books for veterinarians
Conceptual Breakthroughs in Ethology and Animal Behavior
Michael D. Breed, PhD
250 pages. 2017. Academic Press (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-12-809265-1. Price $39.95.
Conceptual Breakthroughs in Ethology and Animal Behavior is a valid addition to the animal behavior literature. This book provides readers with a chronological review of select milestones in the history of animal behavior. Each of the 80 short well-referenced essays summarizes an important discovery or theory that contributed to change in the field of animal behavior. A vast range of topics is covered, from the role of art in the popularization of animal behavior to the revolution brought by behavioral genetics and epigenetics and to natural selection, animal emotion, behavioral observation method, sociobiology, neuroscience, and many others. Dr. Breed assigns each milestone an impact score from 1 to 10 that reflects its contribution to contemporary animal behavior sciences.
The book also explores the complex interaction between animal and human behavior sciences. Humans have domesticated animals to shape their behavior. Domestication strongly influenced human evolution and society, but scientists struggled to avoid anthropomorphizing animals, denying for centuries that animals could feel emotions. Only in the early 1990s did scientists start to recognize fear and pain in animals.
This book does not provide a review exhaustive enough for readers to gain a satisfactory understanding of the topics discussed; therefore, it is not a book for neophytes who want to expand their knowledge of animal behavior science. However, animal behavior professionals will find this book a valid aid in understanding how their specialty relates to the history of behavior sciences. It is an easy and interesting read with many valuable inputs, thoughts, and ideas. This book is fairly priced given the quality of the information delivered and the thorough research behind it.
Reviewed by Carlo Siracusa, DVM, PhD, DACVB
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pa
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions With People (2nd edition)
James Serpell, PhD
416 pages. 2017. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-69934-2. Price $45.14
I am pleased to see the long overdue second edition of The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions With People. The first edition, which was published more than 20 years ago, is one I often go to for evidence-based information on domestic dogs. Fortunately, partially owing to the impact of the first edition of this book, scientific journals have embraced research in this area. The second edition has 4 sections (Origins and Evolution; Behavior, Cognition and Training; Dog-Human Interactions; and Life on the Margins) and 19 chapters.
Each of the 19 chapters was written by a different group of authors. The chapters are essentially review articles that condense and summarize the scientific literature. For those familiar with the previous edition, the original chapters have been updated by the incorporation of information from recently published research. Most of these updated chapters were written by the authors of the original chapters along with additional collaborators, and thus new perspectives are presented. This edition also includes several new chapters that address canine learning, population management, links between domestication and genetics, and how dogs influence wildlife. Consequently, the second edition has been expanded by approximately 60%, compared with the first edition.
Some concepts are covered in more than 1 chapter, and because each chapter was written from the perspective of a different group of authors, some of the information presented occasionally appears contradictory. However, I view that as a strength rather than a weakness because it provides readers an opportunity to appreciate specific topics from various points of view.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book. Although it is not meant to be a clinical reference, I believe it should be essential reading for anyone who wants a concise, state-of-the-art reference on canine science. Like the first edition, I am certain this edition will be one of the books in my reference library that I reach for time after time.
Reviewed by Gerrard Flannigan, DVM, MSc, DACVB
Carolina Veterinary Specialists
Greensboro and Huntersville, NC
Examination and Treatment Methods in Dogs and Cats (2nd edition)
Christian F. Schrey, BSc, MS
577 pages. 2016. 5M Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-910455-16-6. Price $59.28.
