Miller's Anatomy of the Dog (4th edition)
Larry E. Freeman, DVM, MS
The 4th edition of Miller's Anatomy of the Dog will be a welcome textbook and resource for veterinary students, clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in learning about and clarifying points of anatomy of the canine species. The addition of color to almost all of the black-and-white illustrations in the previous edition is a particularly welcome enhancement. Also, this edition includes citations of research information published since the previous edition and includes the anatomic terms used in an international standard, the version of Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria published in 2005.
Readers will find that there is a reduction in page numbers from the previous edition. This reduction is made possible by a moderate decrease in size of most of the illustrations and less white space in page layouts of illustrations. These changes have not resulted in loss of clarity of the illustrations. The result is a continuation of the tradition of excellent veterinary textbooks by the authors. This book remains the standard reference on the anatomy of dogs.—By Howard E. Evans & Alexander de Lahunta. 850 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. ISBN 978-1-4377-0812-7. 2012. Price $145.00.
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Procedures (2nd edition)
Justine A. Lee, DVM, DACVECC
The second edition of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Procedures is a softcover, 278-page textbook. It is a good quick reference for anyone seeking a step-by-step manual on how to perform certain common procedures (eg, thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, and thoracostomy tube placement) used in emergency rooms and intensive care units. The general target for this book is not veterinarians experienced in emergency medicine; rather, it is intended for veterinarians who infrequently perform these procedures, veterinary students, and advanced veterinary technicians (eg, veterinary technicians working in an emergency or specialty clinic).
The book contains 10 chapters that highlight key areas of emergency and critical care, including vascular access techniques, placement of feeding tubes, orogastric lavage, oxygen delivery techniques, urogenital techniques, central venous pressure measurement, CPR, and administration of continuous rate infusions. The main benefit of this book is that it provides color photographs designed to lead readers through the procedures; the photographs allow for better visual detail and description (compared with hand-drawn illustrations or black-and-white images). Figure legends accompany each photograph and provide a brief but thorough description.
Additional benefits of this book include its reasonable price and password access to a website where videos of some of these procedures can be viewed (which allows future tutorial and guidance). In addition, its metal binding allows the book to lay flat for easy access when a reader actually performs a procedure.
Some limiting factors of the book are that some of the photographs are slightly dark and a few headings seem to be missing (ie, images that lead directly into the next procedure without readers being notified of the change in procedures). Also, the videos are not in high definition, and sometimes it is difficult to view the procedure. Although readers can download the videos into another format to allow clearer visibility, the viewing screen is unfortunately quite small. Regardless, this ability to view videos is an excellent benefit for such a cost-effective book. Overall, this book is a good reference for anyone who intends to brush up on important emergency and critical-care techniques.—By Timothy B. Hackett & Elisa M. Mazzaferro. 278 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, 1A 50014. ISBN 978-0-4709-5855-1. 2012. Price $59.99.
Small Animal Neurological Emergencies
Julie M. Ducote, DVM, DACVIM
As the authors of Small Animal Neurological Emergencies remind us, clinical neurologists must frequently evaluate and treat patients on an emergency basis, and many of these patients require critical care. Because clinical neurologists often have to assess patients and make urgent treatment decisions on the basis of little objective information, this book is extremely relevant to practicing neurologists, residents, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians.
Parts 1 and 4 of this book will be of particular interest to clinical neurologists, residents, and veterinary technicians because they address many of the practical challenges of dealing with neurologic emergencies. A thorough description of the initial assessment and support of an emergency neurologic patient is provided. There is also a detailed description of the diagnostic tools used by neurologists. This textbook is one of the few resources that provide a detailed description with clear pictures of the method for performing CSF analysis in a clinical setting. The chapters on emergency neuroanesthesia, fluid therapy, analgesia, postoperative care, and respiratory and cardiovascular support are especially relevant. Readers will find comprehensive descriptions of nursing care for emergency neurologic patients. The photographs, images, and anatomic drawings are excellent complements to the text.
