books for veterinarians
Strategies for Reducing Drug and Chemical Residues in Food Animals: International Approaches to Residue Avoidance, Management, and Testing
Ronald E. Baynes & Jim E. Riviere
322 pages. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-0-470-24752-5. Price $150.00.
The objectives of Strategies for Reducing Drug and Chemical Residues in Food Animals: International Approaches to Residue Avoidance, Management, and Testing are to present strategies to reduce drug and chemical residues in animal-derived food products and highlight new approaches that may impact drug residue management. The degree of success this book has in achieving those objectives likely depends on the requirements and perspective of individual readers.
The first 7 chapters address general drug residue assessment concepts such as relevant pharmacokinetic principles and the derivation of residue limits and withdrawal periods. Although regulatory approaches in both the United States and European Union are described, the description of the European Union approach has greater detail and more useful examples. Newer approaches such as population- or physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling are also described. These chapters are provided as an introduction to those concepts, not as a comprehensive review; however, the level of detail necessary to thoroughly understand these concepts can be found in the numerous references cited. It is likely these chapters will be of most interest to readers involved in regulatory or pharmaceutical fields, whereas they will be of minimal interest to food animal veterinarians or producers.
The subsequent 5 chapters provide species-specific overviews of drug residue issues. Each chapter typically describes the drugs licensed for or commonly used in a particular species as well as strategies to minimize drug residues in that species. Some residue avoidance approaches are more theoretical, whereas other chapters contain practical, concrete tips. For veterinarians or producers with extensive food animal experience and knowledge of quality-assurance programs, such information may not be new; however, the compiled references make each chapter a useful 1-stop source for drug residue avoidance tips.
Chapter 13 describes drug residue testing methods and contains an excellent summary of newer analytic methods for drug residues in multiple matrices. This chapter primarily focuses on confirmatory testing techniques such as mass spectrometry. Screening, or on-farm, testing strategies are not discussed in this chapter but are mentioned in some of the species-specific chapters. This book does not discuss the various types of residue monitoring strategies such as criteria used for targeted slaughter plant sampling or routine surveillance.
The final 2 chapters describe the history and role of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) and select chemical contaminant residue issues. Veterinarians should be aware that this book is not meant to replace contact with the FARAD service and does not contain specific withdrawal time recommendations.
Each chapter is written by a different author, and although similar themes emerge, each chapter has a different style, focus, and level of detail. The international perspective provided in some chapters is valuable though not always comprehensive. This book is an excellent resource for those interested in an overview of drug residue issues across multiple species. Readers with only a cursory interest in drug residue theory or that require only single-species drug residue information may find it less valuable.
Reviewed by Alan Chicoine, DVM, MSc, DACVCP
University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Canada
Your Veterinary Practice: Buying, Selling & Merging (3rd edition)
Byron Farquer & Doyle Watson
264 pages. 2014. Simmons Educational Fund.
ISBN 978-0-9899134-0-9. Price $45.95.
The third edition of Your Veterinary Practice: Buying, Selling & Merging is a great reference for all current practicing veterinarians regardless of whether they are associates or practice owners. The book begins by dispelling myths and ends by explaining mergers. It gives direction on exit planning and provides advice for the sale of a practice or the dilution of ownership. For the price, this edition, like its predecessors, is a recommended value purchase.
To help with ownership transfer, a large portion of this book describes the sale of a practice and a valuation process that is based on earnings instead of gross revenue. The explanation provided regarding the sale process will help readers decide whether or not a professional broker will be needed to facilitate a sale.
Associate veterinarians will find this book a useful resource on how to plan the purchase of a practice or approach a limited buy-in opportunity. The text guides readers though sample practice value differences and an example of a no-lo practice that an associate may not want to buy.
Mixed throughout the text are golden nuggets for management techniques and benchmarks to improve the financial success of a veterinary practice. Although these nuggets assist in explaining how to go about selling a practice, they may also help enlighten practice owners and make potential sellers’ price expectations more realistic before undergoing a practice valuation. This book is intended to assist practice owners in understanding that preparation should begin 3 to 5 years before the anticipated sale of a practice to avoid the heartbreak of a less-than-expected practice valuation.
Reviewed by Karl Salzsieder, DVM, JD
Salzsieder Legal Services Longview, Wash
The Analysis of Biological Data (2nd edition)
Michael C. Whitlock & Dolph Schluter
818 pages. 2015. Roberts and Co.
ISBN 978-1-936221-48-6. Price $99.00.
The second edition of The Analysis of Biological Data is intended to address key analytic approaches and fill in the gap pertaining to the handling of real data by biologists and health-care providers. Basic concepts are essential for readers to comprehend the analytic need in addressing scientific questions on biological phenomena. According to the authors, this book “has strong emphasis on intuitive understanding to convey meaning rather than an overreliance on formulae.”
The primary strength of this book is the simplistic approach used to explain complex theories. Topics are well organized and complemented with practice problems suited for biology and medical researchers. With few exceptions, the data used in the examples are real and were obtained from scientific publications or the authors’ own databases; the sources for all important information are referenced. The simple techniques described for making good tables and graphs in this book will benefit readers in the preparation of their own scientific manuscripts. The strategies provided for investigating associations among categorical variables, assessing distributions and tests for numeric data, analyzing single and multiple factors, and performing meta-analyses have practical applications. The data sets used in the examples are available online, and readers can access them and practice the described principles at their own pace. The book is organized in a logical and thought-provoking manner that helps readers understand certain concepts in a nontechnical way.
