is crystallized into information relevant to the immediate needs of users. The whys and wherefores of judicious monitoring and support are emphasized, and the pros, cons, and vagaries of different monitoring modalities and support variables are discussed. Ventilation, an important aspect of anesthesia that is too often left to chance in clinical practice, is demystified. The chapter on preoperative preparation expands on a subject that is too often glossed over but is as critical to outcome as is the surgical procedure itself. The use of agents for perioperative sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia is thoroughly discussed, allowing users to make an informed decision regarding the choice of options available for a heterogeneous patient population. Local anesthetic techniques have been undergoing revival in recent years as part of balanced anesthetic protocols. These may not be entirely familiar to those who have been in practice for a while and are discussed with the aid of helpful illustrations. An overview of newer alternative modalities is provided as an adjunct to traditional methods.
Overall, the text is readable; however, a few lapses into familiar vernacular may be distracting to some. Minor inaccuracies in some citations exist but do not pose a major impediment to locating the references.—By Gwendolyn L. Carroll. 283 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-0230-5. 2008. Price $69.99.
Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Elizabeth A. Adkins, DVM, MS, DACVO
The second edition of Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology is an excellent resource for general practitioners and a convenient quick-reference textbook for veterinary ophthalmologists. The photographs clearly illustrate the diseases and techniques described. The drawings of surgical techniques in the book are superb. The format of the second edition is similar to that of the first edition, and the information has been expanded to include the recent veterinary ophthalmology literature. The use of bold text is overdone and confusing at times. The chapter on food animals from the first edition has been expanded in this second edition to include camelids. The appendices, which were also included in the first edition of the book, are extremely helpful. This book will be useful to all veterinary practitioners, including practitioners who work with large animals and exotic animals.—By Kirk N. Gelatt. 640 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-7817-8559-4. 2008. Price $99.99.
Small Animal Gastroenterology
Reviewed by Julia E. Tomlinson, BVSc, PhD, DACVS
Small Animal Gastroenterology provides a comprehensive look at the gastrointestinal system. The book appears to be expensive for the size and subject matter, but closer examination reveals that the subject is covered in good detail with quality color photographs to guide readers. This book is an excellent reference tool for veterinarians but is a little too intensive for veterinary students as a basic text.
Tables and summaries of key facts are appropriately organized and provide a quick reference when needed. One improvement would be to have the location of these summaries and tables listed in the index. The first section is on diagnostics and is thorough yet easy to read. It explains many sophisticated diagnostic techniques, yet the authors also place emphasis on the importance of a good physical examination and patient history, and they include tips on how to achieve this.
The section on endoscopy contains quality pictures with detailed how-to explanations. The cytology section is thorough. The second part of the book is on diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes detailed explanations of the mechanisms of each disease and a comprehensive section on megacolon in cats. Therapeutic options are current and described well, including the mechanism of action of therapeutic agents.
The depth of information in this book ranges from basic to more technical and sufficiently fulfills the needs of most clinicians without dwelling too much on basic science.—By Jörg E. Steiner. 366 pages. Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co, Hans-Böckler-Allee 7, 30173 Hannover, Germany. 978-3-89993-027-6. 2008. Price $175.99.
