books for veterinarians
Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals (2nd edition)
Catherine McGowan & Lesley Goff
369 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-85232-3. Price $79.99.
Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals stands alone as the only comparative textbook on veterinary rehabilitation. It is a softcover book, which makes it the perfect portable reference guide. The second edition continues this tradition and expands the usefulness of this practical manual. Updated formatting helps important summary tables stand out, and the expanded color figures are rich and clear. This edition is useful for readers of all physiotherapy skill levels. Practitioners looking for information regarding the basics of lameness and rehabilitation evaluations and the implementation of treatment strategies, as well as skilled physiotherapists looking for a resource on biomechanics and exercise physiotherapy for animal athletes, will find a wealth of knowledge in this book. Compared with the first edition, this edition has been expanded to address cardiorespiratory therapy, contains numerous new vibrant color photographs that depict clinical conditions and specific treatments or testing procedures commonly used in rehabilitation, and has additional case examples complete with discussions of treatment progression and prognoses. This edition also contains updated references regarding the role of rehabilitation for the management of specific conditions. In my opinion, this edition is a well-rounded and practical guide on animal physiotherapy that will be a valuable resource for all practitioners, particularly those with an interest in comparative training and conditioning of animal athletes.
Reviewed by Marti Drum, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR
University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn
Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare
Ilona Rodan & Sarah Heath
460 pages. 2016. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-1-4557-7401-2. Price $79.96.
Dr. Ilona Rodan and Sarah Heath, the editors of Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare, have created an indispensable textbook that should be on the reference shelf of every practitioner who treats cats. Moreover, in my opinion, there are sections of this book that should be required reading for all veterinary students. Readers should know that Dr. Rodan works in a cat-only practice in the United States and Sarah Heath is a behavioral specialist in the United Kingdom. They have brought together contributors with expertise in feline general practice as well as feline behavior, and it is this combination of expertise that has resulted in an informative and practical textbook for practitioners.
The book contains chapters on feline communication, normal social behavior, feline learning, and how to prevent and treat common feline behavioral problems, information that can be found in any standard behavioral textbook. What makes this book stand out from other books on the topic is the material is presented in a manner that illustrates how behavior, disease, and treatment are integrated. The first chapter contains a textbox that highlights problems associated with a poor understanding of feline behavior and lists medical disorders associated with abnormal feline behavior along with some primary behavioral issues. That chapter succinctly and persuasively educates readers about the importance of understanding feline behavior in a manner that will resonate with general practitioners.
One of the outstanding sections of this book is dedicated to setting up a cat-friendly examination room and clinic and how to handle challenging or painful feline patients. Practical advice is provided on everything from various types of gentle control to medications or nutritional supplements that can be used to modify behavior. Specifics are also provided regarding different sources of pain and disease, which may influence how affected patients should be handled. This is background information necessary for the practice of state-of-the-art feline medicine, especially in light of the Fear Free initiative that was recently begun in the United States.
The chapter on stress as a risk factor for disease, feline obesity, acute and chronic pain, and feline oral facial pain is also outstanding and will really appeal to practitioners. It is helpful that all examples and diseases discussed are specific to cats. All in all, this book is a must-have reference for anyone who treats cats.
Reviewed by Emily D. Levine, DVM, DACVB
Animal Behavior Clinic of Animal Emergency & Referral Associates Fairfield, NJ
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Anaesthesia and Analgesia (3rd edition)
Tanya Duke-Novakovski, Marieke de Vries, & Chris Seymour
464 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-905319-61-9. Price $134.99.
Comprehensive and up-to-date with compelling full-color images sums up my assessment of the latest edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Anaesthesia and Analgesia. An international team of expert authors has created a resource that will be clinically useful for veterinarians, veterinary students, residents, and technicians with a special interest in anesthesia. Audiences outside the United Kingdom will find the material universally relevant and will have little trouble translating the few UK-specific details into their own practices.
In this edition, the chapters on preanesthetic assessment and general principles have been expanded and set the stage for safe anesthesia by emphasizing the many non-drug-related aspects of patient care that are critical to success. The chapter on breathing systems and ancillary equipment has been updated to include information on supraglottic airway devices, a new alternative to endotracheal intubation. That chapter would benefit by inclusion of information regarding safety pop-off valves and Bain circuit adapters and universal control arms, 2 equipment innovations that tremendously improve anesthesia safety for patients.
New to this edition are chapters devoted to pain assessment and strategies for managing chronic pain. The new chapter on patient monitoring is thorough and contains expanded details on spirometry, a technique for assessing respiratory function. A section on troubleshooting inadequate sedation is a great addition to the chapter on preanesthetic medication and sedation.
The 3 chapters on anesthetic considerations for cardiovascular disease, intrathoracic surgery and interventions, and gastrointestinal, laparoscopic, and liver procedures stand out because they provide updated material that keeps pace with advances in veterinary surgery. This edition also includes information on anesthesia for patients undergoing MRI.
