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Hair Loss Disorders in Domestic Animals

Reviewed by Kimberly Coyner, DVM, DACVD

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As a practicing small animal dermatologist, I have often found it to be a frustrating task to find definitive, organized information about alopecic disorders in companion animals. Hair Loss Disorders in Domestic Animals is the first book to exhaustively review a subject that is such a common clinical problem. This book is well organized and easy to read. It initially provides a concise, understandable review of hair follicle biology that is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of alopecic disorders, including excellent descriptions and histologic images of hair follicle anatomy and development. This is followed by recommendations on diagnosing alopecic diseases, including consideration of breed, distribution of lesions, trichography, and short explanations of clinical diagnostic procedures. Discussion of alopecic disorders is separated into noninflammatory alopecias (including congenital alopecia, hair follicle cycling disorders [such as endocrinopathies], alopecia X, pattern alopecia, breed-specific hair cycle abnormalities, and hair follicle dystrophy-atrophy) and inflammatory alopecias (including infectious and immune-mediated folliculitis, mural folliculitis, alopecia areata, and sebaceous adenitis). Thorough discussions of diseases include etiologies, pathogeneses, and clinical manifestations, and clinical images of disorders are supplemented by histologic micrographs. Discussions of treatments are understandably brief for most of the noninflammatory alopecic disorders, and there are succinct treatment recommendations for inflammatory disorders, which are supplemented by referral to appropriate clinical dermatology textbooks. Each chapter is followed by an informative list of references. Most of the book is devoted to the more common and well-characterized disorders in dogs, with some comparisons to disorders in cats and large animals. There are numerous excellent clinical, histologic, and electron microscopic images throughout the book; unfortunately, some images were rather small or dark and would have benefitted from enlargement or lightening.

This book contains an accumulation of essential, current information about alopecic disorders in animals that is not easily accessible from other sources. It is an excellent addition to the library of any board-certified veterinary dermatologist, resident in a veterinary dermatology program, and veterinary clinician with a special interest in companion animal dermatology.—By Lars Mecklenburg, Monika Linek, & Desmond J. Tobin. 276 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1082-9. 2009. Price $169.99.

Manual of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery

Reviewed by Michael Aronsohn, VMD, DACVS

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The Manual of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery is a unique collaboration written by a professor of surgery at the University of Tennessee and 17 veterinary students from the Class of 2008 as contributing authors. The manual is meant to provide veterinary students and veterinarians in general practice with a pictorial and written guide to the most commonly performed soft tissue surgical procedures as well as tips and shortcuts to facilitate performing these procedures faster, easier, and more successfully. The text is also meant to be a hands-on clinical guide that can be brought into the surgical suite. These goals have been accomplished.

This hardcover book is comprehensive and well organized and has a plethora of high-quality color photographs that accurately depict the subject matter. The text offers detailed descriptions of the photographs as well as acceptable alternative methods and variations, when appropriate. References are provided for those who wish to obtain further detailed information.

A wide range of surgical procedures are described that span the spectrum from routine to advanced. There are excellent explanations of several straightforward procedures that some general practitioners may not be familiar with, such as the tie-over bandage, incisional gastropexy, and cystostomy tube placement. There are upgrades of even the most basic information; therefore, it would be rewarding for practitioners to review the techniques that they perform routinely to improve efficiency and understanding. There are also descriptions of several advanced procedures, including perineal hernia repair, advanced skin grafts and flaps, and thyroidectomy in cats, that should only be contemplated by practitioners with some experience. Each procedure has a bibliography, and this information should be used in conjunction with other surgical texts so that readers are familiar with the anatomy, pathophysiology, and potential complications that may be encountered.

The authors provide an excellent chapter describing techniques for splenectomy for patients with splenic torsion as well as for patients with hemoabdomen associated with a ruptured mass; however, there is no description in the text of the use of stapling or vessel-sealing devices that would facilitate the procedures, although a stapling device appears in 1 photograph.