The book is centered around part 2, which describes the rational assessment of a patient on the basis of its clinical syndrome. Chapters are included for evaluation of patients with alterations of consciousness, seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, signs of pain, blindness, head tilt and nystagmus, tremors, and disorders of the cranial nerves. Each chapter describes the aspects of the neurologic examination that should be the focus of patient evaluation and the neuroanatomic basis and pathophysiologic disease processes that cause these clinical signs. Tables with lists of differential diagnoses are provided, and suggestions for additional diagnostic tests and urgent treatment are indicated. Each chapter also includes helpful decision-making algorithms for the differential diagnosis. Specific neurologic emergencies are addressed in part 3, which discusses the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for each syndrome in more detail.
Although the price of this book is a bit high, it is an excellent resource for all members of a clinical neurology and neurosurgery service. A large percentage of clinical neurology practice is devoted to neurologic emergencies. Whereas most neurology textbooks provide exhaustive descriptions of the many diseases that affect the nervous system, this book provides a practical approach to the initial assessment and rational decision-making processes for clinical settings.—By Simon Platt & Laurent Garosi. 672 pages; illustrated. Manson Publishing/Thieme Publishing, 333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10001. ISBN 978-1-84076-152-8. 2012. Price $196.99.
Small Animal Cardiopulmonary Medicine (Self-Assessment Color Review Series)
Karl E. Jandrey, DVM, MAS, DACVECC
The format of Small Animal Cardiopulmonary Medicine (Self-Assessment Color Review Series), consistent with other books in the Self-Assessment Color Review Series, places the case description or question on one page with the answers hidden until readers turn to the next page. This format is an excellent way to challenge one's knowledge on salient medical and surgical topics that range from physiology (clinically normal to abnormal) to pharmacology and clinical management of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. The clear images and associated case scenario (followed by questions) make the text understandable and lead readers toward the clinical relevance and problem-solving skills needed to test their knowledge. The images range from clinical and anatomic pathology samples to ECGs, plain and contrast radiographs, echocardiograms, and bronchoscopic images.
The book is a good resource for general practitioners, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians. The lack of detail in physiology means that it does not lend itself to be an appropriate source for those studying for veterinary specialty examinations. However, it does provide important pieces of information that should remind readers to seek information on physiology in other basic and clinical textbooks to obtain more comprehensive details. Because this book is complete, it provides a comprehensive list of articles for further reading, ordered by organ, disease, or mechanism. The index is arranged by topic and leads readers to the case scenario to which it applies. These features as well as the focused drug formulary are nice additions that make this book extremely usable and more than just quick and interesting reading.—By Wendy A. Ware. 288 pages; illustrated. Manson Publishing/Thieme Publishing, 333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10001. ISBN 978-1-84076-164-1. 2012. Price $39.99.
Veterinary Surgical Oncology
Ralph Henderson, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVIM
Veterinary Surgical Oncology was spawned within the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncologists. The 2 editors have used the efforts of 31 authors and an artist to attempt to clarify the nuances of cancer-associated operations and their relationship with the multimodal approach to cancer treatment.
In cancer surgery for animals, each operation is custom-tailored to an animal's neoplasm (including type and location), physical status of the animal, and owner's goals. The matrix is further complicated when other timely treatment modalities could be delayed because of wound complications. Such surgery is usually taught on the basis of philosophical principles, but the authors have endeavored to identify and document an evidence-based approach for diagnostic and treatment decision pathways. The information is provided on the basis of procedure, anatomic site, and neoplasm type. Although it is a bit arduous, the arrangement remains logical throughout the text.
The authors presume readers will have knowledge of basic surgical techniques; hence, principles such as perioperative care, healing, and instrumentation are limited and focused. Illustrations are provided for some procedures, but it will be requisite for readers to adapt if a flap does not fit as shown in a photograph. Excellence in surgical oncology requires training, so there is no way to summarize this briefly. This is not a step-by-step cookbook, nor is it an automatic remedy against inadequate surgery. However, it will be a great asset to those surgeons who want to improve in this area of their craft.—By Simon T. Kudnig & Bernard Séguin. 604 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, 1A 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-0542-9. 2012. Price $159.99.