Therapeutic Microbiology: Probiotics and Related Strategies
Reviewed by Carl M. Schroeder, PhD
Therapeutic microbiology is loosely defined as the use of microorganisms to give benefit to a host by altering its indigenous microbial flora. Therapeutic Microbiology: Probiotics and Related Strategies opens with a concise yet informative introduction to the concept of therapeutic microbiology, followed by detailed chapters describing the biology of relevant microorganisms, including Lactobacillus spp, Saccharomyces spp, streptococci, bifidobacteria, and Escherichia coli. Next is a discussion of the role of prebiotics (nondigestible food ingredients), including milk oligosaccharides and resistant starch, in therapeutic microbiology. The middle portion of the book contains 2 chapters, each of which has a wealth of cutting-edge information, on the genomics and proteomics of the lactic acid bacteria. The book then focuses on the practical use of therapeutic microbiology, with 3 chapters (Strategies for Altering the Intestinal Microbiota of Animals, Probiotics in Veterinary Medicine, and Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Companion Animal Science) devoted to its use in veterinary medicine. A thought-provoking chapter on future perspectives concludes the book. With its hard cover, sewn binding, sharp figures, and simple page layout, the book is sturdy and pleasing to the eye. Because of its erudite review of available research and thorough list of references, it will be of most value to those who teach at veterinary medical schools and in veterinary science graduate programs. Although providing good overviews of clinical trials and other studies, the 3 chapters on veterinary medicine offer little practical information to guide treatment; thus, it will be of less value to those in private clinical practice.—By James Versalovic & Michael Wilson. 403 pages; illustrated. American Society for Microbiology, 1752 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-2804. ISBN 978-1-55581-403-8. 2008. Price $139.95.
Care of the Racing & Retired Greyhound
Reviewed by Jason M. Balara, DVM
The stated goal of Care of the Racing & Retired Greyhound is to improve veterinary care for Greyhounds, and the authors will likely accomplish their mission. The text is a user-friendly reference for Greyhound trainers and owners and their veterinarians. Many of the management strategies are described from an Australian and an American point of view, which is interesting for illustrating differences in philosophies.
The book is divided into 3 main sections (Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology; Age-Related Care; and Therapeutic Medications) that are further subdivided into more specific chapters. Chapters are appropriately organized with excellent figures and illustrations. It is worth mentioning that although this text focuses on Greyhounds, the basic anatomy and physiology apply to the entire canine species, which makes the figures especially beneficial as a reference. Of particular interest is the chapter on physical therapy. This chapter alone makes the text a worthwhile purchase, and its focus on prevention is a welcome emphasis.
Many treatment recommendations are made throughout the text without an easily accessible reference. Unfortunately, the bibliography is located at the end of the text instead of at the end of each chapter.
Overall, the material is relevant, clearly written, and comprehensive without being overwhelming. Trainers will benefit from having this book in their kennel, as will veterinarians who treat Greyhounds. Hopefully, owners and trainers will not consider this book as an alternative to seeking veterinary care for their Greyhounds. The low cost of this book makes it affordable and a valuable reference for inclusion in many clinicians' libraries.—By Linda L. Blythe, James R. Gannon, A. Morrie Craig, & Desmond P. Fegan. 462 pages; illustrated. American Greyhound Council, PO Box 543, Abilene, KS 67410. ISBN 978-0-9641456-2-7. 2007. Price $65.00.
Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practice
Reviewed by Roger L. De Haan, DVM, MTS
As a veterinarian with 40 years of experience in conventional and complementary medicine, I recommend Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practice as a breathtaking and cuttingedge volume. It also takes an approach that is fair and balanced. After all, there is no perfect medicine, and yet it is not uncommon to achieve cures through integrative medicine when all else fails. But why wait and use it as a last resort? The better choice is to practice preventatively.
Nutrition, homeopathy, herbals, Chinese medicine, glandulars, acupuncture, and veterinary chiropractic are all part of my daily protocols, in addition to conventional medicine when indicated. Therefore, I understand what the authors are attempting to achieve: integrate into 1 volume the key modalities that the editor and authors have researched and practiced. They share what they have lived and practiced, and they are now passing it on to the next generation of practitioners.
I initially found the book daunting. Then I discovered that this is a teaching manual, reference manual, research manual, and resource manual. Readers will find a wealth of background information, research results, and references, and if they keep reading, they will also find (in the appropriate sections) the products to consider, the dosages, and even the source of those products. It is hard to imagine the many thousands of hours that must have gone into compiling > 900 carefully documented pages just so the veterinary profession can benefit.