In addition, it is not stressed that several described techniques, such as gastropexy, splenectomy, tracheostomy, and thoracostomy tube placement, are associated with conditions that require monitoring on a 24-hour basis. Equipment, such as ECG and blood pressure monitors, is required, and administration of antiarrythmic and pressor drugs as well as blood transfusions is often necessary. In general, perineal hernia repair is a complicated procedure and is associated with severe complications, so I do not believe that an inexperienced or untrained surgeon should perform this procedure. In the chapter on diaphragmatic hernia, surgeons are given the option of using manual or mechanical ventilation; however, I believe that mechanical ventilation is the standard of care for this procedure. Any surgeon who is contemplating advanced or prolonged procedures or is operating on obese or geriatric patients should procure a mechanical ventilator.

Overall, I believe that this book is an excellent resource that would be most useful for veterinary students and new graduates as well as a refresher guide for experienced practitioners. It would be a valuable addition to the library of any general practitioner, and it is a must for general practitioners with an interest in surgery.—By Karen M. Tobias. 492 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-0089-9. 2009. Price $89.99.

Atlas of Clinical Avian Hematology

Reviewed by Laurie Hess, DVM, DABVP

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Atlas of Clinical Avian Hematology provides a comprehensive overview of general hematologic characteristics of healthy birds, differences in hematologic characteristics among various orders in the class Aves, and changes in hematologic characteristics induced by disease. The book begins with a summary of methods for collection and handling of avian blood samples, including a discussion of sites for vascular access and instructions for preparing and staining blood films and counting cells. The subsequent chapter details general hematologic characteristics of birds, with a review of the types of cells seen in blood smears. Next, there is a discussion of the unique features of avian blood cells, with a review of the hematologic differences among the various avian orders. The final chapters cover physiologic and pathological effects on avian blood cells as well as a description of avian hemoparasites. The authors have also included an extensive reference list for further reading, a comprehensive list of species, and a brief but helpful glossary of important hematologic terms.

Overall, this text offers a thorough but concise review of the avian hematologic system. The numerous glossy color photographs illustrate descriptions in the text well, and the index is easy to follow. Although its price may initially seem steep, the book's comprehensive review of all aspects of avian hematology, along with its dozens of clinically relevant, illustrative color photographs, makes it a terrific addition to any avian practitioner's library.—By Phillip Clark, Wayne Boardman, & Shane Raidal. 184 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1405-1-9248-4. 2009. Price $149.99.

Feline Dentistry: Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Preventative Care

Reviewed by Cindy Charlier, DVM, DAVDC

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Cats are not small dogs. Feline Dentistry: Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Preventative Care is devoted to cats and the unique oral diseases they encounter. Color photographs, radiographs, and illustrations are abundant and serve to enhance and complement the text. They are of excellent quality and adequate size. Terms used throughout the text reflect those currently recommended by the American Veterinary Dental College. Each chapter is followed by a complete list of references for readers who are interested in more in-depth investigation of topics. All chapters provide readers with easy-to-read, organized, detailed information about the topic relevant to everyday practice.

The author divides the text into 3 sections: oral assessment, treatment, and preventive care. The sections are further divided into chapters for easier reference. The section on oral assessment covers oral anatomy, oral examination, radiology, charting, and oral pathology. The chapter on oral pathology is extensive and covers topics that include periodontal disease, endodontic disease, tooth resorption, oropharyngeal inflammation, malocclusions, oral tumors, and oral trauma. The section on treatment discusses treatment of these conditions and also includes chapters on equipment and anesthesia. The final section of the text (prevention) includes a discussion about plaque control.

Veterinarians no longer perform a dental or a dental prophylaxis; rather, they perform a complete oral assessment, treatment, and prevention. All veterinarians are reminded that the treatment of oral disease should be tailored to each specific tooth and each specific patient while considering the ability and willingness of clients to use plaque-control methods at home for their feline pets.

This book is an excellent reference for veterinarians in general practice or feline-exclusive practice and those with a special interest in veterinary dentistry. This is a complete and thorough reference for use in the diagnosis and treatment planning for cats with oral diseases. It should be in the reference library of all small animal veterinarians.—By Jan Bellows. 314 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1613-5. 2010. Price $99.99.