The primary weakness of this book is that it is not intended for a broad audience that includes veterinarians. All of the examples provided for clinical trials involve human subjects. Although some of the other examples involve invertebrates, exotic animals, birds, and wildlife, the reader base for the book might be expanded if examples that involved domestic animal patients and clinical applications were provided. Moreover, the methods the authors refer to as modern would more appropriately be called advanced because they have been in existence for decades. I would not recommend this book as a primary statistics textbook for veterinary students; however, it would make a suitable supplemental reference.
Reviewed by Sangeeta Rao, BVSc, MVSc, PhD
Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colo
Basic Statistics and Pharmaceutical Statistical Applications (3rd edition) (Pharmacy Education Series)
James E. De Muth
821 pages. 2014. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor and Francis Group).
ISBN 978-1-4665-9673-3. Price $80.96.
The third edition of Basic Statistics and Pharmaceutical Statistical Applications consists of 21 chapters and 4 appendices and focuses on pharmaceutical statistical applications. The book is laid out well, and the organization follows an intuitive path, beginning with an introduction to statistics that is appropriate for entry-level students. Subsequent chapters provide a stepwise rational presentation of the fundamental principles of statistics. In my opinion, key chapters in this book include a chapter that contains a description of data presentation that is well supported with images and the chapters dedicated to describing the biggest challenges for a well-designed study such as sample size calculations and hypothesis testing. Other chapters (eg, Analysis of Variance, Correlation, and Chi Square Tests) are comprehensive and informative yet are easy to read, logical, and well referenced. Importantly, the text is supported by a fairly detailed index. Another important and thoughtful feature is a table of symbols located at the beginning of the book, which provides readers, particularly those with entry-level knowledge, a quick and easy reference. A major attribute of the text is the inclusion of problems and discussions that refer to and demonstrate the use of Excel and Minitab, 2 software packages commonly used for statistical applications and with which most readers will be familiar. The text is rich with images such as software screenshots that demonstrate key points. The well-thought-out appendices are among the most helpful aspects of the book. In addition to the standard statistical tables, this book contains flow charts for selection of appropriate inferential tests to help direct both early and intermediate learners along with summary commands for Excel and Minitab. For educators, the text is supported throughout by relevant pharmaceutical problems, with answers included in an appendix. I found the appendix that focuses on statistical errors commonly encountered in the literature particularly enlightening. In summary, this book is an excellent choice for beginning or intermediate researchers interested in designing, implementing, and reporting statistically sound studies.
Reviewed by Dawn Boothe, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP
Auburn University Auburn, Ala
Handbook of Veterinary Pharmacology (2nd edition)
Walter H. Hsu
705 pages. 2013. Shinilbooks Co.
ISBN 979-11-950643-2-8. Price $67.50.
The content of the second edition of the Handbook of Veterinary Pharmacology has been updated since the 2008 release of the first edition. This edition remains true to the book's original purpose, which was to provide a concise reference for pharmacological concepts that will be appreciated by veterinary students during their clinical training and clinicians, especially during their first few years of practice. The organization of this edition remains the same as that of the first, with a general overview of pharmacological principles applied to all agents followed by chapters that focus on areas of usage (eg, drugs that affect the nervous system, behavior-modifying drugs, and anesthetics) instead of specific disease states. It is effectively divided into areas of interest that allow readers to quickly find information about specific groups of drugs. For each agent discussed in each chapter, an extensive description of that agent's pharmacodynamics is provided that includes its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects. Although the author discusses drug uses and administration options, this book is not meant to be a treatment guide.
The liberal use of highlighted text and the test questions provided at the end of each chapter reinforce the feeling that this is a traditional textbook. Although this edition is well written and concise, it remains a reference book and it is intended for readers interested in improving their understanding of why drugs work the way they do. I recommend this book for the backpack of all veterinary students who are in the clinical training phase of their education and for the library of any clinician who wants a quick reference regarding the pharmacodynamics of the drugs they may use. It is not a formulary that contains doses for drugs or compares commonly used drugs, nor is it intended to be used to direct treatment. This book is meant to be used as a quick reference for important pharmacological properties of almost all commonly and not so commonly used drugs in veterinary medicine, and I feel that it meets that goal.
Reviewed by David Aucoin, DVM, DACVCP
VCA Antech Los Angeles, Calif
Handbook of Veterinary Pain Management (3rd edition)
James S. Gaynor & William W. Muir III
620 pages. 2015. Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-323-08935-7. Price $76.95.
The third edition of Gaynor and Muir's Handbook of Veterinary Pain Management remains a comprehensive, clinician-friendly reference for veterinarians dedicated to optimizing the management of pain for each patient. Updates incorporated into this edition include the most recent information on the complex physiology and pathophysiology of pain in animals and the relationship between pain and stress in animals. Guidance is provided for the identification and assessment of both acute and chronic pain in animals. The benefits and limitations of various pain scoring systems are reviewed, and examples of pain scales that can be incorporated in routine patient evaluation are provided.