I believe this manual will be particularly useful for specialty and referral facilities where advanced procedures such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, and MRI are performed. Additionally, the depth and breadth of the information contained in this manual will help veterinarians, students, and technicians prepare for both routine and challenging anesthetic cases.
Reviewed by Heidi L. Shafford, DVM, PhD, DACVAA
Veterinary Anesthesia Specialists, LLC Clackamas, Ore
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Abdominal Surgery (2nd edition)
John M. Williams & Jacqui D. Niles
383 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-905319-62-6. Price $124.99.
The second edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Abdominal Surgery provides a concise review of basic and some more advanced abdominal surgical procedures for dogs and cats. The target audience for this book is veterinary students and small animal veterinarians with an interest in surgery. An extensive wealth of surgical experience contributed to this book. Its layout allows for quick access to information complete with excellent photographs and colored schematics that support succinct descriptions for each surgical technique and associated perioperative management. This manual is well organized and easy to follow with clear summary tables of key points and authors' tips, which are based on their own clinical experiences. New to this edition is a short section on laparoscopy, which provides an overview of laparoscopic equipment, technique, and case selection, and a chapter dedicated solely to urinary incontinence.
Because the book was supported by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and written for a British audience, some of the terminology is spelled differently than that used in American textbooks (eg, oesophagus, haematology, caecal, and coeliotomy). In my opinion, this paperback book is moderately expensive, compared with hardcover textbooks that cover all aspects of surgery in a more in-depth manner. However, it is far more concise and easy to follow than most surgery resources, and the quality of the intraoperative photographs and anatomic illustrations is impressive. Overall, this book is a useful reference guide and quick resource for information about small animal abdominal surgeries.
Reviewed by Rich Burgess, BVM&S, MS, DACVS
Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists Annapolis, Md
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology (3rd edition)
Elizabeth Villiers & Jelena Ristić
614 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-905319-63-3. Price $146.00.
The third edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology is a comprehensive textbook that contains 30 chapters and several appendices. Individual chapters are written by various qualified authors and cover laboratory testing for a wide range of diseases. The chapters are arranged in a logical format that permits quick reference. The breadth of this textbook garners genuine respect and admiration for the volume and type of information that certified clinical pathologists must master. Early chapters cover concepts of decision making about laboratory testing in-house versus outsourcing and the quality controls that should be implemented in each scenario. The discussions on preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic error and specimen handling are quite good. A major strength of this book is that each chapter contains tables of differential diagnoses, which enable rapid access to information regarding the finer points of critical analysis in the text. Each chapter also contains a brief overview of the test methods described. The book is clinically oriented with instructions for proper sample collection, which is important because some samples submitted to laboratories are clearly compromised by handling, and contains a good discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of various laboratory tests. Many authors emphasize the importance of interpreting data in context with clinical history and complete physical examination findings. This concept should be emphasized even more because many pathologists interpret samples with insufficient background information. Instructions on how to write an organized clinical history for laboratory submissions would be a meaningful addition to this book. General practitioners may consider the depth of discussion provided on any given topic area as too daunting to digest, but in reality this is a strength. An electronic or smartphone version of the book with a search engine would be incredibly useful. This book will be helpful for clinical pathology residents in preparation for board certification. The price of the book is reasonable given the clinical value of the information it contains. I suspect any practice that purchases this book will soon find the pages tattered and stained from extensive use.
Reviewed by David M. Pinson, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACLAM
University of Illinois Peoria, Ill
Veterinarian's Guide to Maximizing Biopsy Results
F. Yvonne Schulman
68 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-22626-0. Price $39.99.
The Veterinarian's Guide to Maximizing Biopsy Results is a valuable resource for any veterinary clinic or hospital in which biopsy specimens are collected and submitted. The author comprehensively and effectively presents a multitude of sample submission guidelines to help ensure accurate and consistent pathology reports.
The book is divided into 2 chapters, or sections, and 21 subsections. The text is well referenced and indexed. The book was written for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or hospital staff and is intended for those involved in the biopsy specimen collection and submission process. The book is easy to read and understand, is well illustrated, and includes a quick reference list of specimen requirements and details regarding specific organs and situations.
The first section of the book focuses on successful specimen submission, with details on specimen collection including size, containers, labeling, and fixation. The second section is divided into 18 organ-specific subsections that provide details about specific approaches to specimen collection and address conditions, syndromes, or common challenges with appropriate recommendations.
The topics covered effectively address the challenges associated with collection and submission of biopsy specimens. Use of this guide will positively impact the quality and accuracy of downstream biopsy results.
Reviewed by Jeremy Johnson, DVM, PhD, DACVP
IDEXX Laboratories Inc Roseville, Calif
Small Animal Cytologic Diagnosis
Anne M. Barger & Amy L. MacNeill
512 pages. 2016. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-1-4822-2575-4. Price $99.95.
Small Animal Cytologic Diagnosis is an extensively illustrated and comprehensive textbook that is a welcome addition to the veterinary cytology library. Veterinary students to experienced cytologists will find this textbook useful, relevant, and informative.
