Diseases of Swine (10th edition)
Reviewed by Thomas G. Gillespie, DVM, DABVP
The 10th edition of Diseases of Swine provides numerous chapters of up-to-date and scientifically based information, which makes this book one that should be used as a main reference for the swine industry.
The evidence-based approach to practice is generally accepted as the method of defining abnormal situations and achieving a proper outcome when health or production challenges are faced. The evidence-based approach is extremely helpful because of coinfections of pathogens and influences, such as environment, management technologies, nutritional aspects, and housing, that practitioners must consider. This book will be a tremendous help for new practitioners as well as veterinarians who have practiced for many years. The 10th edition incorporates the system-based description from the preceding edition along with a topical approach that includes a section describing diseases on the basis of body system.
The 10th edition is especially strong because authors from around the globe have contributed. The global influence reflects current research on numerous topics throughout the book. The book begins with a chapter on herd evaluation, which has been expanded since the ninth edition. In addition, there is a new chapter devoted to the vitally important aspects of welfare and behavior. It does not take long to realize other important aspects of the book, such as the chapter devoted to surgical procedures and another chapter devoted to preharvest food safety, zoonotic diseases, and the vital interaction between human health and the ever-expanding list of global diseases that impact both swine and human health.
Several pathogens are listed that have not been considered in previous editions. Readers can quickly understand the theme in several chapters on emerging disease in this edition. An outstanding chapter on influenza virus includes the nomenclature for identifying strains and a history of this virus.
This book is a tremendous addition to the library of anyone associated with modern swine production. An area for the editors to consider in the future would be more information on the cost of disease, so that producers and practitioners would be better equipped to determine the most economical option of control and prevention for implementation.
The content of the book is outstanding and quite current. The overall theme of the book as well as the listing of several new pathogens provides tremendous information on potential emerging disease situations. The flow of the book is outstanding, starting with the informative chapter on herd evaluation. I highly recommend this book as an outstanding reference to anyone associated with modern swine production, especially practitioners.—By Jeffrey J. Zimmerman, Locke A. Karriker, Alejandro Ramirez, Kent J. Schwartz, & Gregory W. Stevenson. 983 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-2267-9. 2012. Price $219.99.
Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Steven Hansen, DVM, MS, MBA, DABVT
The stated purpose of the second edition of Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles is to serve as a comprehensive, expert-authored resource for toxicologists and other scientists and for use as a textbook in the classroom. The book covers the wide breadth of veterinary toxicology with exceptional depth. Topics range from the history of veterinary toxicology to nanoparticles, pesticides, metals, laws, regulatory considerations, diagnostic testing, and plant and environmental toxicology. The authors do an exceptional job of addressing pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of action in detail. Principles of analytic toxicology and sample submission are adequately covered.
Agents encountered as a result of natural and man-made disasters are a key focus of the reference. The text does not contain in-depth information in the area of human pharmaceuticals, which is a common source of exposure for family pets. Treatment details and differential diagnosis lists are limited. Clearly, the book delivers on its purpose as a key reference for scientists and students, covering the complex topic of veterinary toxicology in a comprehensive, well-designed format. Although this book is a tremendous addition to any library, veterinarians, other scientists, and students who seek details on the varied and complex topic of veterinary toxicology will find this reference a must-have book.—By Ramesh C. Gupta. 1,438 pages; illustrated. Academic Press Inc, 225 Wyman St, Waltham, MA 02451. ISBN 978-0-12-385926-6. 2012. Price $149.95.
World Rules for Equine Drug Testing & Therapeutic Medication Regulation: 2012 Policy of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc.
Reviewed by Andreas Lehner, PhD
In World Rules for Equine Drug Testing & Therapeutic Medication Regulation: 2012 Policy of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc., the authors have provided an excellent textbook of tremendous value to the equine veterinary and sports communities. Specifically, they have summarized and critically appraised dosing and withdrawal time guidelines for therapeutic medications at numerous locations throughout the world, with primary attention focused on 99 important compounds or chemical groups. The book should be noteworthy for horse buyers, owners, trainers, equine veterinarians, regulators, attorneys investigating equine drug overdose penalties, analysts at testing laboratories, researchers, and reporters—in short, anyone with an interest in equine sports and medication. The book will prove valuable to initiates as well as those well versed in the topic because it includes extensive references and appendices with full explanations of terms, factors influencing withdrawal times, and contact information for equine regulatory bodies.