Veterinary Immunology (9th edition)
Wendy S. Sprague, DVM, PhD
Veterinary Immunology has been an essential textbook for veterinary students for many years. The ninth edition of Veterinary Immunology is a testament to the author's ability to bring an extremely complicated and ever-changing discipline to an intelligent group of people who may be somewhat naïve about the topic of immunology. This book is extremely well written and has nice graphics to explain some of the most difficult concepts. The images are captivating. What makes this book essential for veterinary students is the discussion of diseases as they pertain to veterinary patients, in addition to explanations of basic immunology in a succinct and easy-to-understand manner. With the abundance of new information in the area of innate immunity, the author has divided the material on innate immunity into 2 chapters (one focusing on detection of invaders and the other focusing on mediators of inflammation) and has also created a chapter solely on natural killer cells. There is also expansion on the topic of the systemic response to inflammation and infection. Other additions that are pertinent to veterinarians include new information on vaccine use and duration of immunity with respect to aging animals and in relation to viral and parasitic infections. As a complement to the book, readers are encouraged to visit the Elsevier Evolve website that contains flash cards, animations, multiple-choice questions, and images to enhance the learning process for this challenging field of study—By 1an R. Tizard. 551 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. 1SBN 978-1-4557-0362-3. 2012. Price $87.95.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology (3rd edition)
Elizabeth R. May, DVM, DACVD
The third edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology is a welcome addition to the field of canine and feline veterinary dermatology. Each chapter of the textbook contains tables, flow charts, and clinical images in color to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatologic conditions. The first section of the book is devoted to the structure and function of the skin as well as basic diagnostic techniques to enhance a practitioner's approach to each case. A systematic method for identifying and recognizing disorders, based on the main clinical sign, is next and includes relevant examples of clinical cases for each section, which is extremely useful. The final portion of the book reviews infectious and common skin conditions and also provides additional information for specific disorders, including recommendations for treatment and case management. The abundant color images, easy-to-follow tables and charts, and logical organization of the book, combined with its price, make this a necessity for the library of practicing small animal veterinarians.—By Hilary Jackson & Rosanna Marsella. 284 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, 1A 50014. 1SBN 978-1-9053-1927-5. 2012. Price $137.99.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology (4th edition)
Audrey K. Cook, BVM&S, DACVIM
Drs. Mooney and Peterson have successfully teamed up again for the fourth edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology. Twenty-seven other internationally recognized clinicians and researchers have also contributed material to this manual. The BSAVA manuals are designed to be practical and accessible. This book fits that concept, with short but comprehensive chapters and a thorough index. In addition, the first 2 chapters provide an excellent review of the key concepts behind endocrine testing and the impact of the diagnostic method on those results.
Subsequent chapters cover all of the expected endocrine disorders, including some of the less common diseases such as hypoadrenocorticism in cats. The information included is up-to-date, provided in a balanced manner, and well referenced. The last section of the book includes an excellent series of chapters that outline a logical approach to common problems, such as hypoglycemia and symmetric alopecia.
Although the price of this book is similar to that of larger textbooks covering the same topics, it is still an excellent value. In addition, it is easy to read, with numerous tables and well-chosen case examples. This manual is useful for veterinary students and merits a place on the bookshelf of every small animal practitioner. The only limitation to its value in the United States is the use of SI units. This is an appropriate choice for a British publication, but the inclusion of a brief conversion table at the end of each chapter would have made the book more accessible for an American audience.—By Carmel T. Mooney & Mark E. Peterson. 292 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1-9053-1928-2. 2012. Price $124.00.