Goat Medicine (2nd edition)

Reviewed by Marjorie S. Gill, DVM, MS, DABVP

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The second edition of Goat Medicine is the enhanced and updated version of the original, invaluable resource. The text is well organized and thoroughly researched and referenced. The first chapter covers fundamentals for goat practitioners, which serves as an excellent overview of general information on behavior, handling and restraint, and clinical and physical examination of goats. Subsequent chapters provide in-depth coverage of normal and abnormal conditions in goats via a systems approach. The final chapters cover topics of importance to all goat practitioners, which include wasting syndromes, sudden death, anesthesia, nutrition and metabolic diseases, and herd health management and preventative medicine. The chapter on herd health management addresses goats used for dairy, meat, and fiber production as well as health-management information for organically raised goats and transgenic goats. One appendix that contains a formulary of selected drugs and their suggested dosages in goats is especially useful to practitioners dealing with minor species. Finally, inclusion of another appendix that addresses alternative medicine supports the comprehensive quality of this textbook. Special effort was made by the authors to address goat health issues relative to tropical and subtropical climates. This, as well as inclusion of extensive information on foreign animal diseases, makes this text an extremely useful global reference. Inclusion of numerous color illustrations augments the text. The authors' personal experiences, combined with results of a thorough search of the veterinary literature, have resulted in the most comprehensive references on goats currently available. The price of the book is appropriate for the wealth of information provided. This book is highly recommended for small ruminant practitioners as well as for anyone who works with goats.—By Mary C. Smith & David M. Sherman. 1171 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-7817-9643-9. 2009. Price $174.99.

The Sciences of Animal Welfare. UFAW Animal Welfare Series.

Reviewed by David Lee-Parritz, DVM, DACLAM

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Implementation of a comprehensive welfare program is often challenging because of conflicting demands from those responsible for the primary use of the animal. The Sciences of Animal Welfare, one of an excellent series published by the Universities Federation of Animal Welfare, provides a clearly reasoned and thorough theoretical framework for the evaluation and solution of animal welfare problems in the highly technological environment in which many veterinarians work. Most examples in the book relate to animals used for commercial production or laboratory research. Veterinarians, managers, and technicians involved with intensive animal care and use programs in any setting will find this book extremely valuable.

The first section of the book provides a detailed review of the many ways in which recent technological advances have improved and also compromised animal welfare. Vaccines and antimicrobials have markedly reduced losses from infectious disease in all species. Traditional methods of genetic improvement by selection of breeding stock with desired phenotypic or production traits have benefitted from increased use of genetic and serum biochemical markers. At the same time, intensive production conditions have led to physical and behavioral problems, including musculoskeletal abnormalities and decreased resistance to disease.

The authors correctly point out that the solution to issues associated with technologically intensive animal use is not to abandon technology, but rather to assess animal welfare concerns on an equal basis with production variables when determining the value of new procedures. This is the subject of the middle, and strongest, section of the book. The authors use examples from biomedical research and food animal production to provide a systematic and comprehensive framework for analysis of animal welfare concerns on the basis of the complex interaction between nutrition, environment, physiologic homeostasis, and mental state. For example, collection of blood samples from recently confined and untamed free-range animals may cause marked fear and distress, but a similar procedure with positive reinforcement in conditioned animals may result in a high overall welfare score.

The final section provides a balanced discussion of environmental enrichment. The authors cite studies that emphasize the fact that barren environments cause neuroanatomical deficits and behavioral abnormalities, which may affect scientific interpretation of data derived from the animals. At the same time, managers must acknowledge that inappropriate or inconsistent enrichment may waste limited resources and introduce additional confounding variability to a study. The authors conclude that an appropriate environment must provide diversity and stimulation appropriate to an animal's physiologic needs and temperament.

The book is appropriately organized and clearly written, and there are abundant reference citations. Each chapter starts with a detailed outline to quickly guide readers to the paragraph of interest. The outline format may give readers the impression that the book is a handbook of simple solutions, which is not the case. The book requires readers to pay close attention, but it will reward them with a valuable new perspective and approach to solving critical problems.—By David J. Mellor, Emily Patterson-Kane, & Kevin J. Stafford. 212 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1-405-13495-8. 2009. Price $59.99.

