Anthrax in Humans and Animals (4th edition)
Reviewed by Radford G. Davis, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
The fourth edition of Anthrax in Humans and Animals represents a much-needed update of the third edition of Guidelines for the Surveillance and Control of Anthrax in Humans and Animals. The fourth edition, which has been renamed, focuses on the natural ecology of Bacillus anthracis, infections in animals and humans, pathogenesis, and bacteriology as well as treatment, control, and surveillance. The book has 9 chapters and 7 annexes, which separately deal with topics such as laboratory procedures, decontamination, and vaccines. All chapters and topics have been expanded from the previous edition in this comprehensive tome, with a short summary of each chapter near the beginning of the book that is refreshing and makes this book the authoritative source on the subject of anthrax. The number of contributors to this volume has been greatly increased, and so has the book's length, which is nearly twice that of the preceding version.
A few minor yet troubling issues with this book are that there could have been more figures, and the figures are rarely placed near where they are mentioned in a chapter, which forces readers to hunt through the book to locate them (they are inexplicably compiled at the end of chapter 7). Also, in light of the historical use of B anthracis as an agent of bioterrorism, information on this topic is sparse and scattered among chapters and sections. It would be nice to see a full chapter devoted to this in the next edition.
Overall, this is an inexpensive, outstanding book and a reference that veterinarians and many others who work with livestock or in public health should have on their library shelf.—By Peter Turnbull & Ottorino Cosivi. 208 pages. World Health Organization Press, 20 Ave Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland. ISBN 978-92-4-154753-6. 2008. Price $40.00.
Veterinary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (9th edition)
Reviewed by Gina Michels, DVM, MS, DACVCP
The ninth edition of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics is substantially revised and updated from the previous edition and proves to be a worthy reference for its intended primary audience of veterinary medical students, interns, and residents as well as for anyone interested in comparative pharmacology. Although not a change to content, the use of a notably larger font size is greatly appreciated. The editors have successfully collaborated with a broad group of contributors, approximately twice that of the preceding edition, and have appropriately leveraged the unique expertise of several authors from Europe and South America. Most chapters have been considerably revised and updated, and a number of new chapters have been added. New chapters include, among others, those that expand on pertinent information regarding the US FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine regulatory processes as well as important information on veterinary drug compounding. Reference information at the end of most chapters sometimes omits author names; however, this error will presumably be corrected in future editions. This text is appropriately priced. This book is appropriate for its intended aforementioned primary audiences and will serve well as an important reference in any veterinary hospital library.—By Jim E. Riviere & Mark G. Papich. 1,524 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-81382061-3. 2009. Price $179.99.
Functional Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (4th edition)
Reviewed by James A. Will, DVM, PhD
The fourth edition of Functional Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals is a marked improvement over previous editions. There are some specifics I think are important. First of all, I really like the questions preceding sections that alert students to important areas. Next, the blue text within the sections points out items of special interest. Most of the illustrations are wonderful. They really allow readers to visualize the structure in a cohesive manner. Most of the chapters are well written and inclusive of all relevant material for a basic anatomy course.
Some areas are weak, and illustrations comparing diffusion and osmosis are lacking. The countercurrent mechanism is illustrated only in isolated areas. Although most illustrations are excellent, there are problems with a few of them. The figure on blood cells should be a color plate. The illustration of the bovine with the fistula does not accomplish anything.
I find there are areas that need improvement. The information on the autonomic nervous system is somewhat outdated, and there are omissions in the information on the circulatory system and its relationship to the respiratory system. The section on pulmonary circulation and bronchial circulations is lacking. The concept of a low-pressure circulation is not included, nor are normal pulmonary circulation pressures. Cattle living at high altitudes and affected by brisket disease would be an excellent way to illustrate the connection between respiration and circulation.
The biggest problem for use of this book as a teaching text is that the publisher does not provide instructors with a CD of the illustrations. This means that if instructors want to provide PowerPoint presentations during lectures, they will have to scan the illustrations. Although overall the book is extremely good and the cost is within acceptable bounds, the failure to provide a CD would make me think twice about using it.—By William O. Reece. 577 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-1451-3. 2009. Price $69.99.