Canine & Feline Gastroenterology
Micah A. Bishop, DVM
Canine & Feline Gastroenterology is a long-awaited, high-quality, evidence-based review of small animal gastroenterology. This book was developed through the efforts of 85 contributors and veterinary gastroenterologists from 17 countries. The stated intent of this book is to be a comprehensive reference standard for the discipline of canine and feline gastroenterology and it is intended for veterinary students, practitioners, educators, and biomedical researchers. The book is divided into 6 sections: Biology, Approach to Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Approach, Nutritional Approach, Pharmacologic Approach, and Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract.
The book features many high-quality illustrations and photographs, particularly in the Biology section. It is refreshing to see a comprehensive physiology section and, particularly, a histopathology section within a clinical textbook. This is especially important because the understanding of histopathology is an essential component of clinical gastroenterology. Of particular interest to general practitioners and veterinary students is the Pharmacologic Approach section in which drugs are discussed in detail and organized by clinical use (eg, antiemetics, antispasmodics, prokinetics, chelating agents, and cytoprotective agents). References are conveniently located in the textbook, and readers are not required to access the Internet for certain topics, as is common in some other reference books currently on the market.
This textbook is an excellent value for its price and should be particularly useful to specialists, residents, and veterinary students. This book should also be a valuable asset in the reference library of general practitioners, especially those with a keen interest in gastroenterology.—By Robert J. Washabau & Michael J. Day. 996 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. ISBN 978-1-4160-3661-6. 2012. Price $149.00.
Practical Weight Management in Dogs and Cats
Korinn E. Saker, DVM, PhD, DACVN
Practical Weight Management in Dogs and Cats hits the mark! While other textbooks have fallen short, this book provides an abundance of practical tips to increase the success and sustainability of weight management programs for dogs and cats, including often overlooked techniques for preventing excess, unhealthy weight gain. The definition of obesity is simple, but the topic of weight management is a complex matter; however, the authors have streamlined this convoluted information with light-hearted flair to create an easy and enjoyable book on the subject. To emphasize the importance of key concepts for successful weight management, including ideal body weight, controllable factors influencing excess body fat, and the necessity of education of pet owners to ensure understanding and compliance regarding weight management, the authors deliberately revisit these key concepts throughout the book. They help to untangle the diet and daily calorie dilemma through examples and user-friendly tables and protocols that clarify the why and how-to aspects of weight management.
Exercise as a valuable component of weight management is strongly emphasized, with an overview of the benefits and common misconceptions; an actual exercise protocol is left for each veterinary health team to develop, which has the potential to be a stumbling block. Finally, the authors remind veterinarians that tackling obesity through pharmacotherapy is an alternative approach or adjunct to dietary management, calorie counting, and exercise. Mechanisms of action, dosages, and practical protocols for safe, successful intervention with antiobesity drugs are concisely summarized. This book should be a go-to resource for veterinary health teams who take weight management of their patients seriously.—By Todd L. Towell. 239 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-0956-4. 2011. Price $59.99.
Nutritional Supplements for the Veterinary Practice
David A. Dzanis, DVM, PhD, DACVN
Nutritional Supplements for the Veterinary Practice is a pocket-sized book intended to serve as a quick reference for small animal practitioners. It devotes several pages to each of 42 of the reportedly most popular nutritional supplements. Each section provides background information, indications, recommended doses, adverse effects, contraindications, interactions, and references for that supplement. Appendices include lists of supplements that may affect blood coagulation; interact with anesthetics, sedatives, and antidepressants; or reduce adverse effects or enhance cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics and radiation therapy.
The author considers the use of nutritional supplements as a component of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM), rather than as part of the field of veterinary nutrition. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the supplements discussed are not recognized nutrients but are in fact herbal remedies, metabolites, or other compounds (eg, colloidal silver). For supplements that are recognized nutrients, the author discusses them in terms of more general applications rather than their use against conditions caused by nutritional deficiencies or otherwise responsive to nutritional therapy. For example, vitamin E is recommended as a potent antioxidant, but there is no guidance on its use for the treatment of pansteatitis in cats or vitamin E–responsive dermatoses.