A substantial portion of this book is dedicated to pharmacological options for pain management. One chapter summarizes the important clinical pharmacological considerations for each of the major analgesic drug classes. Subsequent chapters contain more detailed information on NSAIDs, opioids, α2-adrenergic receptor agonists, local anesthetics, glucocorticoids, and alternative drugs and include tables that summarize commonly used doses for specific drugs. A mini-formulary at the end of the book summarizes all of the drugs discussed. The chapter on local and regional pain management techniques has been expanded. Unfortunately, I did not find many of the photographs in these chapters particularly useful and would have preferred that the photographs had been replaced with relevant diagrams.
The authors recognize the growing acceptance of complementary, nonpharmacological means of pain management by the veterinary community, and this edition includes new chapters on the use of energy modalities (eg, therapeutic laser and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy), acupuncture, and canine physical therapy and rehabilitation for pain management. However, although these new chapters provide an adequate overview of those topics, readers should not anticipate being able to incorporate those methods into practice without additional training. Veterinarians who treat exotic species (rabbits, ferrets, birds, and reptiles), laboratory animals, and cats will be happy to find extensive additions to the chapters on pain management in those species. Case studies are provided throughout the book to assist readers in understanding the principles for the management of both acute and chronic pain in veterinary patients, and they add to the book's clinical relevance.
Reviewed by Joan E. Dolance, DVM
Animal Specialty and Emergency Center Los Angeles, Calif
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary (8th edition)
Ian Ramsey
474 pages. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-905319-65-7. Price $100.00.
The eighth edition of the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, edited by Professor Ian Ramsey of the University of Glasgow, is a spiral-bound collection of monographs produced by a 16-member committee of highly qualified authors who are involved primarily in institutional veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom. The intended audience is veterinarians and veterinary students. This volume links and integrates with additional online information resources offered by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) as a membership benefit. As is typical for drug formularies, the forward of this edition states that there have been a number of deletions and additions since the previous edition.
The drug monographs are organized alphabetically by generic name and typically include data and commentary on the various formulations available and the drug's mechanism of action, use, safety and handling, contraindications for use, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and dosages for various species of interest. The monographs are well edited to achieve 1 voice and appear pointedly succinct.
This formulary has 3 appendices and a jacket insert that contain useful reference data such as doses for drugs commonly used in emergency situations and an organizational summary of drugs by body system of application. Additionally, the authors continue to provide selected treatment protocols for various situations. Finally, this edition contains useful advice on the appropriate selection and use of antimicrobial agents.
When assessing this formulary for its ease of use for a North American audience, it is important to note that most generic drug names and some of the trade names will be familiar. A larger issue for North American veterinarians is the value-for-money proposition of this volume, compared with other comprehensive, North American–based formularies such as the eighth edition of Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the upcoming release of a new formulary by Papich, and a variety of other on-line formularies for more limited and specialty applications. Although this formulary is authoritative and current, in my opinion, it does not offer any additional benefits or value, compared with North American–based formularies that contain more drug monographs with more in-depth discussion and clinical context at a lower price. However, this formulary would be a useful addition to the library of anyone with an interest in international pharmacology.
Reviewed by Stephen Crane, DVM, DACVS
Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology Colorado Springs, Colo
Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia (2nd edition)
Gary West, Darryl Heard, & Nigel Caulkett
950 pages. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-0-8138-1183-3. Price $179.99.
The second edition of Zoo Animal and Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia has been not only revised and updated, but significantly expanded. This edition consolidates into 1 general section information that was separated into 3 sections in the previous edition. This section contains 3 new chapters that are welcome additions: Airway Management, Oxygen Therapy, and Field Emergencies and Complications. Also, a new chapter on zoo and wildlife cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an improvement from the chapter on cardiovascular and pulmonary support in the previous edition. An important addition to this edition is a section on bird anesthesia that includes a much-needed introductory chapter on avian anatomy and physiology. New avian groups are now represented in the species-specific section, making it more relevant for zoo veterinarians and avian practitioners. Since the release of the first edition in 2007, new drugs have become available for the immobilization and pain management of nondomestic animals; this information is appropriately reflected in the chapters on clinical pharmacology and analgesia and throughout the book in the species-specific chapters. Most chapters incorporate tables in which the information is presented in a concise and practical way, making it simple to find. This book is well written and easy to read with clear, useful illustrations.
The editors have put together a concise and comprehensive book that builds upon the excellent work of the previous edition. The price of the book is entirely justified by the quality and wealth of the information provided in it. This book should be considered a practical reference and an indispensable addition to the library of any professional who works with wildlife species, whether in captivity or free-ranging.
Reviewed by Carlos R. Sanchez, DVM, MSc
Fort Worth Zoo Fort Worth, Tex
Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology (4th edition)
Alexander de Lahunta, Eric Glass, & Marc Kent
587 pages. 2015. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-1-4557-4856-3. Price $153.00.
As were previous editions, the fourth edition of Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology is designed for veterinary students. The text is organized on the basis of neurolocalization and focuses on anatomy, development, organization, and function. Given this foundation, readers are provided with an understanding of how to diagnose diseases of the nervous system. The text provides a detailed description of neuroanatomy, as is expected from a de Lahunta textbook. In this edition, the chapter on gross neuroanatomy has been substantially expanded with the addition of approximately 20 pages of text, images, and diagrams. Each image or diagram contains easily identifiable structures and complements the detailed neuroanatomic description within the text. Another major change to this edition is the inclusion of a separate chapter on uncontrolled involuntary skeletal muscle contraction, a complicated subject that is made easier to understand by the availability of almost 60 videos of clinical cases on the book's companion website.