Diseases of the Goat (3rd edition)
Reviewed by Lisa Williamson, DVM, MS, DACVIM
The third edition of Diseases of the Goat is a comprehensive and practical book. The chapters are well organized, and the format is concise and practitioner friendly. Important points are highlighted in the borders. There are so many pearls of wisdom throughout this book that even veterinarians with years of caprine practice experience will discover new and applicable information. The information in the third edition has been updated to reflect current veterinary advances, particularly in the area of internal parasite control. The coverage on disorders such as urolithiasis, mastitis, infertility, and abortion and other infectious diseases is excellent. The sections on local and general anesthesia, surgical techniques, and biosecurity are also excellent. This book is compact and in paperback form, which makes it equally useful in a practice truck as in an office. The text has superb appendices on reference ranges for physical examinations of clinically normal animals, laboratory values, and medication dosages. Because this text was written in the United Kingdom, some of the medications mentioned are not currently available or recommended for use in food animals in the United States. Practitioners will need to refer to the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database for recommendations regarding withdrawal times for meat and milk. I highly recommend this textbook to veterinarians who have an interest in small ruminant practice.—By John Matthews. 434 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-1-4051-6136-7. 2009. Price $79.99.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Ruminant
Reviewed by Fiona Maunsell, BVSc, PhD
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Ruminant is an excellent quick-reference resource for any veterinarian who treats cattle, sheep, goats, cervids, or camelids, and it provides a practical overview of the most important diseases and production problems in these species. This textbook is intended as a go-to reference when review of a particular topic is required; it is not intended to replace more detailed internal medicine or production medicine references. However, the inclusion of management and husbandry topics makes this one of the most comprehensive textbooks available to ruminant practitioners.
In keeping with other volumes in the Consult series, each topic is well organized in an easy-to-follow layout via standardized subheadings (Basics, Diagnosis, Treatment, Medications, Follow-up, and Miscellaneous). Topics are arranged alphabetically by specific diseases and conditions. There are 2 tables of content: 1 lists topics alphabetically, and the other lists them by subject. There is also an excellent index. A large number of expert authors contributed. In almost all cases, topics are clearly and concisely covered and the information is current. A list of suggested readings is provided for each topic when more detailed information is required. One criticism is that it may have been helpful to include information on whether a disease is reportable on particular continents.
A CD-ROM containing additional management, husbandry, environmental, and reproduction topics is included; these are listed alphabetically by topic. A list of these topics in the main text or a cross-reference to the CD-ROM in the index would have been a helpful addition.
Overall, this is an excellent resource for ruminant practitioners and veterinary students.—By Scott R. R. Haskell. 1,011 pages and CD-ROM; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-7817-5325-8. 2009. Price $149.99.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Equine (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Brian S. Burks, DVM, DABVP
This is the second edition of Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Equine; the first edition was published in 2002. Each subject was written by renowned veterinarians in their given field of expertise. The book is an excellent short consult or review of veterinary science. The tables of contents are listed alphabetically as well as by systems, which makes it easy to rapidly locate basic information on a given subject. Some subjects may be organized under a different heading, but the complete index makes up for those few disorders. Information is provided in outline form: this text is not designed to provide in-depth details for any subject, but rather an overview of the basic scientific information that covers pathophysiology, systems affected, examination findings, diagnostic methods and differential diagnoses, and treatment. Follow-up monitoring and complications are discussed, when applicable. Moreover, additional subject headings, along with suggested readings, are also provided at the end of each subject for those who wish additional information. Subjects such as trailer loading and training problems are also covered. I find this text to be valuable for locating relevant information quickly to provide a reminder of important aspects of disease. It should prove useful to veterinary students, but more so to veterinarians with a solid scientific background.—By Jean-Pierre Lavoie & Kenneth William Hinchcliff. 874 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-1487-2. 2008. Price $149.99.
Equine Wound Management (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Jeremy Hubert, BVSc, MS, DACVS
The second edition of Equine Wound Management will be welcomed by veterinary students, practitioners, and clinicians. This edition of the book is coedited by Dr. Christine Theoret, who is an established expert in the field of equine wounds. With 20 authors providing expertise and practical information, the text is twice as large as the first edition and not only will be a useful quick reference guide, but also will provide indepth information on physiologic, pathophysiologic, and clinical management of equine wound healing.