Practitioners of CAVM may find the book helpful, particularly with regard to doses, contraindications, and potential interactions. However, as a pocket guide, the information is necessarily limited, so it should not be relied on as the sole reference on a subject. It would be less useful for veterinarians seeking information on veterinary nutrition applications.—By Shawn Messonnier. 173 pages. American Animal Hospital Association, 12575 W Bayaud Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228. ISBN 978-1-58326174-3. 2012. Price $37.95.
Nutrient Requirements of Swine (Animal Nutrition Series) (11th revised edition)
Steve S. Dritz, DVM, PhD
The 11th revised edition of Nutrient Requirements of Swine (Animal Nutrition Series) improves on areas in which updated information is available while retaining relevant information from previous editions. One could argue that this book is the most widely used baseline technical standard for the feeding of pigs and that this edition maintains that standard. Substantial changes include expanding the number of feed ingredients and their components in the feed ingredient composition tables. The tables now include a variety of ingredients from the bio-fuels industry. Providing ingredient energy values and expressing biologically active phosphorus content on a digestible basis, rather than an available basis, are the most important revisions of ingredient composition. Thus, biologically active phosphorus ingredient content and nutrient requirements are not directly comparable with those in previous editions.
Also, nutrient requirement estimates have been updated to provide more specific recommendations on the basis of the stage of the life cycle or level of productivity. Updates on requirement estimates are largely focused on amino acids and phosphorus, whereas trace mineral and vitamin requirements are largely unchanged. The major exception is the change in niacin requirement from total to biologically available. An addition to this edition that should be of specific interest to practicing veterinarians is a chapter on feed contaminants. Although not exhaustive, the chapter provides a nice framework for developing an initial rule-out list when evaluating suspected cases of contamination of swine feed.
A major drawback of the book is a lack of availability in an electronic format. As a reference, this would provide portability and make it easier to use ingredient and nutrient requirement values. Overall, this book will serve well as a foundation reference for veterinarians or any technical professional who is involved in evaluating or developing feeding programs for pigs.—By The National Research Council. 400 pages; illustrated. The National Academies Press, 500 Fifth St NW, Keck 360, Washington, DC 20001. ISBN 978-0-309-22423-9. 2012. Price $149.95.
Exam Room Communication for Veterinarians: the Science and Art of Conversing with Clients
Jane R. Shaw, DVM, PhD
Exam Room Communication for Veterinarians: the Science and Art of Conversing with Clients is divided into 2 sections. The science part highlights outcomes-based research. Effective communication reduces client complaints and lawsuits and enhances client retention, client compliance, and professional satisfaction. The subsequent information is a review of clients' expectations of their veterinary visit, including respect for the human-animal relationship, a clear understanding of their pet's problem, and a positive interaction. The author proposes a model for exam room verbal and nonverbal communication called the OFFICE call (outside the examination room, first impression, friendly talk, inquiry, communicate your findings, and enlist the client and empathize).
Most of the book focuses on the art of communication and aligning each veterinarian's communication style with that of their clients. The author uses common personality profiles to devise a new scheme for assessing personality traits of clients as well as for identifying each veterinarian's personality traits. On the basis of how people perceive information and use that information to make decisions, the author identifies 4 cognitive styles: hawk, dog, kitten, and owl. The key premise is that in communicating with an understanding of each client's background and values, veterinarians can tailor their message to foster understanding and receptivity (ie, enhance the outcomes of care for the veterinarian, client, and patient).
The book ends with a message that good communication is an antidote to burnout. This premise is supported by research findings that relationship-building communication promotes veterinarian visit satisfaction, which extends to overall job satisfaction and veterinarian health and well-being.—By Jon Klingborg. 195 pages; illustrated. American Animal Hospital Association, 12575 W Bayaud Ave, Lakewood, CO 80228. ISBN 978-1-58326164-4. 2011. Price $44.95.