On the principle of neuroanatomy alone, this remains an excellent book for both veterinary students and residents. The use of videos to demonstrate the clinical presentation of disease and assist students in learning neurolocalization has been expanded in this edition. The videos are identified by species, disease, and neurolocalization and listed in the table of contents under the appropriate chapter headings for quick reference. These videos link the clinical presentation of disease to the neurolocalization and allow students to not only understand neuroanatomy and function, but also appreciate what they may encounter in private practice. Private practitioners may also benefit from the videos, which can be used for comparison purposes with client videos or with the results of a neurologic examination. This book is an excellent addition to the library of any veterinarian.
Reviewed by Martin G. Young, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Dogwood Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center Richmond, Va
Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology (3rd edition)
Kirk N. Gelatt
706 pages. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-118-77192-1. Price $109.99.
The third edition of Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology is a soft-covered textbook edited by the renowned veterinary ophthalmologist Kirk N. Gelatt. It is a condensed version of the fifth edition of Veterinary Ophthalmology, which is a 2,300-page, 2-volume primary textbook used by most veterinary ophthalmology residents. The outline of this book generally follows that of the fifth edition of Veterinary Ophthalmology, whereby each chapter has different authors, typically ophthalmologists who have special interests or expertise in the respective subjects. Sections 1 and 2 consist of 6 chapters that review the basic science of veterinary ophthalmology (ie, embryology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diagnostics). Section 3 consists of 9 chapters that review the diseases and surgery of each ocular structure in the canine eye. Section 4 consists of 4 chapters that review feline, equine, food animal, and exotic ophthalmology. Section 5, the final section, consists of 2 chapters on neuro-ophthalmology and the ocular manifestations of systemic diseases.
This book is easy to read and has many detailed color photographs that can be used to help form rule-out lists for patients. It also has a glossary of common ophthalmic terminology and a 55-page index for quick reference and omits the material from the fifth edition of Veterinary Ophthalmology that is more applicable to veterinary residents or ophthalmologists. In short, this book is a valuable resource for veterinary students and practitioners who would like a good general ophthalmology textbook and prefer to avoid the high price tag associated with the fifth edition of Veterinary Ophthalmology.
Reviewed by Neal Wasserman, DVM, DACVO
Eye Care for Animals Chicago, Ill
Feline Soft Tissue and General Surgery
Sorrel J. Langley-Hobbs, Jackie L. Demetriou, & Jane F. Ladlow
746 pages. 2014. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-7020-4336-9. Price $136.00.
Feline Soft Tissue and General Surgery is a first-class, in-depth, comprehensive, and inexpensive reference on general and oncological surgical diseases of cats. The initial sections of the text are intended to provide readers with ample information regarding general anesthetic considerations and analgesic options for cats, surgical biomaterials and basic surgical instrumentation, surgical and medical oncological principles, preoperative preparation of cats, and postoperative management for various surgical procedures. The latter sections of the text are divided into body areas (skin and adnexa, abdomen, thorax, head, and neck) and the specific general and oncological surgical procedures associated with those areas. For each specific surgical disease process, numerous helpful how-to illustrations and colored schematics are provided. This textbook is a must-have resource for general practitioners who perform surgery on cats and veterinarians undertaking advanced surgical training.
Reviewed by Roy F. Barnes, DVM, DACVS
Virginia Veterinary Surgical Associates PC Richmond, Va
Small Animal Critical Care Medicine (2nd edition)
Deborah C. Silverstein & Kate Hopper
1130 pages. 2015. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-1-4557-0306-7. Price $125.00.
With over 1,000 pages, the second edition of Small Animal Critical Care Medicine is a comprehensive resource for practicing veterinarians, interns, emergency and critical care residents, and specialists with a strong interest or focus in critical care medicine. This book is intended for a specific audience. Veterinarians who are seeking a concise summary of diseases encountered in emergency practice should consult other resources because many common emergency topics such as toxicology are only minimally addressed or not discussed at all in this book. However, those with a particular interest in disease pathophysiology and other advanced topics in critical care medicine will find a wealth of useful information. The layout is crisp and easy to navigate, and key points are highlighted at the beginning of each chapter. The text is adequately referenced and provides an evidence-based approach to support treatment recommendations. Notable changes from the first edition are the inclusion of full-color images, extensive revisions of the fluid therapy and transfusion medicine chapters, expanded sections on mechanical ventilation and pharmacology, updated coverage of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the addition of a section on the design and management of intensive care units. Unfortunately, in an effort to consolidate a large amount of information into 1 volume, the font size of the text is small, which affects readability. Nevertheless, the editors have succeeded in providing a well-priced book that will have a prominent place in the library of many intensive or critical care units.
Reviewed by Rosalind S. Chow, VMD, DACVECC
BluePearl Veterinary Partners Grand Rapids, Mich
Equine Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
Louise L. Southwood & Pamela A. Wilkins
880 pages. 2015. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group).
ISBN 978-1-84076-194-8. Price $134.96.
Equine Emergency and Critical Care Medicine is edited by 2 recognized experts in equine emergency and critical care and is written by an impressive collection of collaborators. Although other textbooks have focused on equine emergencies or subtopics related to equine emergency and critical care (eg, neonatal foals, equine gastrointestinal disease), this textbook also includes a section on the critical care and monitoring of equine patients.