This edition has been much enhanced by the addition of numerous color photographs, tables, and drawings as well as many of the original classic line drawings. The authors have managed to effectively cover and expand on an extremely wide range of topics, from physiology of basic wound healing to innovative and newer techniques of wound management.
By and large, the book follows the format of the first edition but also contains 5 new chapters. Chapters 1 and 2 deal with the fundamental aspects of wound healing: providing insight to the specific responses of horses to skin trauma and the factors that will exert outcomes on repair. The next chapter is useful to practitioners in that it provides an exhaustive list of products and methods of topical wound treatments. With a vast array of topical treatments and wound care products, this chapter will assist readers in deciding on a logical approach to topical wound treatments. Chapters 4 and 5 cover the basics of wound closure and reconstructive surgery. The following 3 chapters provide clinical management strategies for injuries to a specific body part (the head, the neck and body, and distal aspects of the limbs). Chapter 10 is new and provides information on wounds to synovial structures. Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 are also new and cover severely infected wounds, burns, sarcoid transformation, and the use of lasers in wound healing.
Although the second edition is a larger text, there is minimal redundancy with great improvement of color figures in a well-planned book that is essential for those needing a complete text on equine wound management.—By Ted S. Stashak & Christine L. Theoret. 679 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-8138-1223-6. 2008. Price $199.99.
Large Animal Neurology (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Karen R. Munana, DVM, DACVIM
The second edition of Large Animal Neurology was written with the goal of being a complete guide for all veterinarians in handling large animal neurologic patients while reflecting the considerable advances that have taken place in this field. The book achieves this goal and serves as an excellent resource for comprehensive, up-to-date information on neurologic diseases of horses, ruminants, and swine.
The book is divided into 3 sections. The first section focuses on the evaluation of a large animal patient with neurologic disease, and it provides a concise review of the neurologic examination, lesion localization, neurodiagnostic modalities, and general neuropathology. The second section provides a problem-oriented approach to large animal neurologic patients, with each chapter focusing on a disease manifestation and the importance of the associated clinical findings. The third section, which is new in this edition of the book, provides a detailed discussion of specific disorders, with chapters organized according to general mechanisms of disease. The shift to listing disorders by disease mechanism rather than by clinical syndrome results in the book becoming more of a comprehensive reference and less of a practical handbook for large animal clinicians. The numerous illustrations in the book complement the text well. In addition, 2 CD-ROMs containing an extensive video library of clinically relevant material are included with the book, with the videos organized by chapter to provide visual examples of the written descriptions of the clinical signs and syndromes. The video clips contain some typographic errors and extraneous sound that can provide a distraction. This minor shortcoming aside, these videos serve as an exceptional educational resource.
Overall, this book contains a tremendous amount of information and astute clinical insights reflective of the author's vast experience and knowledge of large animal neurology. As such, it is certain to be a valuable addition to the library of any veterinary student and large animal practitioner as well as specialists in the field of large animal internal medicine and neurology.—By Joe Mayhew. 453 pages and 2 CDROMs; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-1-4051-5493-2. 2009. Price $149.99.
Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management, and Welfare
Reviewed by Christopher S. Hanley, DVM, DACZM
The authors state that they wrote Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management, and Welfare with current zoo professionals and students in mind. It is no easy task to create a book that will interest people with such a wide range of experience, but the authors have done a commendable job. Divided into 15 chapters, this book covers both the history and future of zoos as well as the many aspects of zoo animal care, including housing, regulations, identification, veterinary care, behavior, enrichment, nutrition, research, conservation, and human-animal interactions. Chapters are well written, and suggested readings are provided on each topic. A list of acronyms, a glossary, and an index help readers sort through the variety of terms and organizations that comprise the current zoological community.
Perhaps the most impressive part of this book is the extensive reference list. The authors have compiled > 60 pages of references, which are cited throughout the text. The organization of so many zoo-based references in one place is worth the price of the book alone, which I believe is reasonably priced.