The detailed information on the scientific basis of proposed withdrawal times for regulated substances forms the basis of a proposed National Policy of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. The authors confront crucial issues, such as zero-tolerance policies for performance-altering substances and practices, the advantages of blood testing over urine testing, the need for national standards for accreditation of testing laboratories and administration of reviews for positive cases, thresholds below which approved therapeutic medications no longer exert pharmacological effects, and the inappropriateness of applying a zero-tolerance policy to approved medications detected below such no-effect thresholds, even when such thresholds are defined.
The authors state at least 66 times that scientifically determined withdrawal time guidelines have not yet been linked to standardized therapeutic dosage regimens for given compounds, except for anabolic steroids, glycopyrrolate, firocoxib, flunixin meglumine, and furosemide. As such, the book is a rallying cry to the scientific and regulatory communities for additional research that appropriately examines these withdrawal times.
The book is professionally edited and assembled and is extremely reasonably priced considering the amount of information it contains. I hope that there will be revised editions as new information becomes available.—By Thomas Tobin, Kimberly Brewer, & Kent H. Stirling. 289 pages; illustrated. Wind Publications, 600 Overlook Dr, Nicholasville, KY 40356. ISBN 978-1-936138-42-5. 2012. Price $25.00.
Manual of Equine Lameness
Reviewed by Henry S. Adair III, MS, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR
Manual of Equine Lameness is a title that provides a good representation of what readers will find inside. It is a manual and a quick reference to equine lameness and its diagnosis, causes, and treatments. I believe the book to be an abridged version of the sixth edition of Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses; much of the detail found in that book has been excluded or substantially abbreviated in the Manual of Equine Lameness. Readers will find the information in this manual much more to the point, with many topics provided in a bullet format.
The manual is divided into 10 chapters. The first chapter covers the topic of functional anatomy. The second through fourth chapters cover primarily lameness diagnostic testing, including lameness examination, diagnostic anesthesia, and imaging. Chapters 5 through 8 cover specific lameness conditions starting at the foot and concluding with the axial skeleton. Chapter 9 covers current therapeutic options ranging from NSAIDs to regenerative medicine. This chapter also includes the basics of therapeutic shoeing. The final chapter covers the management of musculoskeletal emergencies such as severe unilateral limb lameness, fractures, synovial infections, and tendon lacerations. The chapters are provided in a concise format. Each topic covers etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in a bulleted format. The manual also has an accompanying DVD that covers the basics of a lameness examination, performance of diagnostic anesthesia, multiple video examples of forelimb and hind limb lameness, and a section on the objective assessment of lameness via the Lameness Locator system.
This manual is a quick reference on equine lameness. This manual is best suited for general large animal or mixed animal practitioners, although equine practitioners might find it useful as a quick reference in the field. It should be mentioned that this manual may also be of interest to veterinary students as a less expensive alternative to other books that deal with equine lameness in more detail. If more detail is required, then other books can be consulted.—By Gary M. Baxter. 454 pages and 1 DVD; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1546-6. 2011. Price $74.99.
Small Animal Radiographic Techniques and Positioning
Reviewed by Paul M. Frank, DVM, DACVR
Small Animal Radiographic Techniques and Positioning is a concise, useful reference book for small animal veterinary hospitals. The intended goal is to provide step-by-step instructions to technicians on proper radiographic technique. The book does a good job of communicating appropriately to its audience and accomplishing its goals.
After a brief review of radiography basics (including digital radiography), most of the book provides an easy-to-use recipe format to instruct readers on how to produce good-quality radiographs of small animals. Each radiographic examination (eg, temporomandibular joint) includes a short description, drawings or illustrations to guide readers, and representative radiographs. Illustrations are clear, and pictures are excellent, although sometimes small. The book is wire bound, presumably so that the book can be laid flat on an x-ray table to serve as a reference. The durability of this format in a busy veterinary hospital is a concern. Technicians of all abilities should find this book useful, both as a review of uncommon procedures and for learning new procedures. A basic review of special procedures and a small section on radiography of exotic animals complete the book. Information on interpretation is extremely limited, as this is outside the scope of this book.