The first chapter focuses on the practical issues critical to successful sample acquisition and evaluation and should be required reading for veterinary students and suggested as continuing education for small animal clinicians and veterinary technicians. It details common errors and best techniques and contains abundant images and excellent histology-cytology correlates that demonstrate the basics of cytology clearly and concisely.
The next 2 chapters describe the principles of inflammation and cancer biology and are particularly informative, providing the context necessary for understanding the pathophysiology of lesions presented later in the text. Although clinicians may not find this information pertinent to general practice, its inclusion is indicative of the thorough and holistic approach of this novel textbook.
The remaining chapters are organized by body system and follow a standard format beginning with a review of anatomy and physiology and organ-specific sampling suggestions. Cytologic findings for various conditions are discussed in an organized and systematic manner and emphasize commonly encountered diagnoses. Each chapter contains representative images with detailed descriptions and numerous tables that summarize key points. Cytologic and histologic photomicrographs and ultrasonographic, radiographic, and automated analyzer images are included; however, image quality varies and dark cytologic staining occasionally obscures cellular features. Each chapter ends with helpful cases to illustrate and reinforce key concepts.
This reviewer found very few errors or oversights in this book. Discussion about parasitic conditions was almost absent, and advanced diagnostic testing was covered only briefly. However, those are minor concerns and easily overlooked given the otherwise exemplary nature of this first-edition textbook and atlas.
Reviewed by Paula Krimer-Rollison, DVM, DVSc, DACVP
University of Georgia Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Athens, Ga
Pathology of Pet and Aviary Birds (2nd edition)
Robert E. Schmidt, Drury R. Reavill, & David N. Phalen
298 pages. 2015. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-82809-0. Price $149.99.
Compared with the first edition, which was published 16 years ago, the second edition of Pathology of Pet and Aviary Birds has been substantially expanded to include information on chickens, pigeons, and a few wild birds. Perhaps the greatest improvement to this edition is the addition of many color figures including macrophotographs; photomicrographs of histologic, cytologic, and immunohistochemically stained specimens; and occasional electron micrographs of various pathological lesions.
The book is organized into 13 chapters, each devoted to a specific body system or organ. Each chapter begins with information regarding the normal gross and histologic anatomy of the system or organ being discussed, followed by descriptions of congenital anomalies and infectious and noninfectious diseases that affect that system or organ. Many of the chapters would have benefited from the inclusion of more figures of normal gross and histologic anatomy. A limited number of references for additional reading are provided at the end of each chapter. A comprehensive index is provided at the end of the book, which makes it easy for readers to locate specific information.
The text generally provides a comprehensive description of gross and histologic lesions based on the authors' many years of collective experience in pet and exotic bird pathology and published literature. However, there is a lack of substantiating evidence provided for certain diseases or conditions. Also, some important references are missing, and some of the cited references are incomplete, incorrect, or very old and outdated.
Although the addition of color figures in this edition is an improvement, many of the macrophotographs of gross lesions are dark and lack contrast. Many of the photomicrographs of histologic lesions were obtained at low magnification, which makes identification of fine details difficult, and some are dark, lack contrast, or are out of focus. Another weakness of this book is that a disease or pathologic condition is frequently mentioned without reference to the genus or family of birds that are most commonly affected.
Overall, despite a few deficiencies, this is a good book that contains plenty of information supported by numerous figures. It will be a good reference for anyone interested in the pathology of pet and aviary birds.
Reviewed by H. L. Shivaprasad, BVSc, PhD, DACPV
California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System Tulare, Calif and University of California-Davis Davis, Calif
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian
Jennifer E. Graham
384 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-93459-3. Price $109.99.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian, similar to its canine and feline counterpart, will likely prove to be an excellent on-the-fly reference for formulating differential diagnoses for a particular problem or providing a concise review of a disease or syndrome. The text covers common disease syndromes of multiple avian groups (psittacines, passerines, poultry, raptors, ratites, and waterfowl) and is organized alphabetically by disease topic or clinical sign. The description of each topic is approximately 2 pages in length and includes pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical signs, differential diagnoses, treatment (medical and surgical), client education, follow-up information, and further reading. The book also contains 7 appendices including a formulary; clinical pathology reference values; sources for laboratory testing; lists of zoonotic diseases, common toxins, and viral diseases; and a series of 15 diagnostic algorithms for common problems encountered in avian practice. The accompanying website is also very clinically useful. Divided into 3 sections (Client Education Handouts, Procedures, and Algorithms), it provides downloadable client handouts on approximately 30 topics, descriptions of common clinical techniques (many accompanied by images), and copies of the diagnostic algorithms found in the text.
Dr. Graham, the editor, has put together an excellent resource for both novice and advanced clinicians that will be used daily for review of differential diagnoses and useful diagnostic tests or treatments for a specific condition. This book can be used as an aid to prevent things from being overlooked and will be particularly valuable to practitioners who examine and treat avian patients as part of a mixed-species caseload.