Strengths of this textbook are the cross section of emergency problems discussed, which are organized by body system, and the use of consistent subheadings within each topic. Numerous photographs and diagrams are provided to emphasize important points. Tables are used throughout the book to summarize important findings and drug dosages and provide quick references for readers. The authors provide fresh perspectives for each topic and numerous pearls of wisdom gained from their personal experiences. The chapters are well referenced, and the table of contents and index allow readers to locate information quickly.
Weaknesses of this textbook include some redundancy of topics among sections and some organizational details that were not intuitive to this reviewer. However, redundancy can be advantageous because it emphasizes some material and provides perspectives from different authors.
This textbook complements other equine emergency textbooks and will be a valuable addition to the library of veterinarians who manage equine emergency patients in a hospital setting. Moreover, it is fairly priced, compared with textbooks of similar size and quality.
Reviewed by Julie Dechant, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVECC
University of California Davis, Calif
Sturkie's Avian Physiology (6th edition)
Colin G. Scanes
1028 pages. 2014. Academic Press (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-12-407160-5. Price $106.25.
Over the years, Sturkie's Avian Physiology has been the premier go-to book for information on any aspect of physical function and activities of domestic and wild birds. As knowledge of avian species has progressed, so have the editions of this book. The sixth edition is no exception. It has been thoroughly revised and updated and even offers a companion website, which features reference intervals for hematologic and serum biochemical variables. Although this book is relevant for veterinarians, graduate students, and poultry scientists, some of the chapters are extensive, if not overwhelming. For example, the first few chapters that discuss genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics may be best understood by clinical pathologists or research scientists. There are also chapters with information on flight, circadian rhythms, and migration, which will be of interest to ornithologists and behavioral or ecological biologists. Most veterinarians and advanced students will likely find the chapters on metabolism and the nervous, sensory, internal organ, endocrine, and reproductive systems to be the most useful for educational purposes and reference material.
Overall, this is a very comprehensive book that should be in the library of anyone interested in avian comparative physiology, veterinary medicine, and related fields. This book contains a wealth of information for the price, and I would have expected it to be much more expensive.
Reviewed by Gwen B. Flinchum, DVM, DABVP
All Bird Clinic of the Palm Beaches Lake Worth, Fla
The Atlas of Chick Development (3rd edition)
Ruth Bellairs & Mark Osmond
660 pages. 2014. Academic Press (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-12-384951-9. Price $200.00.
The third edition of The Atlas of Chick Development has been updated from the previous edition to include recent experimental and molecular research that has occurred in the field of morphogenesis. This edition contains 13 chapters and 232 plates. The chapters concisely summarize the development of the different body systems and sections of the chick embryo. Readers are clearly directed to figures within the text and to the plates throughout the chapters. Additionally, an extensive list of references is provided for readers to access further information if they so desire. A comprehensive glossary is located at the beginning of the book. The plates are a combination of black-and-white photographs of serial-sectioned embryos from the primitive streak to stage 39 (day 13 of incubation) and histologic-stained tissue sections. Although some of the photographs have been updated, many black-and-white photographs remain, some of which would benefit from improved resolution. The images of the scanning electron micrographs and some of the histologic sections are wonderful. The color plates of whole-mounted embryo specimens that were stained for skeletal elements nicely illustrate the ossification process.
The book has 3 appendices including the Normal Table of Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (1975), which summarizes the early stages of cleavage and hypoblast formation; the Normal Table of Hamburger and Hamilton (1951; 1992), which summarizes all stages of chick development with abbreviated descriptions from the original; and Additional Normal Tables, which provide a list of references for developmental tables for ducks, pheasants, quails, and turkeys.
Although the intended audience for this book is primarily researchers who are using the chick embryo as a research model, developmental biologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, and poultry scientists will also find this book to be an excellent resource. For practicing poultry veterinarians, this book contains a good summary of egg formation and embryo development and will be most useful to those working in hatcheries or diagnostic laboratories. The histologic plates are a good reference for normal developmental anatomy for veterinary pathologists interested in this information.
Reviewed by Donna J. Kelly, DVM, DACPV
University of Pennsylvania–New Bolton Center Kennett Square, Pa
The Biology and Identification of the Coccidia (Apicomplexa) of Turtles of the World
Donald W. Duszynski & Johnica J. Morrow
210 pages. 2014. Academic Press (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-12-801367-0. Price $59.46.
The Biology and Identification of the Coccidia (Apicomplexa) of Turtles of the World is a much-needed resource in the field of parasitology and turtle pathology cowritten by world-renowned parasitologists. Although many of the organisms discussed are nonpathogenic, as the book states, more is unknown than is known about the microsporidian parasites of turtles, and this book is useful for classifying those parasites when they are found in tissue sections or fecal samples.