Pocket Handbook of Small Animal Medicine
Nathan L. Bailiff, DVM, DACVIM
The Pocket Handbook of Small Animal Medicine is a pocket-sized summary of many of the clinical aspects of small animal veterinary medicine. It is a quick and easy-to-use reference that is suited for veterinary students, new graduates, or those reentering small animal practice, yet the book contains many valuable tidbits that make it worthwhile for even the most experienced practitioners.
The book has a brief table of contents and is divided into 5 main chapters, each with several well-arranged subchapters. It is not intended as an exhaustive resource and, to shorten the text, sections are devoid of references; however, the book contains a wealth of information among the 2 largest chapters, one on clinical admissions organized by problem (eg, coughing) and the other on body systems. This allows different searching methods and yet maintains limited overlap by referring readers to other subchapters as needed. Items covered in additional chapters include a basic review of veterinary diagnostic testing, analgesia, anesthesia, surgery, and critical care. Simple-to-follow yet effective flow charts, diagrams, lists, and illustrations maintain brevity and focus for readers. One minor drawback for those practicing in the United States is the use of SI units, which makes some laboratory results cumbersome. A list is provided at the end of the book if more in-depth reading is desired.
Although the handbook would make an inexpensive addition to the library of a general small animal practice, the size and ease of use might lead to this book spending more time in a practitioner's pocket than on the bookshelf.—By Kit Sturgess. 192 pages; illustrated. Manson Publishing/Thieme Publishing, 333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10001. ISBN 978-1-84076-174-0. 2012. Price $31.99.
Atlas of Feline Ophthalmology (2nd edition)
Wendy Townsend, DVM, MS, DACVO
The second edition of the Atlas of Feline Ophthalmology provides an extensive collection of high-quality images to aid general practitioners in the recognition of a variety of feline ocular abnormalities. Also included are images of the typical variation one might notice during an examination to ensure that a normal structure is not misidentified as being a pathological change. The atlas is structured to serve as a diagnostic tool; therefore, information regarding further diagnostic testing, therapeutic plans, and prognosis is generally not included. Images are grouped by the anatomic region of the eye and progress from anterior to posterior. The images are in color and of extremely high quality. Adjacent to each image, the authors provide a single sentence of the history, followed by a description of the lesions. The price is extremely reasonable considering the number of color images. Many images have been added since the first edition, which was published in 1994.—By Kerry L. Ketring & Mary Belle Glaze. 172 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-4709-5874-2. 2012. Price $99.99.
Ophthalmology of Exotic Pets
Steven J. Dugan, DVM, MS, DACVO
Ophthalmology of Exotic Pets is a softbound book that contains 12 chapters. In the introduction, it is indicated as the first book dedicated to the subject of exotic animal ophthalmology in veterinary medicine. The book is organized via species, well-referenced, and fairly priced. Because there is an overall paucity of peer-reviewed literature available regarding most exotic species, the text by necessity is written in a rather brief and nonspecific manner. However, the book contains many extraocular photographs that are of tremendous assistance when reviewing an ophthalmologic disease process or researching a clinical case. The largest chapters cover rabbit and avian eyes and their diseases, with the respective clinical signs, etiology, and clinical management provided for each disease process. Although this book fills a void that has existed in veterinary ophthalmology, contributions of Drs. David L. Williams and Thomas J. Kern to the fourth edition of Veterinary Ophthalmology by Kirk N. Gelatt that was published in 2007 remain solid fixtures. As a result, this small but manageable book will not provide any substantial additional information for veterinary ophthalmologists or residents in comparative ophthalmology training programs beyond that already included in the fourth edition of Dr. Gelatt's book. However, Ophthalmology of Exotic Pets could certainly serve as an important and necessary resource for, and a valuable addition to the library of, primary care practitioners who frequently practice exotic animal medicine and surgery.—By David L. Williams. 234 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1-4443-3041-0. 2012. Price $89.99.