The only weakness I noticed in this book is the occasional inconsistency among chapters regarding the recommended dose of some drugs for similar uses. This was probably a function of each individual author's preference. For example, the recommended dose of meloxicam for analgesia varies fairly widely among chapters despite the availability of pharmacokinetic data for this drug in psittacines.
Overall, this book is an excellent resource that will be used on a daily basis by practitioners who are new to avian practice and seasoned practitioners who need an occasional memory jog. The price is reasonable, especially considering the inclusion of the Client Education Handouts, which can be used to enhance the perceived value of the veterinary visit by clients.
Reviewed by Peter Helmer, DVM, DABVP
BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital Clearwater, Fla
Current Therapy in Exotic Pet Practice
Mark A. Mitchell & Thomas N. Tully Jr
564 pages. 2016. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-1-4557-4084-0. Price $87.20.
Current Therapy in Exotic Pet Practice is a unique textbook that provides both students and practicing veterinarians with a concise discussion of clinically important features of the anatomy and physiology of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. The book is organized into 10 chapters, each of which is dedicated to a body system. The organization of the book provides busy practitioners quick access to information regarding specific abnormalities identified during collection of a patient's history or physical examination. A great challenge in exotic animal practice is the recognition of various body system adaptations among various species. This book finally summarizes information that is critical to the diagnosis and treatment of exotic patients into 1 resource. In my opinion, the discussions of anatomy and physiology alone make this book essential for any practitioner who treats exotic pets.
Each chapter highlights common diseases associated with each organ system. Additionally, the text includes discussions regarding physical examination, diagnostics, treatments, and other clinically important information such as zoonoses that affect various exotic species. Although much of that information is provided in greater detail in other textbooks, it is convenient to have summary information provided in 1 resource. The text is complemented with excellent photographs, diagrams, and charts. The introductory chapter contains history and examination forms that can be customized for use in practice. In summary, this textbook will be used daily by practitioners who treat exotic pets.
Reviewed by Edward R. Bennett, DVM
All Pet Animal Hospital Gibsonia, Pa
Rabbit Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review (2nd edition)
Emma Keeble, Anna Meredith, & Jenna Richardson
242 pages. 2016. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-1-4987-3079-2. Price $43.95.
The second edition of Rabbit Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review is a valuable and practical, yet unassuming book. Small in size and competitively priced, this book was written and edited by well-known experts in exotic companion mammal medicine and provides a wealth of information in a format that facilitates rapid internalization. Compared with the first edition, the second edition includes new and updated questions, more photographs, and an emphasis on diagnostic imaging interpretation and techniques, emergency care, analgesia, and surgery.
The book has a scenario-based format and is divided into 2 sections entitled Questions and Answers. For each scenario described, a succinct background is provided followed by a group of questions pertaining to the scenario. Color photographs, photomicrographs, and tables frequently accompany the scenarios. Answers with accompanying explanations are thoughtful and concise. A total of 232 scenarios with hundreds of associated questions are provided.
The biggest weakness of this book is the lack of references, a limitation that is acknowledged by the editors. This prevents readers from discerning which answers are based on published evidence versus the authors' personal opinion or experience. Other shortcomings include occasional typographical errors and the lack of unit conversions for some laboratory variables (measurements are provided in molar concentrations rather than mass concentrations).
Any practitioner who examines and treats rabbits will benefit from reading this book. Busy practitioners will find the format instructive with information regarding specific conditions quick and easy to find. Veterinarians pursuing board certification will find this book an especially useful resource.
Reviewed by Andrew Bean, DVM, MPH, CPH
Pet Care Veterinary Hospital Virginia Beach, Va
The Illustrated Horse's Foot: A Comprehensive Guide
Christopher C. Pollitt
264 pages. 2016. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-7020-4655-1. Price $180.00.
The Illustrated Horse's Foot: A Comprehensive Guide is an extremely detailed and comprehensive guide to the anatomy, structure, and function of the equine foot. The book navigates readers through the very complex anatomy of the foot with clear images and diagrams. It is broken down into 2 sections; section 1 is dedicated to the structure and function of the foot, and section 2 is dedicated to conditions of the foot.
Close-up, high-quality macrophotographs of the epidermal and dermal structures of the equine foot are clearly displayed with associated text describing the structure and function of each. Scanning electron micrographs and photomicrographs of histologic specimens stained with various techniques are used to depict different structures, and photographs of polyurethane vascular casts are used to highlight structures such as the dermal lamellae, coronary papillae, solear papillae, cap horn and terminal papillae, basement membrane, sublamellar dermis, basal cells, and cytoskeleton of the basal cells. The book also contains high-quality images of 3-D anatomic models of tendons, ligaments, bones, joint capsules, navicular bursa, and ungual cartilages that were generated from MRI and CT scans of real equine limbs, which provide an accurate view of the spatial relationships among those structures. Photographs of gross specimens sequentially sliced in sagittal, parasagittal, frontal, and transverse planes provide readers another visual aspect of various structures in different planes and can be used as an aid in interpreting MRI images.