Conventional and alternative, yin and yang, Eastern and Western, European and American, herbal and homeopathic, acupuncture and laser, diseases and systems, choices and recommendations—it's all there. Enjoy!—By Robert S. Goldstein. 908 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-2020-0. 2008. Price $159.99.
Spatial Analysis in Epidemiology
Reviewed by Elizabeth Lund, DVM, MPH, PhD
Spatial Analysis in Epidemiology is a practical guide and introduction to the analytic methods for the discipline. The authors have written a thorough and appropriately cited reference on the analytic concepts and approach to spatial epidemiology. Epidemiologists and biologists with an understanding of statistics and epidemiology are the target audience. Eight chapters comprise 3 major sections, which correspond to the objectives of spatial analysis: visualization of patterns of disease; identification, description, and quantification of disease clusters; and prediction and explanation of disease risk through modeling. Spatial epidemiology has emerged as a unique discipline and method because a basic assumption of traditional statistics (ie, the independence of observations) is violated when temporalspatial hypotheses are investigated. The text is clearly written and concise, with notation of many available resources (eg, software applications and corresponding Web sites). Another strength of this textbook for the description of the content is the consistent use of the example of tuberculosis in cattle in the United Kingdom. Given the number of color plates included (which is essential to understanding of the content), the book is reasonably priced. A glossary would have been a useful addition because not all terms used to describe concepts are as thoroughly defined in the text as they could have been (eg, cadastral or Mercator projections). As an epidemiologist who has not previously conducted a spatial analysis, I gained insight into the complexity and challenges of the methods; this reference would be a good tool if I were to seek the expertise of an analyst or researcher in spatial epidemiology. However, I would not recommend this reference as a basic text or primer for individuals who lack a solid understanding of epidemiologic and statistical principles.—By Dirk Pfeiffer, Tim Robinson, Mark Stevenson, Kim Stevens, David Rogers, & Archie Clements. 142 pages; illustrated. Oxford University Press, 198 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10157-2081. ISBN 978-0-19-850989-9. 2008. Price $70.00.
Agroterrorism: A Guide for First Responders
Reviewed by Samuel M. Fassig, DVM, MA
True to the title, Agroterrorism: A Guide for First Responders is a basic guidebook for people joining a state emergency response team, including veterinarians, local government officials, agricultural leaders, and all who may be new to incident command systems. It explains organizational elements and Homeland Security efforts to create a structured incident response to a terrorist attack or other catastrophic event inflicted on the United States' agriculture industry.
The introduction on terrorism and agricultural economics is brief. Unfortunately, discussion of premises risk assessment and development of preventive biosecurity programs based on hazard analysis and critical control point (ie, HACCP) concepts and principles is omitted entirely. I believe knowledge of these techniques is important in any agroterrorism-bioterrorism situation from farm to table.
In the discussion of weapons of mass destruction and farms, the author uses livestock as a targeted example for biological agents capable of being turned into a weapon and disseminated. The charts depicting likelihood of use, particular aspects of each disease, and lethality to livestock will prove beneficial to readers and illustrate the magnitude of potential problems.
A section with chapter objectives and activities for training programs is included to underscore pertinent points. Mention of additional resources, such as the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, would have been of value.
The overview of bureaucratic structures, strategies and tactics, and use of specialized response teams in an agricultural incident is quite good. However, with emphasis placed on state responsibilities for containment, control, and disposition, the financial impacts of a responder program are understated and vague. The USDA's financial position and funding resources of Homeland Security are not elaborated or defined.
Overall, at a price of $19.95, this textbook will be a useful tool for all individuals participating in Homeland Security exercises or people wanting to understand strategies and agency structures in dealing with agroterrorism. The author has done well to get his arms around the crux of operational systems with which first responders interface, making the process simpler to understand.—By Jason B. Moats. 198 pages; illustrated. Texas A&M University Press, 4354 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4354. ISBN 978-1-58544-586-8. 2007. Price $19.95.