This book is short on text and summarizes the literature about coccidia in turtles. Following a short introductory chapter, subsequent chapters are organized by turtle species and include a list of each coccidian parasite found in the host being discussed. Unfortunately, each parasite is described only once, even if it affects multiple hosts. For example, snapping turtles are the first host discussed; if a coccidian parasite affects both snapping turtles and another host such as sea turtles, it is described in detail in the section dedicated to snapping turtles and a note is provided in that section that lists the other hosts it affects, but it is not listed in the section dedicated to those other hosts. This deficiency is partially overcome by the inclusion of summary tables provided at the back of the book. In my opinion, readers should have been informed of this lack of redundancy and those tables located at the beginning of the book. The back of the book contains several useful tables, including one that lists all of the coccidian parasites discussed in the book and the turtle hosts in which they have been reported and another that lists turtle species and all the coccidian parasites that have been identified in them. The table that provides a summary of the morphological characteristics of each coccidian parasite discussed in the text is particularly useful.
Generally, the text is descriptive rather than verbose. A minor drawback of the text is that it frequently does not identify the tissues infected by each coccidian parasite, most likely because little is known about the subject. Overall, this book is a welcome addition to the available literature and provides easy access to descriptions of the various coccidia that infect turtles so readers do not have to hunt down the 100-year-old references that contain the original descriptions of those organisms.
Reviewed by Kristi L. Helke, DVM, PhD
Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC
Leishmania: Current Biology and Control
Subrata Adak & Rupak Datta
241 pages. 2015. Caister Academic Press.
ISBN 978-1-908230-52-2. Price $319.00.
Leishmania: Current Biology and Control focuses on the molecular mechanisms of primarily anthroponotic Leishmania donovani infection, as found on the Indian subcontinent. Leishmania donovani is a very close genetic cousin to Leishmania infantum, the zoonotic version of this parasite, and information gleaned from this system will likely be applicable to zoonotic infection. This book has chapters that describe the pathogenic mechanisms of leishmaniasis including cholesterol use, sequestration of iron, programmed cell death or apoptosis, immune evasion, vaccination, and antiparasitic drug resistance. Although this book is thorough and scientifically accurate, it is not particularly focused on the use of novel treatments or prophylactics that may have veterinary applications for the treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis. Consequently, it is unlikely that this book will be a particularly helpful addition to the library of most veterinarians because few practitioners need this molecular depth of knowledge to treat leishmaniasis, even though it appears to be an emerging disease of dogs in some areas of the United States.
Reviewed by Christine Petersen, DVM, PhD
University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa
books for veterinary technicians
Veterinary Medical Terminology Guide and Workbook
Angela Taibo
639 pages. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-118-52748-1. Price $69.99.
Veterinary Medical Terminology Guide and Workbook is intended for use as both an instructional textbook and a reference guide for veterinary personnel. The text begins with the anatomy of medical terms, then proceeds to the anatomic organization of the body. Subsequent chapters are organized by body systems, followed by chapters dedicated to the study of terms specifically related to horses, ruminants, swine, exotics, and laboratory animals. Each chapter contains an overview of the anatomy and mechanics of a specific system and a section on pathology and procedures associated with that system. Terms in each section are presented in an easily searchable tabular format. Interesting Tech Tips, which contain information on various topics, are interspersed throughout each chapter. Many excellent photographs and diagrams are provided throughout the book, which help illustrate the topics being discussed and keep readers engaged. The appendix contains a written pronunciation guide of all terms in the text and a section on common veterinary abbreviations.
Review exercises are provided in each chapter and have formats such as case studies, fill-in-the-blank, definitions and terms, and matching. Unfortunately, only limited space is provided to enter the answers within the text. The answers for the exercises are provided in the back of the book and on its companion website.
The companion website contains all of the photographs and diagrams contained in the book, printable flashcards, crossword puzzles, and audio clips of pronunciations for 101 medical terms. The section on case studies and review questions contains the same exercises as the text, but in a user-friendly printable format.
It is important for veterinary and veterinary technician students to learn medical terms and their definitions to effectively communicate with other veterinary professionals and adequately describe, in layman's terms, a patient's condition and treatment protocol to clients. This is a well-organized, richly illustrated, and reasonably priced book that will benefit both beginning students and experienced personnel.
Reviewed by Debra Reed, DVM
San Juan College Farmington, NM
Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians
Amy Johnson
226 pages. 2014. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-1184-3421-5. Price $49.99.
A concentrated effort to educate veterinary technology students about disease processes is often lacking. Small Animal Pathology for Veterinary Technicians, written by a veterinary technician for veterinary technicians, is an excellent resource to enhance knowledge of common small animal diseases. Within the veterinary health-care team, empowering technicians with knowledge of disease processes will improve patient care and client compliance.
The pathology topics discussed in this book are organized by body systems, with additional chapters provided for common infectious diseases and diseases of exotic animals. This book could be used as a reference guide for a stand-alone course on small animal pathology for technicians or as a retrospective review of pathological processes in a clinical environment.
The beginning of each chapter contains an outline that describes the relevant basic anatomy and physiology of the system being discussed at a level appropriate for a naĂŻve audience with basic reading skills. Perhaps the most valuable descriptions are those associated with client education and technician tips. This is a good go-to reference for technicians wondering what disease the patient they are dealing with may have. The information is easily retrievable and representative of a high standard of care. Disease information is consistently organized throughout the book and is representative of conditions commonly seen in practice. The references at the end of each chapter are a result of a Web-based search of topics from industry sites. The index is cross-referenced by scientific and lay terminology, which I think will be helpful for technicians. The photographs are generally accurate and graphically depict disease conditions. Unfortunately, some of the photomicrographs lack clarity and the magnification is not provided in the captions.