Human-Animal Medicine: Clinical Approaches to Zoonoses, Toxicants and Other Shared Health Risks

Reviewed by Katie Portacci, DVM, MPH, DACVPM

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Oftentimes, the wide breadth of literature available on zoonotic diseases can be difficult to obtain in a clinical setting, yet veterinarians are looked on as a primary source of information for zoonotic diseases. Human-Animal Medicine: Clinical Approaches to Zoonoses, Toxicants and Other Shared Health Risks serves as a consolidated resource for a number of zoonotic and other disease risks that may be shared between humans and other animals. The book highlights the role of veterinarians in the detection of diseases that may have an impact on human, wildlife, or pet health. It also serves as a reminder that veterinarians should be aware of the diseases that are reportable and how to report to local, state, or federal authorities.

Although not a quick reference source for specific disease treatments, this book provides small animal practitioners with key talking points to improve client communication regarding shared disease risks. The legal and ethical obligations veterinarians must consider when communicating with clients or other health professionals are clearly emphasized. Guidance is also provided on standard practices to minimize zoonotic disease risks to animal health workers.

Overall, this book provides an overview on a wide range of clinical topics frequently encountered by veterinary, human, and public health professionals. It is reasonably priced and could be a useful reference for veterinarians in small animal practice to improve communication regarding shared human and animal health risks or for veterinarians and veterinary students actively engaged in public health.—By Peter M. Rabinowitz & Lisa A. Conti. 412 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1-4160-6837-2. 2010. Price $99.95.

Veterinary Disaster Medicine: Working Animals

Reviewed by Joanne Howl, DVM

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Veterinary Disaster Medicine: Working Animals is a useful and reliable resource for individuals who treat or handle working animals in the face of a natural or man-made disaster. The book is designed to be a ready reference, a resource for preparation for assisting working animals, and a stimulus for training prior to a disaster.

The target audience consists of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, search-and-rescue personnel, and emergency medical service responders. Because each group comes with a different knowledge base of animal handling and medicine, the authors state that they have attempted to avoid oversimplification and overcomplication. The result is that a canine practitioner may find the information in the chapter on first aid for working dogs to be obvious, whereas emergency medical service personnel who have little practical animal-handling expertise may find it absolutely invaluable. By the same token, that same canine practitioner may be greatly interested in the information in the chapter on first aid for horses. The book ends up striking a functional balance.

The primary focus is firmly fixed on dogs and horses because they are the species that are brought into disaster sites as working animals. However, it is a rare disaster that affects only working animals. For that reason, other species are discussed, as appropriate, to allow responders rudimentary knowledge so that they may cope with as many scenarios and species as possible at a disaster site. Because working animals come with human handlers, some information about human health is also included.

Of necessity, the book contains substantial medical jargon. For readers who are not veterinarians, it will be helpful to pair the book with a simple veterinary medical dictionary and to become familiar with the text and terms prior to arriving at a disaster site.

In addition to the chapters on first aid in dogs and horses, general veterinary triage at a disaster, and euthanasia issues, the book contains chapters devoted to specific types of disaster scenarios: effects of bomb blasts and explosives, chemical injury, radiologic events, biological agents as weapons of mass destruction, and selected animal pathogens. The information is provided in a succinct and orderly format. Tables and diagrams are designed to enhance rapid understanding of the material.

Each author has been deployed numerous times to disasters. They bring a depth of medical knowledge as well as a breadth of practical experience to the textbook. It is a recommended reference for anyone who may find themselves with a need to deal with animals in a disaster, whether by choice as a disaster responder or by chance as a clinician whose practice may become involuntarily part of a disaster scene.—By Wayne E. Wingfield, Sherrie L. Nash, Sally B. Palmer, & Jerry J. Upp. 330 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1017-1. 2008. Price $69.99.

Illustrated Guide to Equine Diseases

Reviewed by Lorie A. Valentino, DVM, MS, DACVIM

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Illustrated Guide to Equine Diseases provides a clinical picture of various equine diseases along with a brief synopsis of each disease. It contains high-quality photographic images as well as illustrations, radiographic images, ultrasonographic images, histologic images, and results for other diagnostic modalities when applicable. It is not designed to be an inclusive reference text; rather, it is a clinical compilation of many recognized diseases and conditions of horses. The book contains 11 chapters that are based on diseases of various body systems and 1 chapter that focuses on diseases of neonates. The guide is intended for veterinary students, veterinary technicians, clinicians, board-certified specialists, and horse owners, as stated in the preface. Although I believe that the book is ideal for veterinary students and recent graduates, the cost may preclude its purchase because the reference information is brief and will require other sources to more fully complement the clinical photographs in the book. The book is an excellent resource for client education.—By Sameeh M. Abutarbush. 692 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1071-3. 2009. Price $124.99.