This is the first book I have read that clearly describes and illustrates the intricate suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx in great detail. The hoof-dermis-bone attachment is described down to the cellular and extracellular matrix level. The text is complemented by photomicrographs of histologic specimens stained with various techniques that depict the parietal cortex of the distal phalanx embedded with collagen fibers from the sublamellar dermis, which then unite with anchoring fibrils from the lamina densa on the dermal side of the basement membrane; epidermal basal cells attached to the basement membrane by anchoring filaments of the hemidesmosome; and the cytoskeleton of basal cells that connect those cells to adhesion plaques (desmosomes) associated with the other layers of the epidermal wall, which completes the distal phalanx epidermal hoof capsule attachment.
The chapter dedicated to the circulatory system of the foot covers physiology and vascular anatomy. Diffusion and transport of particles and molecules to and from the microvasculature, the interstitial fluid, and basal cells are discussed. The text again is complemented by high-quality images of arteriograms, venograms, and 3-D anatomic models that depict the vasculature of the foot. This chapter also contains photographs of vascular casts of the skin, periople, terminal, coronary papillae, and lamellar and sublamellar dermis that were created by the injection of polymerized methyl methacrylate into the vasculature of cadaver feet followed by corrosion of the skin with an alkali solution. Scanning electron micrographs of those vascular casts along with macrophotographs of specimens perfused with India ink and gelatin depict the capillaries of the lamellar and solear dermis.
The section on conditions of the foot contains macrophotographs of gross specimens, radiographic images, and photomicrographs that depict the various grades of severity of laminitis and other disease conditions such as navicular disease, ossification of the collateral cartilages, toe cracks, seedy toe (white line disease), infected nail holes, and coronary band injuries. Case examples of each condition are presented and sequentially followed through treatment and the different phases of healing.
Reviewed by Scott E. Morrison, DVM
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Lexington, Ky
Cattle and Sheep Medicine: Self-Assessment Color Review (2nd edition)
Philip R. Scott
329 pages. 2016. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-1-4987-4737-0. Price $47.95.
The second edition of Cattle and Sheep Medicine: Self-Assessment Color Review contains an appropriate and diverse selection of cases that veterinary students and new graduates can use as an informative resource to learn and review knowledge obtained during veterinary school. The cases provided are realistic simulations of cases commonly encountered in general food animal practice, and each case reveals a different or unique aspect of the disease or condition being discussed. I highly recommend this textbook for veterinary students and new graduates looking to expand their knowledge about cattle and sheep practice.
Jennifer Halleran, DVM
Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Okla
Skin Diseases of Cattle in the Tropics: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
Mohamed E. Hamid
88 pages. 2016. Academia Press (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-12-811054-6. Price $33.96.
Skin Diseases of Cattle in the Tropics: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment is a one-of-a-kind book that describes various skin diseases of cattle. The information is presented in a useful format with a description of the clinical signs of each condition that includes photographs of affected cattle. The author is to be complimented on his effort to compile and categorize 17 skin diseases reported in cattle in Africa as well as globally in subtropical and tropical climates.
Although the descriptions of many diseases were accompanied by sharp, well-defined photographs, the photographs provided for some diseases are of only marginal quality. This is simply a subjective observation and not a criticism because I suspect the resources available to the author were probably limited.
Readers should be aware that many of the diseases described are zoonotic, and unfortunately, the use of appropriate safety precautions such as the wearing of latex gloves and other safety devices for personnel examining, treating, and handling affected animals is not emphasized. Additionally, the author failed to mention that many of the compounds recommended for the treatment of affected animals are toxic to humans and appropriate safety precautions should be used when handling such compounds.
The protocols described in this book for making and using various stains and reagents to differentiate the various pathogens that cause dermatitis in cattle are especially useful. I consider this book a must-have reference for practitioners in subtropical and tropical climates. It is also a useful reference for veterinarians in other climes of the world even though it does not contain any discussion regarding potential regulatory issues associated with several of the described treatments.
Reviewed by Donald E. Sanders, DVM, DACT
Vaca Resources Urbana, Ohio
One Health and the Politics of Antimicrobial Resistance
Laura H. Kahn
193 pages. 2016. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-1-4214-2004-2. Price 30.00.
One Health and the Politics of Antimicrobial Resistance is a must-read for all medical professionals and law makers. The book is packed with information that is comprehensive, data driven, impartial, and fair-minded. It is intended to enhance readers' understanding of the global “resistome” and the urgent need for implementation of often-overlooked actions that go far beyond the use of antimicrobials in the production of animal protein. After reading this book, readers will understand the governmental efforts that began in the 1970s to deal with antimicrobial resistance, one of the greatest challenges of our time.