Compared with other similar textbooks, this book is more concise (and consequently slightly less detailed) and does not include information on large animals; however, the image quality in this book is slightly better, and this textbook comes with access to a companion website with somewhat basic information. E-book versions are available. Overall, this book accomplishes its goals in an easy-to-use format. I suspect that an overwhelming majority of veterinary practices could benefit from using this book.—By Susie Ayers. 251 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1152-9. 2012. Price $54.99.
Essentials of Small Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Christina Braun, Dr med vet, DACVA
The second edition of Essentials of Small Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia is promoted as the little brother of Lumb and Jones' Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (the fourth edition of which was published in 2007). As such, it is meant to be a quick reference guide consisting of the most pertinent concepts in veterinary anesthesia and analgesia and clinical case management.
The combination of physiology and pharmacology is succinct and logical. The expansion on pain and its management is more relevant than ever to veterinary practice, and the inclusion of definitions of pain-related terms at the beginning of the chapter supports the understanding of this complex topic. New chapters regarding the anesthetic management of specific conditions have been added and are up-to-date on their content, including current references. Unfortunately, not all chapters contain the most recent literature, and readers are referred to the reference list of the aforementioned fourth edition of Lumb and Jones' Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.
The book is in black and white, which is a minor drawback considering its affordable price. The additional material on the website is useful, but some of the videos could use a higher resolution.
This book fulfills its role very well and actually goes beyond the essentials without being overwhelming. It is a good resource at an affordable price that will be useful for veterinary students, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, interns, and residents alike.—By Kurt A. Grimm, William J. Tranquilli, & Leigh A. Lamont. 572 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1236-6. 2011. Price $69.99.
Small Animal Dermatology (Self-Assessment Colour Review Series) (Revised and Updated)
Reviewed by Tina Brown, MS, DVM, DACVD
Small Animal Dermatology (Self-Assessment Colour Review) (Series, Revised and Updated) offers a general overview of veterinary dermatology in a case-based, question-and-answer format. Each case includes high-quality images and a concise history. There is a detailed explanation of the pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnoses, diagnostic tests, and management of each case. The book highlights the most common dermatologic conditions encountered in clinical practice and will be useful to practitioners, veterinary students, and veterinary technicians.—By Karen A. Moriello. 241 pages; illustrated. Manson Publishing, distributed by Thieme Publishing, 333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10001. ISBN 978-1-84076-168-9. 2011. Price $44.95.
Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat (4th edition)
Reviewed by Tonya E. Boyle, DVM, DACVIM
The fourth edition of Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat is a comprehensive resource, providing clinically applicable information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of infections in dogs throughout the world. It serves as an invaluable reference for veterinary students as well as experienced practitioners at every level. Professionals in related fields will find applicable information regarding the epidemiology, transmission, and pathogenesis of infectious diseases. The book includes extensive chapters focused on the methods behind available diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for infections in each species.
This fourth edition is updated to reflect the vast number of changes during the 6 years since publication of the preceding edition. The book includes newly discovered and taxonomically reclassified entities, such as Corynebacterium infections, canine pneumovirus, canine respiratory coronavirus, Lawsonia intracellularis, Ralstonia picketti, Chromobacterium spp, and Francisella philomiragia. This edition also includes information on heartworm, which is associated with Wolbachia spp and other infections.
Similar to previous editions of this book, the material is provided on the basis of the type of organism, followed by a section organized by clinical history and signs, prevention, and immunologic considerations regarding infectious diseases. The appendix is an antimicrobial drug formulary. There are many appendices available online that are highly clinically applicable. Readers are directed to the references and the additional 7 appendices at the related website that can be accessed via the personal identification number (PIN) associated with the purchase. I have used this newest edition extensively during the past 4 weeks and can attest that this book is extremely accessible and applicable. It is extremely affordable for the amount of information it provides.—By Craig E. Greene. 1,354 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. ISBN 978-1-4160-6130-4. 2012. Price $169.00.
Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods (5th edition)
Reviewed by Laura D. Garrett, DVM, DACVIM
The fifth edition of Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods is intended for practicing veterinarians and veterinary students, and the authors achieve their goal of providing a reference for guiding selection and interpretation of laboratory tests in a simple, practical, and rapid manner. As a fifth edition, many chapters are not new, but they have been updated. In general, the text is well written and clear. Key points are helpfully emphasized and highlighted in boxes in most of the chapters. There are also many flow charts, algorithms, tables, and photographs, most of which are extremely good. Occasionally, cytologic images are oddly colored; some of these may be special stains that were not listed, and others may be a result of a lack of color correction. Topics covered in this book range from general testing concepts, which include an excellent discussion of predictive values of tests and the relation to disease prevalence to hematologic, biochemical, electrolyte, and endocrine disorders, to infectious diseases, neurologic disorders, and cytology. Most of the topics are up-to-date; however, as the authors state, newer information is available on some topics, including many of the cancers discussed. Only a limited number of references are provided; although this simplifies the text, it makes it difficult to know the source of specific facts. For example, the fact that 30% of cats with lymphoma are leukemic is stated without a reference; this information is likely from years past when more cats were FeLV positive. Ideally, this information should be cited and updated if needed. Overall, this book is a good value and will be a beneficial reference for those seeking guidance in choosing and using a broad range of laboratory diagnostic tests.—By Michael D. Willard & Harold Tvedten. 418 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. ISBN 978-1-4377-0657-4. 2012. Price $83.95.
Practical Veterinary Urinalysis
Reviewed by Janice A. Cruz Cardona, DVM, DACVP
Practical Veterinary Urinalysis provides a comprehensive approach to all aspects of urinalysis that appeal to veterinary technical staff, veterinarians, and veterinary students. It is in binder format, lightweight, and easy to navigate because it includes colored tabs for each chapter. The material is well referenced, and throughout the text there are tables, diagnostic algorithms, and photomicrographs for quick review. Some of the material (eg, renal physiology) is covered in an overview format, but other topics are discussed more thoroughly. The chapters on specimen procurement and proteinuria contain good descriptions of the various methods for collection, handling, and appropriate storage of specimens and pathophysiology of proteinuria with available diagnostic tests, respectively. There are 3 chapters on the various phases of urinalysis. In these chapters, the description of reagent test strip methods and discussion of crystalluria are extremely helpful, and colored photomicrographs (primarily of unstained wet mount samples) depict many of the common structures found during sediment examination. However, I would have liked to see more of these photographs. One of the more unique features of the book is the description of advanced diagnostic tests, some of which are currently still in the development phase, and quality assurance for a urinalysis laboratory. Information on urinary biomarkers is current and relevant, and the segments on instrument calibration and preparation of procedure manuals will help improve data quality. Overall, this book is reasonably priced and will be a useful and relevant addition to any laboratory or veterinary medical library, with valuable information for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians.—By Carolyn A. Sink & Nicole M. Weinstein. 169 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-4709-5824-7. 2012. Price $59.99.
Veterinary Hematology: A Diagnostic Guide and Color Atlas
Reviewed by Jaime Tarigo, DVM, DACVP
Veterinary Hematology: A Diagnostic Guide and Color Atlas is an excellent resource for the evaluation and diagnosis of hematologic disease in common domestic animals. The book is well organized and provides the essentials of veterinary hematology as well as an updated and expanded atlas.
Each chapter provides a foundation-building review of physiology that precedes the pathophysiology of various disorders of erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemostasis, bone marrow, and the immune system. Algorithmic approaches including routine and specialized assays are clearly described with an emphasis on the underlying disease process. Multiple microscopic images of a disease process are often provided to highlight realistic variation in morphology. With > 200 new images of superior quality, including the addition of electron photomicrographs, the text provides > 800 illustrations. A brief summary of each disease process is provided together with extensive citation of the literature for more comprehensive coverage. Throughout the book, readers will benefit from the author's invaluable personal observations and experience.