The physical examination is one of the most important core clinical skills for veterinarians to develop because it is the basis for all other clinical decisions for any given patient. Examination and Treatment Methods in Dogs and Cats provides a relatively comprehensive overview of physical examination techniques and treatment options for small animals, and could be useful as a quick reference guide for new graduates, veterinary students, or veterinary technicians. Although this book contains depictions of more advanced diagnostic techniques (eg, endoscopy, arthroscopy, and echocardiography), the provision of comprehensive details for those procedures was beyond the scope of the book, and readers will need to seek additional resources and experience to perform those procedures successfully. Many of the diagrams and drawings provided are somewhat over-simplified, which leads me to believe that the book is geared toward novice practitioners and veterinary students. There are multiple instances in the book where the descriptions for biopsy and other invasive diagnostic or treatment methods do not reference the need for local anesthesia or sedation, and although that need may be implied or understood by experienced practitioners, it may not be as readily apparent for inexperienced practitioners or students and should be included in the description for those procedures as part of appropriate pain management practices. Additionally, all of the illustrations depicting radiographic procedures appear to show the positioner without proper personal radiation protection gear (eg, lead aprons or gloves). Again, although the use of personal radiation protection gear may be implied, the illustrations do not represent appropriate radiation safety standards. The section on physical restraint is also not consistent with contemporary low-stress handling techniques and should be updated with information to demonstrate those practices as well as recommendations on appropriate use of chemical restraint for fearful or fractious patients.
Reviewed by Lawrence N. Hill, DVM, DABVP
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases of the Dog and Cat
Richard G. Harvey, BVSc, DVD, DECVD, PhD & Gert ter Haar, DVM, PhD, DECVS
506 pages. 2017. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-1-4822-3649-1. Price $103.96.
Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases of the Dog and Cat offers readers a more detailed view of veterinary otolaryngology than is offered in most general medicine or surgery textbooks. The book is organized into 3 organ-specific sections (Ear, Nose, and Throat), followed by a fourth section that covers common surgical procedures. Each organ-specific section is divided into separate chapters devoted to anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and common diseases.
The anatomy and physiology chapters of the ear and nose sections are quite extensive; both include numerous photographs as well as radiographic, CT, MRI, and electron microscopic images and photomicrographs of histologic specimens. The laryngeal anatomy section is less copiously illustrated. Diagnostic procedures are well represented in each section. There are numerous otoscopic images and photographs of gross lesions associated with ear diseases. Multiple rhinoscopic images are included that depict clinically normal and diseased nasal passages along with many photographs of external nasal lesions. The CT images in each section are somewhat grainy, but the photographs and MRI and radiographic images are generally of high quality. The discussion of common diseases in each section is succinct but quite informative, and highpoints are provided in separate boxes for quick reading. The list of diseases covered is extensive.
The surgery section illustrates common procedures almost exclusively by use of photographs rather than illustrations. As a result, important surgical details are sometimes obscured. Several of the surgical techniques discussed in the book differ from those commonly described in modern surgical texts.
This book will be most useful to veterinarians looking for a photographic atlas of aural, nasal, and pharyngeal diseases. The concise discussion and thorough coverage of common diseases provide readers with a quick guide to canine and feline otolaryngology.
Reviewed by James A. Flanders, DVM, DACVS
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Imaging (2nd edition)
Robert M. Kirberger, BVSc, DVSc, MMedVet, DECVDI & Fintan J. McEvoy, MVB, PhD, DVSc, DVR, DECVDI
408 pages. 2016. Wiley Blackwell/British Small Animal Veterinary Association. ISBN 978-1-905319-78-7. Price $115.00.
The second edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Musculoskeletal Imaging comes 10 years after the first edition. The beginning of the book contains in-depth chapters that explain the various diagnostic imaging modalities and techniques including digital radiography, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, MRI, and CT. Imaging enhancement methods, such as the administration of contrast media and use of positioning devices, are described with particular emphasis on the appropriateness of their use for specific musculoskeletal disease processes or anatomic regions, which provides readers with a good understanding of the modalities and methods that are discussed throughout the remainder of the book.
The content of the book is arranged on the basis of anatomic region of the body and method of image acquisition for specific musculoskeletal diseases. For each musculoskeletal disease discussed, the authors describe various imaging modalities and how the results and interpretations of those modalities change over time in response to normal bone maturation or the pathophysiology of disease. Unfortunately, some of the artwork provided does not meet the standards of the methods and procedures discussed.