Diseases of Poultry (12th edition)
Reviewed by Eric C. Gonder, DVM, PhD, DACPV
The 12th edition of Diseases of Poultry retains its status as the ultimate reference on poultry diseases. In addition to comprehensive coverage of etiology, diagnostics, and specific disease interventions, chapters on comprehensive disease control methods and immunology are included. The authorship has become increasingly international over the years—a necessary change as poultry husbandry has continued to expand in geographic scope.
However, this status comes at a cost. With 96 authors, proofreading and editing for brevity and clarity have been affected. The references are extremely inclusive (1 chapter includes 563 citations, and many contain > 200 citations) and include citation titles. For readers without access to electronic bibliographic services that need this degree of thoroughness, it is ideal; for others, it is unnecessary. There is some duplication among chapters and subchapters. The book is an unwieldy 1,324 pages and weighs 4.2 kg (9.24 lb).
No electronic format is available. This would ease the ability of readers to find material quickly by electronic means in such a large book and enhance its portability. The index is at times frustrating: many diseases are listed under “A” for avian, which is somewhat redundant in a poultry disease text; consequently, the listings under “A” comprise 12.5% of the index, including the duplicative listings (eg, Influenza; See Avian Influenza).
The text is accompanied by many excellent images, although the pronounced yellowish cast in some of the gross photographs is disappointing. This is an excellent value for those needing a comprehensive reference text, but it will be cumbersome to take along when traveling.—By Y. M. Saif. 1,324 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-0718-8. 2008. Price $219.99.
Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Elizabeth D. Hilborn, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
In the 11 years since Cryptosporidium and Cryptosporidiosis was first published, knowledge of the taxonomy, biology, epidemiology, and genetics of Cryptosporidium spp has greatly expanded. This is attributable, in part, to new molecular tools, advances in laboratory techniques, and increases in epidemiologic investigation and characterization of infections in humans and other animals. Just as the number of valid, named Cryptosporidium spp has doubled from 8 to 16, this edition has doubled in size, compared with the first edition (from 251 to 560 pages and from 10 to 20 chapters). This second edition now includes chapters on genomics, molecular epidemiology, clinical disease, and pathology. Advances in the epidemiologic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp have led to new chapters describing foodborne and recreational waterborne transmission. Entire chapters are now devoted to cryptosporidiosis among multiple classes and groups of vertebrates; these may be of particular interest to veterinarians, captive-colony managers, wildlife biologists, and anyone seeking to understand potential environmental and zoonotic transmission routes of this protozoan parasite. A welcome addition is the chapter discussing waste management; this chapter describes a range of environmental and engineering controls to reduce oocyst persistence and environmental contamination. The text is generally supported by comprehensive tables, illustrations, photomicrographs, and diagrams that add clarity to important aspects of the information provided. Although chapters are largely written by different individuals, there is minimal overlap and repetition of information among chapters. This well-referenced book will be a welcome addition to the libraries of researchers, laboratory workers, biologists, water and wastewater scientists, clinicians, and public health practitioners who desire a comprehensive review of this important zoonotic protozoan.—By Ronald Fayer & Lihua Xiao. 560 pages; illustrated. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 6000 Broken Sound Pkwy NW, Ste 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742. ISBN 978-1-4200-5226-8. 2008. Price $129.95.
Spanish for Veterinarians: A Practical Introduction (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Soraya V. Juarbe-Diaz, DVM, DACVB
The second edition of Spanish for Veterinarians: A Practical Introduction is a fairly ambitious publication because Spanish is not the same in all the countries where it is spoken. The authors are careful to point out in the Preface that they favored Spanish as it is used in Mexico; readers located in an area where Spanish speakers are predominantly from another country would do well to secure a reference of idioms for the specific nationality of the clients they serve. A search with any of the various Internet search engines will yield a number of resources specific to the search keywords (eg, Peruvian Spanish) that readers can use in conjunction with this book.
The organization follows a logical progression, although some topics, such as feeding vocabulary, seem oddly placed. Because this book is so brief and all topics are listed in the Table of Contents, finding specific portions even without an index is not particularly difficult.