The book begins with an overview of the global politics associated with the decisions to ban (Europe) or not ban (United States) the use of subtherapeutic levels of antimicrobials in food-producing animals for growth promotion. The author provides a brief history of how the use of subtherapeutic levels of antimicrobials for growth promotion began in 1948 and leads readers on a data-driven journey of the history of antimicrobial resistance in Britain; a summary of the overall experience regarding antimicrobial resistance in Europe, in particular the Swedish and Danish attempts to deal with the issue; and the controversy surrounding antimicrobial resistance in the United States. Multiple international challenges such as the availability of over-the-counter antimicrobials in many countries, open defecation and dumping of raw sewage by many countries into oceans, and how those practices translate into microbial resistance genes being freely transferred among bacteria and dispersed by wildlife are discussed.
We are only now beginning to glimpse the environmental impact that many current practices have on the global soil microbiome and food production and safety. The book concludes with the author suggesting that, with genome sequencing becoming affordable, it is imperative to gather genomic information to determine origins of antimicrobial resistant organisms. She urges the development of novel antimicrobial therapies (including bacteriophages) and suggests how to incentivize needed research. Some of her impartial findings will surprise readers and completely recolor the current conversation on antimicrobial resistance. Give a copy of this book to your legislators today.
Reviewed by Cheryl Stroud, DVM, PhD
Executive Director, One Health Commission Apex, NC
Canine Olfaction Science and Law: Advances in Forensic Science, Medicine, Conservation, and Environmental Remediation
Tadeusz Jezierski, John Ensminger, & L. E. Papet
482 pages. 2016. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-1-4822-6023-6. Price $109.95.
Canine Olfaction Science and Law: Advances in Forensic Science, Medicine, Conservation, and Environmental Remediation is a thorough review of practices, literature, and case law relevant to the extraordinary scent detecting and communication abilities of man's best friend. This book lays out in logical fashion the vast spectrum of science behind canine olfaction to include anatomy, genetics, neurology, and evolution; chemistry and physical dynamics of odor distribution; and behavior, learning, and training. Additionally, the use of canine olfaction in various forensic, conservation, and remediation roles and for detection of a variety of human medical conditions is covered.
This book will be useful for dog handlers in training and professionals working with sniffer dogs in various settings. Veterinarians will benefit from a deeper understanding of the ways dogs are deployed and the expectations for performance as well as the legal decisions that have shaped how canine-detected evidence is recognized by the (mostly US-based) court system, thereby establishing case law for the acceptance of canine olfaction-derived evidence. Drugs that may negatively affect a dog's sense of smell are also reviewed.
This book emphasizes the need for consistent training of dogs and recordkeeping of the training exercises and methods used. Prosecutors and defense teams will find this to be a useful reference when developing arguments in cases where sniffer dogs have been used to identify evidence.
Although the authors celebrate the use of dogs in many diverse roles, there is a notable lack of material dedicated to the health, veterinary care, and hazards to the welfare of working dogs. For example, burrs, migrating awns, hyperthermia, and the benefits of foot protection are only briefly mentioned throughout the text. This book would be stronger if there was a chapter dedicated to the protection of sniffer dogs during training and working. Additionally, even though some attention is paid to the accidental predatory risks of dogs to protected or other species, discussion of the role of dogs as a source of infectious disease exposure for vulnerable populations is lacking and merits mention.
Despite those few shortcomings, the book is well organized and interesting to read and will be of value to veterinarians working with service and assistance dogs, dog trainers, police K9 units, military veterinarians caring for sniffer dogs in the armed services and federal government, attorneys, or interested lay persons. Considering the breadth and depth of material covered, this well-referenced book is a good deal for the price.
Reviewed by Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM
Tufts University North Grafton, Mass and Forensic Veterinary Investigations LLC Boston, Mass
Bats and Viruses: A New Frontier of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Lin-Fa Wang & Christopher Cowled
368 pages. 2015. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-81873-2. Price $149.95.
Bats and Viruses: A New Frontier of Emerging Infectious Diseases is a well-written book that will serve as an excellent reference for scientists studying bats and their related emerging infectious viral diseases. Several zoonotic diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and Ebola have caused numerous human fatalities, and research indicates that bats play a critical role in the maintenance and transmission of those pathogens. Therefore, this book is a timely resource for its intended audience. This book consists of 14 chapters that discuss a range of important topics including bat biology and physiology, bat viruses and their associated diseases in humans and animals, progress of current research on those viruses, and bat immunology and genomics. Each chapter was written by leading experts and contains general information about the topic being discussed, current research progress and conclusions, and future research directions along with multiple tables and figures and an extensive list of references. This important information will benefit future research into understanding the role of bats as reservoirs for emerging zoonotic viruses. This is a valuable book that provides current information on bats and the viruses that affect them and should be in every university library.
Reviewed by Wenjun Ma, DVM, PhD
Kansas State University Manhattan, Kan
Manual of Commercial Methods in Clinical Microbiology: International Edition (2nd edition)
Allan L. Truant
594 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-13112-1. Price $189.95.