Equine Back Pathology: Diagnosis and Treatment

Reviewed by Lisa S. Klopp, DVM, MS, DACVIM

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Equine Back Pathology: Diagnosis and Treatment is an illustrated textbook devoted strictly to the anatomy, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of equine vertebral and spinal cord disorders. The primary audience is veterinary clinicians and veterinary students. The depth of knowledge is beyond the scope of a typical horse owner. There are 4 main sections: anatomy and function, investigation of back pathology (encompassing clinical examinations and diagnostic testing), diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions (eg, trauma and ligamentous disorders), and back pathology in specific disciplines (eg, dressage). This textbook appears to fill a unique niche in veterinary medicine because I am not aware of other textbooks with similar content. The textbook is well organized and clearly written. One outstanding feature of this textbook is the illustrations, with beautiful diagrams and photographs of diagnostic images and horses with specific conditions. The figures are representative of points made in the text. The price is reasonable when considering the high quality of this publication.

Some future additions could be suggested. First, although rehabilitation and physical therapy are mentioned frequently throughout the text, a section dedicated specifically to this topic and with the same quality of photographs and illustrations may enhance this textbook even further. Second, disorders affecting certain other types of performance horses (eg, roping horses and barrel racers) are omitted.—By Frances M. D. Henson. 266 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1405-1-5492-5. 2009. Price $139.99.

AAEVT's Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians

Reviewed by Terry D. Canerdy, DVM

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My evaluation of AAEVT's Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians is based on the suitability of this text for adoption into a 4-year veterinary technology program. The text is well organized and thorough, provides excellent academic knowledge, and covers topics that are most likely to be encountered by a veterinary technician employed in equine medicine. The text involves a depth of knowledge that I believe would be well understood by students. In addition, the book complements the narrative of each chapter with pictorials that students will find to be extremely beneficial. The facts in the text are current to the knowledge we have in the field of equine veterinary technology. The information provided could be acquired from a variety of resources; however, I believe the authors did an extremely good job of providing the elements in a complete and compact package for students interested in this topic. The one thing I really like about this text is the sample forms (eg, dental charts, general procedure forms, and client-consent forms) designed specifically for equine patients. This text has great potential for being incorporated into a veterinary technology curriculum.—By Deborah Reeder, Sheri Miller, DeeAnn Wilfong, Midge Leitch, & Dana Zimmel. 402 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-2971-5. 2009. Price $59.99.

Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses

Reviewed by Andrea B. Flory, DVM, DACVIM

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Oncology for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses is a comprehensive and unique resource for veterinary technicians, nurses, students, and assistants who care for dogs and cats with cancer. The book is aimed primarily at technicians in specialty practices; however, it will be useful to all nursing staff who care for pets with cancer. Acknowledging that oncology technicians are perhaps more involved in the human-animal bond than are other specialty technicians in veterinary medicine, the book emphasizes that providing nursing care to oncology patients is an important art.

The book is well organized and easy to read. It is not heavy on detail, which makes the material easy to assimilate without oversimplifying complicated topics. It starts with some basics of oncology that any member of a veterinary nursing team needs to know, including cancer etiopathogenesis, staging, and treatment options. The treatment section is a great guide for anyone administering or caring for patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Sections dealing with oncologic emergencies, chemotherapy extravasation, and euthanasia are helpful. The real strength of the book is in the coverage of supportive care (for both patients and the caregivers) and the emphasis on the importance of quality of life. Finally, summaries of common cancers in dogs and cats, as well as appendices for quick reference on commonly used drugs, ensure that this book will be an often-used reference for technicians who care for pets with cancer.

The book is reasonably priced, and it fills a void in the market for texts devoted to the true heroes in veterinary oncology: the veterinary nurses.—By Antony S. Moore & Angela E. Frimberger. 318 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1276-2. 2010. Price $69.99.

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Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
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15 Jun 2010
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