Minor detractions, including limited information about zoo legislation, regulations, and organizations outside of Europe; a few statements provided as fact when they are opinion; a few incorrect terms; and a small number of overly complicated diagrams or less illustrative photographs do not detract from the effort the authors have clearly put into this book. This volume will be most helpful to students in zoo animal fields but is recommended for anyone interested in understanding more about the science and art of zoo animal care and management.—By Geoff Hosey, Vicky Melfi, & Sheila Pankhurst. 661 pages; illustrated. Oxford University Press, 198 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10157-2081. ISBN 978-0-19-923306-9. 2009. Price $50.00.
Career Choices for Veterinary Technicians: Opportunities for Animal Lovers
Reviewed by William B. Finney, DVM
Career Choices for Veterinary Technicians: Opportunities for Animal Lovers gives current and aspiring veterinary technicians a good overview of the breadth of opportunities available in this rapidly growing career field. This book will serve as a valuable tool that veterinary technicians can use to plan a career path with appropriate expectations for compensation and upward mobility. The authors cover the range of opportunities from the various types of clinical practice to careers in governmental and regulatory fields. The strength of this book lies in the vast opportunities covered; however, there is some disparity in the depth of coverage for each career path. This book has several anecdotal personal accounts of the career paths of successful veterinary technicians that the target audience will find motivating and inspiring. This book should be made available to veterinary technician students by their school's resource centers as well as to veterinary assistants looking for career advancement through credentialing by employers such as practices and institutions.—By Rebecca Rose & Carin Smith. 179 pages; not illustrated. American Animal Hospital Association, 2370 Cherry St, Lakewood, CO 80228. ISBN 978-1-58326-105-7. 2005. Price $29.95.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Advanced Veterinary Nursing (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Mary T. O'Horo Loomis, DVM
The second edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Advanced Veterinary Nursing helps move graduate veterinary technicians beyond the essential tasks taught in AVMA-accredited programs of veterinary technology and introduces them to the use of more advanced diagnostic modalities and treatment techniques. The authors provide up-to-date information involving the science of veterinary nursing with regard to advanced instrumentation and skills, but they have not lost sight of the art of veterinary nursing with regard to thorough and compassionate patient care.
The book is extremely readable and practice oriented. It contains > 300 color illustrations that are clear and appropriate. Every chapter includes quick-reference–type tables or charts that highlight salient points of the chapter. The chapters on advanced medical and surgical nursing cover new diagnostic technologies as well as practical aspects of patient care. They also discuss special nursing considerations for patients with specific problems (eg, patients with neurologic disorders). The chapter on surgical nursing is divided according to surgical procedures (eg, orthopedic or cardiac), and each section is accompanied by a chart listing common equipment needed as well as preoperative and postoperative patient considerations.
The chapters devoted to techniques requiring specific instrumentation (Dentistry, Endoscopy, and Advanced Imaging) explain the use of the instruments as well as the care, handling, and maintenance of the instruments. Also covered are conditions that warrant the use of these instruments and the veterinary technician's role in the procedures. Chapters on Advanced Anesthesia and Analgesia, Advanced Fluid Therapy, and Management of the Critical Care Unit address a wide array of techniques and medications but also offer tips on assessment of both the patient's physiologic and psychologic needs. The chapter on clinical pathology covers fundamental information on hematology, urinalysis, and cytology. A chapter on Clinical Nutrition is problem-based and discusses the aims of dietary management for certain diseases. This chapter also contains good information on enteral and parenteral feeding and management of feeding tubes.
This book also includes chapters on emerging roles of veterinary technicians, specifically in areas of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Behavior, Practice Administration, and Nursing Clinics. These chapters are well written and offer specific information about these topics. Interested individuals should be able to easily incorporate these into most practices.
It might be argued that the information found in this book could be garnered over time by technicians in busy veterinary practices, as well it might, but not to the depth and breadth that this book offers. It is of particular value as a reference tool for practicing veterinary technicians interested in advancing their professional skills. It also makes an excellent instructional text for use in any veterinary technician degree program.—By Alasdair Hotston Moore & Suzanne Rudd. 341 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014-8300. ISBN 978-0-905214-92-4. 2008. Price $149.99.