I recommend this book as a quick reference guide for enhancing technician training in a clinical setting. It is also an appropriate resource for an undergraduate course in small animal pathology for veterinary technicians.
Reviewed by Kimberly M. Peterson, DVM
Morehead State University Morehead, Ky
Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses
Julie K. Shaw & Debbie Martin
389 pages. 2015. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-0-8138-1318-9. Price $69.99.
Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses delivers on its intended purpose to be a “complete guide to the technician's role in behavioral preventative services and to assist the veterinarian with behavioral intervention.” This book focuses on areas that are necessary for successful companion animal behavioral therapy, but which are often either ignored or inadequately addressed in typical textbooks on veterinary behavior. Successful behavioral therapy is dependent on thorough client communication and compliance like no other area of veterinary medicine. Clinical behavioral issues have few quick fixes, and behavior modification protocols require a great deal of commitment from the client.
This book contains 2 excellent chapters on canine and feline learning behaviors that include practical descriptions of applications and techniques for correction of specific behavior disorders. Although those topics are typically addressed in other veterinary behavior textbooks, they are not described in as in-depth detail as they are in this book. Also included in this book are a first-rate chapter on the prevention of behavior disorders, a chapter on the human-animal bond that explains why a client would chose to live with a dog or cat with a behavior disorder, and an enlightening chapter on the importance of communication for helping clients comply with behavior therapy protocols and for helping the entire veterinary behavior team work together effectively.
I was concerned when I saw that this book contained a chapter on veterinary psychopharmacology because general veterinary practitioners frequently obtain recommendations for dosages of psychotropic drugs from nonveterinarian sources. However, this chapter primarily focuses on neurophysiology so readers will understand why psychotropic drugs might be beneficial in veterinary behavior therapy. The section on specific medications provides practical information without making recommendations regarding dosages or for what disorders those drugs should be prescribed.
Overall, this book fills a necessary gap in the existing companion animal clinical veterinary behavior literature. I believe it will be a great resource for veterinary technicians and anyone else interested in the clinical veterinary behavior of dogs and cats.
Reviewed by Gerrard Flannigan, DVM, MSc, DACVB
Carolina Veterinary Specialists Greensboro and Huntersville, NC
Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses
Mary Ellen Goldberg & Nancy Shaffran
421 pages. 2015. Wiley-Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-1185-5552-1. Price $69.99.
Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses addresses all aspects of pain management in an easy-to-read, yet detailed, manual and provides a much-needed resource for veterinary technicians. The book is organized into 18 chapters and includes a supplemental website that contains review questions, videos, figures, and Web links. Although the content is geared toward the education of veterinary nurses and technicians, every veterinary hospital should own a copy because it provides easily accessible information that veterinarians use daily so they will not have to sort through an in-depth textbook on pain management.
The editors took great care to provide an informative and surprisingly inclusive book, and each chapter is written in a friendly and interesting manner. The chapter entitled Pain Recognition in Companion Species, Horses, and Livestock is particularly useful because it contains charts and figures that provide insight into the assessment of pain in veterinary patients. The chapters on physiology and pharmacology are concise and thorough and provide readers with a good foundation for understanding the subsequent topics discussed. Importantly, this book contains discussion of subjects that are often overlooked in other pain management textbooks, such as analgesia for shelter animals, horses and other livestock, and exotic, zoological, and wild animals. For readers who are visual learners, this book has dozens of photographs and figures that depict various pain management techniques, including an entire chapter devoted to step-by-step instruction of locoregional analgesia. A minor weakness is that the chapters on physical rehabilitation and alternative therapies are sparse and some of the reference citations are out of date, but this is understandable given that new scientific studies on such cutting-edge modalities as laser therapy, myo-fascial trigger point therapy, and stem cell therapy are being published monthly. I am sure that those chapters will be greatly expanded in future editions of this book. A final bonus in this book is the 60 pages of appendices that are designed for everyday clinic use as well as an extensive formulary, constant rate infusion calculator, and pain management protocols for patients that undergo various routine procedures.
The health and welfare of animal patients are enhanced when emphasis is placed on minimizing and managing their pain. The authors and editors of this book understand the importance of including pain assessment as part of a routine physical examination and have designed a book that should be an inspiration for everyone involved in veterinary medicine. This book will be a welcome addition to the library of any veterinary clinic or hospital.
Reviewed by Jennifer F. Johnson, VMD
Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital Morton, Pa
Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians (5th edition)
Boyce P. Wanamaker & Kathy Lockett Massey
534 pages. 2015. Elsevier.
ISBN 978-0-323-18662-9. Price $59.96.
The authors of the fifth edition of Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians introduce the book as a teaching and reference book for veterinary technology students and graduate veterinary technicians. The organization of topics in the book is logical. The photographs and illustrations are clear and informative, and the descriptions of systemic physiology at the beginning of each chapter are clear and appropriate. Explanations and numerous practice problems for calculating drug doses will be helpful to students.
The content of this book is extensive, perhaps too much so for an introductory textbook for veterinary technology students. Complete descriptions are included for drugs such as halothane and thiopental, which are no longer marketed in the United States and have been replaced with safer or more effective drugs. Reading or studying this information may take time that could be more productively used to learn about drugs that are used in practice.