This book is practical and reasonably priced considering the number of images presented and procedures described and will be useful for surgeons and radiologists as well as primary care clinicians. Also included with the book is a compact disc that contains high-quality digital images from the book and several video clips.
Reviewed by Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR
IDEXX Telemedicine Consultants
Clackamas, Ore
Tumors in Domestic Animals (5th edition)
Donald J. Meuten, DVM, PhD, DACVP
989 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-0-8138-2179-5. Price $224.99.
The fifth edition of Tumors in Domestic Animals has some substantial changes from the previous edition, the most immediately striking of which is the inclusion of color, which greatly adds to the illustrative power of the images. This edition contains several new chapters and updates to other chapters. Particularly noteworthy are the new chapters on trimming tissue specimens for submission and immunohistochemistry and updates to chapter 1, the section on lymphoma, and the diagnostic and prognostic algorithms in the appendices. Overall, the information contained in this book reflects the substantial progress made in veterinary oncology during the 15 years since the previous edition was released. The text focuses on improving practice by the use of standardized methods (eg, mitotic count) and rigorous follow-up to determine the true metastatic potential and impact of proposed prognostic factors for various tumors. The book contains a fair amount of redundancy in that the same tumor type is frequently discussed in multiple sections, and that information could be presented in a more concise manner in future editions. Given the popularity of small mammals (eg, rabbits, ferrets, and rats) as pets, the inclusion of more information regarding common tumors in those species (eg, thymoma and uterine tumors in rabbits, mast cell tumors in ferrets, and mammary gland tumors in rats) should also be considered in future editions. Readers will need to seek other resources for specific information regarding treatment recommendations and outcomes because the survival times reported in this book do not always reference treatment specifics. Overall, this book is reasonably priced and should be in the library of anyone with an interest in veterinary pathology or clinical oncology.
Reviewed by Claire Cannon, BVSc, DACVIM
University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minn
Monitoring and Intervention for the Critically Ill Small Animal: The Rule of 20
Rebecca Kirby, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC & Andrew Linklater, DVM, DACVECC
410 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-90083-3. Price $109.99.
The rule of 20 was created to provide doctors with a checklist for monitoring hospitalized patients that includes critical organ systems, clinical parameters, laboratory changes, and treatment goals essential for survival of the patient. Monitoring and Intervention for the Critically Ill Small Animal: The Rule of 20 is a book in which the rule of 20 for human patients has been adapted for monitoring dogs and cats receiving intensive care. It consists of chapters for each rule (eg, glucose, electrolytes, blood pressure, and coagulation) that are written by experts in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care.
Each chapter contains an excellent in-depth review of the physiology and pathophysiology of the topic being discussed. For this reason, it will be an especially useful reference for critical care residents, board-certified specialists, and emergency clinicians. The additional chapters on veterinary nursing care of critical patients, wound management, and bandaging make this book beneficial for veterinary technicians and nurses in intensive care units.
What this book is not, nor does it try to be, is a quick-reference emergency manual. Given the amount of detail allocated to each topic and the depth of physiology reviewed, this book is meant to supplement a library that already includes a quick-reference manual for emergency treatments.
This book is excellent, and I highly recommend it as required reading for all emergency and critical care residents. It will also be a useful reference for emergency clinicians and nurses and small animal general practitioners.
Reviewed by Laura Najman, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group
San Juan Capistrano, Calif
Two-Dimensional and M-Mode Echocardiography for the Small Animal Practitioner (2nd edition)
June A. Boon, MS
141 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-02853-6. Price $69.99.