Trainees in clinical pathology, internists, and others with an interest in hematology will find this book a highly useful resource for the essentials of veterinary hematology and diagnosis of hematologic disease. It is an excellent teaching resource for veterinary students, and it is an invaluable guide to hematologic assays and microscopic identification of disease for veterinary technicians. This book is a welcome microscope-side addition for those specializing in veterinary clinical pathology.—By John W. Harvey. 360 pages; illustrated. Elsevier, 3251 Riverport Ln, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. ISBN 978-1-4377-0173-9. 2012. Price $79.95.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Haematology and Transfusion Medicine (2nd edition)
Reviewed by Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM
The second edition of BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Haematology and Transfusion Medicine is easy to read; chapters are of good length, and there are numerous illustrations that are a nice addition. Although most of the images have high resolution, the images of erythrocyte morphology in chapter 1 appear blurry. Intended readers appear to be general practitioners. There are numerous histologic images, and extensive information on testing methods is provided (eg, Chapter 13). But if this book is indeed directed at primary-care veterinarians, then it is not likely to be helpful.
The new edition has updated chapters on transfusions that are extremely complete and a valuable addition to the library of any practitioner; the chapter on iron deficiency is excellent.
A few typographic or editorial mistakes are evident (eg, page 11); these could be distracting to some readers. The spelling of words may appear unusual to American readers, but this is a minimal concern. Of potentially greater concern is the referencing of pharmaceuticals that may not be approved for use in the United States. The coverage of infectious agents provides good global information.
The references for the chapters are brief; more references would be recommended for interested readers. There are self-references and unpublished data (page 104), which is less than ideal. The index appears incomplete.
There is some redundancy because several topics are covered in multiple chapters (eg, erythropoiesis or hepcidin). However, this is an extremely complete and updated reference that will be especially useful to veterinarians with a special interest in hematology.—By Michael J. Day & Barbara Kohn. 342 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-1-9053-1929-9. 2012. Price $151.99.
Fluid Therapy for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses
Reviewed by John D. Anastasio, DVM
The intended goal of Fluid Therapy for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses is to convey the principles and procedures of fluid therapy within the context of nursing care. The book emphasizes the importance of patient assessment and tailoring specific plans for fluid therapy to each patient. Overall, the book does an excellent job of meeting its goals.
Each chapter starts with an in-depth explanation of a specific aspect of fluid therapy. These range from fluid dynamics within the body to a description of the equipment needed for fluid administration as well as the technical aspects of delivery. The chapter then provides a concise summary of the highlights each reader should obtain from the information. At the end of each chapter, the author provides a list of questions intended to solidify the information delivered within a clinical context. This book provides an excellent review of patient assessment for both initial examination and daily monitoring, and there are excellent descriptions for the calculation of maintenance fluid rate as well as constant rate infusions. The authors end the book with good reviews of the technical aspects of parenteral nutrition and blood component therapy.
This is an excellent book for veterinary technicians in training as well as those in practice who want to review certain aspects of fluid therapy. Overall, I highly recommend this book and plan to keep it in my hospital's library for review.—By Charlotte Donohoe. 234 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-8138-1484-1. 2012. Price $49.99.
Nursing the Feline Patient
Reviewed by Annette L. Litster, BVSc, PhD, MMedSci
The goal of Nursing the Feline Patient is to address all aspects of feline nursing from the examination room to the surgical suite. I think it achieves that aim extremely well. Although the numerous contributing authors are primarily veterinarians in university practice, the book contains excellent chapters authored by the coeditors, which makes it a practical addition to the library of any practitioner who cares for feline patients. It is divided into 4 major sections (Patient Management, Diagnostics, Surgery and Recovery, and Major Diseases of the Cat) that focus firmly on the role that veterinary technicians play in the veterinary team. A particular strength of the book is the wealth of photographs obtained from the practice of the coeditors who bring to life practical feline topics that commonly arise in practice.
The chapters on hematology and cytology are particular highlights because they explain a range of laboratory techniques with clearly marked photographs, step-by-step instructions, and a simple algorithm. Similarly, the chapter on diagnostic imaging contains detailed information on positioning especially tailored to feline patients, and it is richly illustrated. The information in the text is often the result of years of practical experience working with cats, which means that it is not always evidence-based, but because nursing is a predominantly practical topic, this does not detract from the book as a whole. The index is detailed and user-friendly. This reference is an excellent value for the money and will provide practical everyday assistance for veterinary technicians who work with cats.—By Linda E. Schmeltzer & Gary D. Norsworthy. 224 pages; illustrated. Wiley-Blackwell, 2121 State Ave, Ames, IA 50014. ISBN 978-0-4709-5901-5. 2012. Price $59.99.