The second edition of the Manual of Commercial Methods in Clinical Microbiology: International Edition is intended to be a current reference of commercially available tests, devices, and instruments used in clinical microbiology. The first edition contained 18 chapters that focused on US regulatory issues, rapid detection systems for bacteria and viruses, blood culture systems, diagnostic parasitology, automated serology, susceptibility testing, molecular methods, laboratory information systems, and specific pathogens such as HIV, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Mycobacterium, and emerging organisms. The second edition has been greatly updated and expanded to 35 chapters including new chapters on virology, viral hepatitis, automated molecular typing systems, specific pathogens such as human papillomavirus and rickettsiae, tickborne diseases, and bioterrorism. Additionally, there are 11 new chapters containing a synopsis of international clinical microbiology products and the regulatory requirements of selected countries including several in Europe and Asia, as well as Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
The content of this book focuses primarily on human clinical microbiology; however, both the first and second editions include a chapter on Commercial Methods in Clinical Veterinary Microbiology coauthored by microbiologists from 3 colleges of veterinary medicine. That chapter is an informed summary that reveals issues associated with the use of human diagnostic systems in veterinary microbiology and includes references that document the accuracy of such systems when used to analyze samples of various animal origins. It includes a valuable description and explanation of sample collection and transportation and the role of pathology in veterinary diagnostics and a particularly informative section on veterinary virology that provides details about virus detection, isolation, and various serologic and molecular methods for virus detection and characterization. The veterinary bacteriology section is well organized and provides helpful information about useful commercial tests for fastidious and species-specific pathogens. The parasitology and mycology sections have similar strengths. This chapter also contains contact information for federal service laboratories such as the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory and provides useful tips on how to find unique tests offered by state and university-associated diagnostic laboratories.
Although the majority of the book focuses on available tests for human pathogens, a reasonable amount of the reference information will be useful for veterinary diagnostic microbiologists. The inclusion of the chapter on veterinary clinical veterinary microbiology integrates the reference material in an informative manner. It is a comprehensive reference of available commercial diagnostic systems for laboratory managers seeking tools for enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Reviewed by Margie D. Lee, DVM, MS, PhD
University of Georgia Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center Athens, Ga
books for veterinary technicians
Elsevier's Veterinary Assisting Textbook (2nd edition)
Margi Sirois
496 pages. 2017. Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-323-35922-1. Price $82.40.
Workbook for Elsevier's Veterinary Assisting Textbook (2nd edition)
Margi Sirois
144 pages. 2017. Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-323-37710-2. Price $28.76.
The second edition of Elsevier's Veterinary Assisting Textbook and its accompanying workbook are well written and organized. The chapters provide information about practical veterinary assisting skills without delving into unnecessary details that are beyond the scope of learning for veterinary assistant students.
The author presents a broad overview of the duties of veterinary assistants, which focuses on core tasks such as office procedures and client relations, animal behavior and restraint, avian and exotic care and nursing, and large animal nursing and husbandry. The textbook provides readers with a nice introduction to the restraint, care, nutrition, and husbandry for many species and the role of veterinary assistants in surgical, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging procedures. The chapters covering animal restraint and nursing care, in particular, are well presented with numerous images that demonstrate various techniques and procedures. Supported by Elsevier's Evolve ancillary teaching tools, this textbook has numerous resources for instructors such as lecture slide shows, lesson plans, and test bank questions. The accompanying workbook is rich with various exercises and learning opportunities for students that enrich the content presented in the textbook.
This textbook and workbook combination is appropriate for training veterinary assistant students but is not comprehensive enough for training veterinary technician students, but veterinary technician students are not the target audience. Overall, this textbook is a very good resource for both instructors and veterinary assistant students, and its accompanying workbook contains a lot of activities that reinforce the content presented in the textbook.
Reviewed by Randy Ackman, DVM
Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Crow and Walshaw's Manual of Clinical Procedures in Dogs, Cats, Rabbits & Rodents (4th edition)
Jennifer E. Boyle
408 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-98570-0. Price $69.99.
The intended audience for the fourth edition of Crow and Walshaw's Manual of Clinical Procedures in Dogs, Cats, Rabbits & Rodents continues to be students of veterinary technology and veterinary medicine; however, it continues to serve as a valuable lifelong reference for graduate technicians and a useful clinical tool for new veterinarians. This user-friendly manual covers a broad range of clinical procedures, which are separated into 4 parts: Routine Clinical Procedures, Specialized Clinical Procedures, Emergency Procedures, and Routine Clinical Procedures in Small Mammals. The text is provided in outline format and is complemented by the substantial use of figures and images that depict the various techniques and procedures described. The book more than fulfills its stated intent of serving as an easy-to-follow guide for a variety of clinical procedures seen in companion animal practice.
A major strength of this book is the explicit detail provided. The Routine Clinical Procedures section covers everyday practices such as physical restraint, venous blood collection, and IV catheter placement, as well as less commonly performed techniques including the collection of tissue specimens and the creation of diagnostic specimens for cytologic evaluation and urethral catheterization of male and female dogs and cats. The Specialized Clinical Procedures section is exactly what the title states, a detailed explanation and summary of more technically demanding and semi-invasive procedures such as transtracheal washes, gastrostomy tube placement, and various centesis procedures. The Emergency Procedures section continues to be a valuable go-to resource for information regarding administration of blood and plasma transfusions and details on performing tracheostomies and has been greatly expanded to include comprehensive descriptions of blood pressure measurement and arterial blood collection and, most importantly, an updated in-depth outline for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including a list of necessary equipment and drugs. The Routine Clinical Procedures in Small Mammals section covers select clinical procedures in rabbits and rodents. Perhaps the biggest drawback of this section is that it appears to be geared towards laboratory animal medicine rather than clinical practice.