The second edition of Two-Dimensional and M-Mode Echocardiography for the Small Animal Practitioner is part of the Rapid Reference Series that helps provide essential but basic introductory information to aid primary care practitioners with cardiac ultrasonographic diagnostics. The book has a companion website that provides excellent-quality echocardiographic video loops, which serve as adjunctive educational and reference tools. The book itself consists of 7 chapters and begins with an overview of echocardiographic applications as well as basic knobology of the ultrasound machine to aid readers in enhancing the overall quality of echocardiographic images. It then transitions to basic echocardiographic imaging planes and techniques for both dogs and cats. This section contains many excellent diagrams and images to help readers visualize how echocardiographic images correlate with radiographic cardiac anatomy and positioning. It stresses that the echocardiographer must first be able to recognize normal anatomy before diagnosing a diseased heart. The book concludes with an overview of some basic cardiac diseases as well as some excellent images and diagrams for reference.
Overall, given the high-quality images, diagrams, and accompanying videos, this book is an excellent introductory echocardiography reference for primary care practitioners. The author states that becoming a proficient echocardiographer requires “practice, patience, and more in-depth reading to develop these techniques and assessments,” and I strongly concur. This book is simply an introductory reference and should not be expected to be more than that.
Reviewed by Bill Tyrrell, DVM, DACVIM
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
Leesburg, Va
Life-Threatening Cardiac Emergencies for the Small Animal Practitioner
Maureen McMichael, DVM, DACVECC & Ryan Fries, DVM, DACVIM
89 pages. 2016. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-04207-5. Price $49.99.
Life-Threatening Cardiac Emergencies for the Small Animal Practitioner is a quick reference for some of the most common small animal cardiac emergencies that private practitioners encounter. The text describes a basic approach to ECG interpretation and provides a concise evaluation and review of many common cardiac arrhythmias categorized by heart rate as well as some commonly diagnosed cardiac conditions. The images presented are clear and easy to follow and understand with the captions provided.
This book is not intended to provide readers with a detailed explanation of the electrophysiology and potential variations of arrhythmias or complete review of cardiac pathophysiology. The information presented is basic and geared more for quick reference by primary care veterinarians rather than cardiologists and is comprehensive in this regard. Overall, it is a concise, well-organized basic reference guide for common cardiac emergencies of small animals.
Reviewed by Maribeth J. Bossbaly, VMD, DACVIM
Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center
Levittown, Pa
Errors in Veterinary Anesthesia
John W. Ludders, DVM, DACVAA & Matthew McMillan, BVM&S, DECVAA
151 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-25971-8. Price $99.99.
Errors in Veterinary Anesthesia is an informative and necessary read for anyone interested in starting and managing an anesthesia service in a progressive veterinary practice or a large veterinary institution. It delves deeply into the subject and describes how errors in anesthesia are made and what can be done to prevent or correct them. This hardback book consists of 8 well-referenced chapters. It also contains several useful appendices with information on American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia guidelines for patient monitoring and sample checklists that can be integrated into everyday practice. I was particularly engaged by the book's introduction because it describes a management culture that, in my opinion, has been overlooked consciously or unconsciously by veterinary medicine. The text draws on themes of correcting errors by examining the systems that created the problem rather than finding fault with an individual.
One of the strengths of this book is the 4 chapters devoted to actual clinical scenarios in which errors were made or near misses occurred and how they were handled. I am uncertain this book will appeal to general practitioners because of the depth it tries to achieve in explaining the science of the making of errors; however, I think this book will also appeal and be very useful to the managers of forward-thinking general practices. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their anesthetic and personnel management skills.
Reviewed by Dianna Ovbey, DVM, MS, DACVAA
Southeast Veterinary Anesthesia Services
Charleston, SC
Equine Ophthalmology (3rd edition)
Brian C. Gilger, DVM, MS, DACVO
671 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-04774-2. Price $179.99.
The third edition of Equine Ophthalmology is an excellent resource for both general equine practitioners and veterinary ophthalmologists. The content is organized in a concise but thorough format. The book provides information regarding the equipment necessary for a complete ophthalmic examination and practical advice for both medical and surgical management of various ophthalmic diseases. The images of various ophthalmic diseases, along with charts and tables summarizing treatments, will aid equine practitioners in providing excellent ophthalmic care to their patients. I have used the previous versions of this book for several years, and I highly recommend this edition for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of equine ophthalmology.