Exotic Animal Formulary (4th edition)
Lauren V. Powers, DVM, DABVP
As a practitioner whose caseload is limited to non-traditional pets, I have always considered the Exotic Animal Formulary essential to my practice. I readily welcome the arrival of the fourth edition of Exotic Animal Formulary, and I am not disappointed. The latest edition has a few more pages than previous editions but is still easy to carry and use as a reference. Similar to the third edition, sections in the fourth edition are taxonomically divided and tabbed for easy reference, although it does include a new section on invertebrates. The addition of color to the tables and tabs makes quick referencing easier than before. Adding the taxonomic group name to the color tab may help improve this further. The tables on therapeutic agents in each section are divided by drug class and are heavily referenced. Similar to the third edition, references in the fourth edition that provide pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic data are flagged in the tables to help readers better determine their degree of confidence in the dosing recommendations. In addition to the tables on therapeutic agents, each section has tables that include useful data, such as biological and physiologic variables, hematologic and biochemical values, and emergency treatment protocols. These sections are extremely useful in practice, and I have become accustomed to reaching for this book when wanting to know a hematologic or biochemical value for a species I am treating. New in the fourth edition are tables with online resources for veterinarians and pet owners. An index has also been added, which offers yet another method of finding information quickly. The fourth edition is also available in an electronic format, which further allows for quick searching and portability. This book continues to be the essential quick reference on exotic animals, and I highly recommend this book to any veterinary student or practitioner who works with these unique animals.—By James W. Carpenter. 724 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. ISBN 978-1-43 77-2264-2. 2012. Price $59.95.
Fish Vetting Medicine: Formulary of Fish Treatments
Nick Saint-Erne, DVM
As stated in the foreword of Fish Vetting Medicine: Formulary of Fish Treatments, “the purpose of this formulary is to collate the knowledge that… veterinarians already have and to filter out misinformation, and then provide this information in a quick, easy to access form.” The author is a veterinary fish pathologist from Australia who has performed an admirable job in fulfilling this intention. This is a companion volume to the 2011 book Fish Vetting Essentials by Drs. Richmond Loh and Matt Landos, and it provides treatments and doses for the diseases described in that earlier book.
A disclaimer in Fish Vetting Medicine: Formulary of Fish Treatments states that “most medications at present are not registered for use in fish and so they may only be prescribed off-label where appropriate.” In the United States, only FDA-approved drugs or USDA-approved biologics for use in fish can be given as treatments for fish intended for human consumption. Extralabel use of drugs approved for humans or other animal species can be used by veterinarians with a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship on nonfood fish (ornamental species). Drugs with approved withholding periods have the duration of time listed on the drug information page. Because this book was written by an Australian and some medications available in Australia may not be available in other countries, the author refers to the FDA Phish-Pharm Database where information on drugs approved for use in the United States can be found.
Each drug described in the book is listed in alphabetic order on its own page. An introductory section on drugs listed by therapeutic groups will help readers determine the drug to use, and then the page for that drug provides information on the indications, mode of action, warnings, dose and administration, and other relevant details. The individual page for each drug allows users to add their own annotations about the drug for future reference.
There are 40 pages of introductory information prior to the actual formulary listings. These pages include the preface, foreword, disclaimer, information about the author, how to use the book, warnings and tips, conversion factors, glossary of abbreviations, modes of administration, pathogen classification tree, drugs listed by therapeutic groups, drugs listed on the basis of specific disease conditions, and a table of contents. These introductory sections are concise and well written, and they are a worthwhile description of how the use of drugs in aquatic species differs from their use in terrestrial animals. There is also a reference section (48 references) at the end.
The value of this book is that it provides an excellent starting point for veterinarians who use medications for fish species, and it allows the formulary for each drug to be updated by users as additional information is obtained from other sources or refined from personal experience.—By Richmond Loh. 340 pages; illustrated. Richmond Loh Publishing, Perth, WA, Australia. ISBN 978-0-9871571-1-9. 2012. Price $125.10.