As a veterinarian who has spent his entire career in private practice, I found myself making observations on how I would do things differently than described in the text, but that should be expected because seasoned practitioners all do things a little differently in clinical practice. However, after reading the text in its entirety, I commend the author for her thoroughness both in the topics selected and the details provided regarding the performance of the described techniques. Although the author explicitly states that the use of chemical restraint may change how some of the described procedures such as advanced diagnostic imaging and endoscopy are performed, the text maintains its focus of serving as a practical procedural guide for veterinary technicians and veterinarians in the trenches of everyday practice.
Should you add this book to your practice library? The answer is most definitely if your practice uses veterinary technicians to their fullest clinical capacity or has the opportunity to train newly graduated veterinarians on a routine basis. Not only is this print edition a great resource, but it also has a companion website that includes all figures from the book and supplemental interactive multiple-choice questions and answers.
Reviewed by Peter G. Fisher, DVM, DABVP
Pet Care Veterinary Hospital Virginia Beach, Va
Anesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technicians (5th Edition)
John A. Thomas & Phillip Lerche
445 pages. 2017. Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-323-24971-3. Price $59.96.
The fifth edition of Anesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technicians will be a frequently used reference in my veterinary clinic, which serves as both a spay and neuter clinic and a clinical training site for veterinary technicians. The breadth and detail found within this textbook are invaluable.
Each chapter outlines learning objectives and key terms (which are also bolded throughout the chapter) that can be used to teach staff and students both formally, such as in-staff learning meetings, and informally, such as for assisting under-performing veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Case presentations within each chapter facilitate discussion points. Review questions at the end of each chapter allow for self-assessment and provide another opportunity to monitor staff or student learning.
The depth of information provided in this book is astounding and even deeper than that I received during my veterinary training. Technical skills are explained thoroughly with both words and figures. The authors describe in detail how to interpret abnormalities such as changes in vital signs and how to respond to those changes. Topics discussed include patient assessments, drugs, anesthesia machines, patient monitoring machines, workplace safety, special techniques such as nerve and regional blocks, and emergencies. Dogs, cats, swine, equids, ruminants, camelids, rodents, and rabbits are given thorough attention. The book also contains several useful tables and appendices, which can be copied and placed around the clinic for easy reference.
Although veterinary technicians and technician students are the intended audience for this book, it will be a valuable educational reference for veterinarians and veterinary assistants. This book will be a useful learning tool and reference manual for any facility that anesthetizes veterinary patients or trains individuals who will anesthetize veterinary patients.
Reviewed by Danielle N. Rastetter, DVM
Pets In Stitches Miamisburg, Ohio
books for clients
The Dog Diet Answer Book: The Complete Nutrition Guide to Help Your Dog Live a Happier, Healthier, and Longer Life
Greg Martinez
192 pages. 2016. Fair Winds Press. ISBN 978-1-59233-702-6. Price $22.99.
The Dog Diet Answer Book: the Complete Nutrition Guide to Help Your Dog Live a Happier, Healthier, and Longer Life provides a unique and simplistic approach to canine nutrition. It is full of surprises with personal anecdotes intermixed with snippets of evidence-based nutrition information, which make for an entertaining read that often challenges readers to separate fact from opinion. As the title implies, various topics such as key ingredients, nutrient requirements, and diet options for dogs are reviewed, then summarized in a reader-friendly manner through the author's interpretation of the material. The notion of feeding “healthy human food to your pooch” is heavily emphasized throughout the book as being a safe practice that optimizes the dog's nutrition and far exceeds feeding a low-quality, highly processed commercial diet. Although there may be some truth in that dogma, naïve readers should be cautioned because this book presents feeding human food in an empirical manner with disregard to the potential long-term health concerns for dogs. To enhance understanding of commercial pet foods, readers are guided through deciphering pet food labels and definitions of terms commonly used on product packaging. The author targets specific commercial pet food companies or diets, which is a questionable practice and reflects bias against science-based, feed-trial-tested diet formulations. Common concerns such as feeding growing puppies and healthy athletic dogs are discussed, along with common disease-related conditions including obesity, joint problems, diabetes, urolithiasis, renal disease, cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders. In conjunction with offering a mix of personal and literature-supported nutrition advice for those concerns, nutraceutical and drug dosing guidelines are provided, which concernedly go beyond the scope of training for many in the intended audience (dog owners) of the book. Although this book is an easy read, it teeters on crossing a precarious line between experienced opinion and science-based nutrition support.
Reviewed by Korinn Saker, DVM, PhD, DACVN
North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