A useful feature is access to a Web site where readers can listen to native pronunciation of words and download pronunciation exercises. As a teaching tool, this is priceless, particularly because most communications between veterinarians and Spanish-speaking clients will be oral and recognition of oral versus written phonemes is essential.
The book is a useful introduction to Spanish, barring some minor errors (eg, symptoms is used throughout the English text instead of signs when referring to abnormal function, appearance, or behaviors of animal patients; the correct term “signos” is used in the Spanish text), a few incorrect translations and typographic errors, and some generalization about Spanish grammar. An example of the latter is as follows: “Duration in Spanish is expressed with the present tense, whereas duration in English is usually expressed with the present perfect.” In Spanish, duration can be expressed with the present perfect continuous (presente perfecto continuo; eg, “The cow has been coughing for 2 days” translates to “La vaca ha estado tociendo por dos días.”). This is particularly true with actions that began in the past and continue or may continue in the present, as might be the case with clinical signs. Even these irregularities are not enormous deterrents to the book's intended purpose. Any attempts to communicate to owners in their native language will be met with relief and appreciation, and the book succeeds in providing a basic working version of the Spanish language.—By Bonnie Frederick & Juan Mosqueda. 133 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-0687-7. 2008. Price $29.99.
Animal Intelligence: From Individual to Social Cognition
Reviewed by David M. Moore, MS, DVM, DACLAM
I would posit that most practicing veterinarians have long since forgotten the imbroglio raised in undergraduate biology and psychology classes as to whether human or animal behavior is determined by genetic or environmental factors (nature vs nurture) and either follow or promote their clients rote, established paradigms for correcting undesirable animal behaviors or direct their clients to animal behavioral therapists or trainers to seek the desired result. In Animal Intelligence: From Individual to Social Cognition, the author, a behavioral ecologist and cognitive ethologist, uses simple explanations, summaries of research findings, illustrations, and humor to demystify the lives and behaviors of animals from ants to whales (ie, all creatures great and small), which can help veterinarians and lay trainers understand the basis for behaviors in a wide range of animal species.
The book is divided into 10 parts and 37 chapters, including discussions on the evolution in studies of animal intelligence; ethologic approaches to studying animal learning; remembering, updating, and anticipation in animals' lives; animal navigation strategies and cognitive mapping; guided learning; social learning; and deciphering animals' signals. In addition to being of interest to those in the veterinary community, this book could be an excellent introductory text for students seeking to be ethologists, behavioral ecologists, comparative psychologists, and linguists. This book could also be of value to researchers in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology to help them better understand the foundation of animal behaviors assessed in standard behavioral tests, which are used after an experimental treatment.—By Zhanna Reznikova. 472 pages; illustrated. Cambridge University Press, 32 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013. ISBN 0-521-53202-0. 2007. Price $60.00.
Ethics of Animal Use
Reviewed by Joshua M. Frank, PhD
Ethics of Animal Use is intended as an introductory text on ethics for students in the veterinary medical and animal sciences. It serves this role well. It provides a generally balanced, readable summary of a broad range of issues. The chapter on the role of veterinarians is one of the better chapters, highlighting some interesting real-world dilemmas practitioners are likely to face.
At 178 pages, the book is somewhat lean (also thin for its price). As the authors admit, they often only scratch the surface, and it is often unclear why they do not go into greater depth. For example, there are several places where the ranking of species on the basis of importance is brought up in a way that begs further discussion. Also, insight from sociology and psychology on issues such as how social norms shape ethical acceptability, cognitive dissonance, and motivated reasoning would be particularly helpful for practitioners involved with animals in industries that may exert considerable ethical pressure. At times, the effort to be balanced leads to imbalance, which results in too much weight on a perspective that suggests humans have no duties to animals and too little regard for hybrid views that most of the public holds and too often suggests we just don't know what is best for welfare in a way that, although appearing balanced, inadvertently supports the status quo. Despite some shortcomings, the book is a good choice for use in an animal ethics course.—By Peter Sandøe & Stine B. Christiansen. 178 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-1-4051-5120-7. 2008. Price $65.99.