Given the high volume of information presented in this book, readers would have benefitted from the inclusion of additional context. Within each drug class, a comprehensive list of drugs is provided with no indication that some drugs are used commonly, whereas others are seldom used. Similarly, the adverse effects for many drugs are presented as a list with no indication given about the typical frequency of those effects, implying that adverse effects are common for some drugs that, in reality, are often administered with no adverse effects observed.
This book also contains errors and some curious omissions. Examples include the omission of the watershed Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 from a list of major acts of legislation related to drug development, defining controlled drugs as having “the ability to become habit-forming” instead of being at risk for abuse, and use of the term “Dosage Forms” as a heading for lists of drugs within a class or lists of trade names as well as lists of dosage forms. A potentially useful chart that compares products available for the prevention of heart-worm disease in dogs provides trade names and a summary of the characteristics of the various products, but does not list the active drugs in each product. Hyaluronate and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans are presented under the chapter subheading Other Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, which they are not.
Purchase of this book provides access to associated online resources, which include many dose calculation problems that will be valuable for students, and videos demonstrating drug administration to dogs and cats. This book has the organization, objectives, and content goals to be a useful textbook; however, it could be improved by providing more clinical context, deleting unnecessary details, and paying increased attention to the accuracy and relevance of the content.
Reviewed by Sarah A. Wagner, DVM, PhD, DACVCP
North Dakota State University Fargo, ND
Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians (4th edition)
Monica M. Tighe & Marg Brown
750 pages. 2015. Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-323-17138-0. Price $69.95.
I reviewed a previous edition of Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians, and I am pleased to see considerable updates to this edition. Similar to previous editions, this review is in an outline format and is an excellent resource for faculty members who are preparing to teach new material or updating existing lessons. It is obvious that the focus of the book is for veterinary technician students or recent graduates who are preparing for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Many chapters focus on the domains of the VTNE, with specific additions on pain management and expanded information in the chapter on emergency medicine.
New to this edition is the addition of color to numerous images and tables throughout the text. All chapters have been updated to reflect current modalities and are written by veterinary technicians who are experts on the topics being addressed. Each chapter includes key terminology, clearly written and pertinent learning outcomes, and current references. A number of multiple-choice questions can be found at the end of each chapter, with the answers to those questions provided at the back of the book along with an additional 350-question comprehensive test, complete with answers.
The most substantial feature of this edition is the accompanying access to the Elsevier Evolve study resources website for both teachers and students. This thorough and functional resource enables users to access a computer-based, VNTE-type practice test with almost 1,000 questions. Students can use this practice test in several ways. For questions that they answer incorrectly, a discussion of the rationale for the correct answers can be accessed. Students can also use this resource to practice for the VTNE by taking a mock examination.
Reviewed by Allen R. Balay, DVM
Ridgewater College Willmar, Minn
Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant (3rd edition)
Paula Pattengale & Teresa Sonsthagen
629 pages. 2014. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-118-44078-0. Price $54.99.
The intended purpose of the third edition of Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant is to convey practical and easily followed instructions for various duties of veterinary assistants. This edition has been expanded to include more information on the restraint of large and exotic animals, digital radiography, client education, and electronic medical records. New chapters that focus on nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and dentistry are also included.
True to the format of previous editions, each chapter begins with a list of objectives. Individual tasks are then presented in terms of a general concept and discussion of the importance of the task, followed by a list of necessary supplies or preparation and step-by-step instructions to perform the task. Black-and-white figures within each chapter support and enhance the text. This edition also has a companion website that may be useful for veterinary technology or assistant curriculums. It contains figures from the book, flashcards, lesson plans, practice examinations, competency checklists, and concept maps for tasks, all of which are downloadable.
This book will be a good complement for veterinary clinics for use as a reference for employees or as a resource to aid in the development of in-clinic training manuals, employee job descriptions, and employee review forms. It is also ideal for inclusion in any veterinary technology or veterinary assistant curriculum. The price is fair because it is an extremely comprehensive book that is excellent as both a reference guide and a teaching textbook.
Reviewed by LeeAnn Greenwell, DVM
Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market Herrin, Ill
books for clients
Being Brave for Bailey (2nd edition)
Corey Gut
36 pages. 2014. Corey Gut.
ISBN 978-0-578-14849-6. Price $20.00.
In Being Brave for Bailey, Dr. Corey Gut gives heartbroken children a lovely book of solace and uplift. As children turn the pages of this book, they are taken on a journey of life and death with a beloved pet. The book tells the story of a child who learns life's lessons through her dog, Bailey, as they both pass through the various periods of Bailey's life, including youth, vigor, decline, and death. The book touches upon the difficult days during end-of-life care for Bailey, concern for his quality of life, and decision making for Bailey's final farewell and the moment of his peaceful and painless passing. Each step helps children learn that they can endure and cope with pet loss. This book achieves its purpose by comforting children with the knowledge that their beloved pets will live in their heart forever as happy memories. Children learn that their memories will be the key to embracing a new way of relating to their deceased pet and holding on to their love in a healthy way. This book ends by compassionately and constructively tapping the power of every child's hope and spirit to look forward to more love in new relationships with future pets and more joy to be shared within the wonders of the human-animal bond. The gentle illustrations and the tender message make this little book a great resource for the practice library.
Reviewed by Alice Villalobos, DVM
Animal Oncology Consultation Service Hermosa Beach, Calif