Veterinary Technician's Daily Reference Guide: Canine and Feline (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Paul D. Porterfield, DVM
The second edition of Veterinary Technician's Daily Reference Guide: Canine and Feline is a spiral-bound, oversized paperback book that is an impressive quick reference source for busy practicing veterinary technicians. Although it is designed primarily for experienced veterinary technicians, students enrolled in veterinary technology programs should find this book to be a useful supplement to other more comprehensive textbooks covering similar subject material.
The second edition has been revised and updated to cover all aspects of a veterinary technician's responsibilities relating to dogs and cats. Considering the breadth and depth of information provided in this textbook, it is affordably priced.
The format of this book is similar to that of the first edition in that little text is included. Rather, there are numerous excellent tables, charts, and Skill Box sections that provide pertinent how-to-do information and descriptions of procedures that may be needed by a veterinary technician to complete tasks more efficiently and correctly. The Skill Box sections throughout the chapters are especially useful for providing guidance to technicians in answering client questions or for helping to solve technical problems of a veterinarian. All subjects are covered in a style that is easy to reference, read, comprehend, and apply to practical use.
The book is divided into 17 chapters that range from basic topics such as anatomy, physical examination, vaccinations, and nutrition to descriptions of advanced technical procedures and specialized nursing skills. Included in these chapters are reference sections on laboratory techniques, imaging, internal medicine, emergency medicine, patient care, anesthesia, dentistry, and surgery. In addition, there are excellent discussions of pharmacology and complementary and alternative veterinary medicine.
More than 200 illustrations and color photographs are included to enhance the text. In addition, a comprehensive table of contents at the beginning of the book and before each chapter leads readers directly to needed information. The appendices, glossary of terms, abbreviations, bibliography, and index are testimonials to the diligent efforts of the authors to make the information relevant and useful.
This book is appropriately researched, current, and relevant. Veterinary technicians should find this book to be an indispensable reference resource. For this reason, it should be kept in an easily accessible area of the veterinary clinic for ready use by veterinary professionals throughout the work day.—By Candyce M. Jack & Patricia M. Watson. 691 pages; illustrated. Blackwell Publishing, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-1204-5. 2008. Price $54.99.
Team Satisfaction Pays: Organizational Development for Practice Success
Reviewed by Brenda Reams Woodard, DVM
Team Satisfaction Pays: Organizational Development for Practice Success is a useful guide for veterinary practice owners who are interested in building a true team structure for working together toward a common goal of a successful veterinary practice. It is also useful to any member of the veterinary practice team because it is about how you do what you do—how you communicate, how you make decisions, and how you disclose information. The author delineates a structural process to improve a veterinary hospital's visioning, empowerment, learning, and problem-solving skills.
The book is divided into 8 chapters that outline a game plan for organizational development, from developing a vision and mission statement with guidelines for communication and leadership to developing a superior veterinary team with detailed advice about defining roles and attracting and retaining team members. Three chapters are devoted to improving communication skills with the team group, with interpersonal dynamics, and with veterinary clients. The emphasis is on building cohesive teams with common goals and high morale within a veterinary practice. The author provides a guide that contains chapters each veterinary team member will find most pertinent to his or her role in the workplace.
The paperback volume contains no illustrations but effectively emphasizes important points with the use of boxes that contain information and suggested exercises. The team exercises are also included on an accompanying CD-ROM for ease of distribution to appropriate team members. This textbook will prove valuable for practice owners intent on developing a people-friendly environment and any individual in a veterinary practice who is interested in personal or professional growth and development.—By Carin A. Smith. 353 pages with CD-ROM. Smith Veterinary Consulting, PO Box 698, Peshastin, WA 98847. ISBN 978-1-88578-019-5. 2008. Price $197.00.