Reviewed by Meredith L. Voyles, DVM, MS, DACVO
Veterinary Ophthalmology Services
Nashville, Tenn
Atlas of Clinical Imaging and Anatomy of the Equine Head
Larry Kimberlin, DVM; Alex zur Linden, DVM, DACVR; & Lynn Ruoff, DVM
154 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-98897-8. Price $149.99.
Atlas of Clinical Imaging and Anatomy of the Equine Head is a comprehensive reference of the cross-sectional anatomy of the head of equids that features photographs of gross sections, CT images, and MRI scans of the head in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes. The photographs of gross-section preparations are excellent, and most anatomic features are readily identifiable. Furthermore, the anatomic labels are exhaustive and likely exceed the needs of most readers. Each gross-section photograph is accompanied by 2 CT images and proton density–weighted MRI images to facilitate visualization of bones and soft tissue structures. The provided images should enable readers to recognize most anatomic structures on other MRI pulse sequences. The CT and MRI scans were performed on postmortem specimens, and the presence of intracranial gas and paucity of cerebrospinal fluid in the postmortem specimens altered the appearance of some structures, compared with the appearance of those structures in live horses; however, those changes do not substantially detract from the book. In addition to the anatomic atlas, the book contains a well-written introduction that briefly explains the basic principles of CT and MRI interpretation and considerations for image acquisition. Readers unfamiliar with CT and MRI will gain a superficial understanding of what influences tissue appearance in images acquired by the use of those modalities, and appropriate references are provided for readers who wish to learn more. This book will be useful for radiologists, surgeons, internists, and other practitioners who occasionally need to acquire diagnostic images of the heads of horses.
Reviewed by Derek Cissell, VMD, PhD, DACVR
University of California-Davis
Davis, Calif
Equine Wound Management (3rd edition)
Christine Theoret, DMV, PhD, DACVS & Jim Schumacher, DVM, MS, DACVS
550 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-99925-7. Price $199.99.
The third edition of Equine Wound Management is an excellent resource for equine clinicians and veterinary students. This textbook offers a review of wound healing physiology and possible complications as well as a comprehensive guide for the treatment and management of many types of wounds. Because wounds are a common ailment seen by equine practitioners, it is critical that a reference on this topic be specific and complete; this book is both. Chapters are organized in several categories such as management of wounds (eg, topical wound care treatments and wound care products, approaches to wound closure, and bandaging and casting techniques), anatomic location of wounds (eg, wounds of the head, wounds of the distal extremities, and wounds of synovial structures), and special considerations (eg, management of severely infected wounds, sarcoid transformation at wound sites, and innovative approaches to wound management). This organization scheme works well, and information is easy to find. The authors state that they intended to provide a reference with both theoretical and practical information, and both areas are addressed. To deliver practical information, an abundance of good-to-high-quality photographs and illustrations with clear descriptions of procedures are provided throughout the text. The illustrations of suture patterns and flap procedures are very informative. New to this edition are highlighted boxes with tips on what to do and what to avoid in various situations, which summarize and emphasize the key points of each section. The book has a companion website that contains case studies, videos, interactive questions and answers, and other resources that will be particularly helpful for veterinary students. The price of this book is comparable to that of other books with a similar scope. It will be a great addition to the reference collection of any equine veterinarian or veterinary student.
Reviewed by Stephanie Caston, DVM, DACVS
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
BSAVA Manual of Wildlife Casualties (2nd edition)
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVM&S, DVM&S & Emma Keeble, BVSc
480 pages. 2017. Wiley-Blackwell/British Small Animal Veterinary Association. ISBN 978-1-905319-80-0. Price $125.00.
The second edition of BSAVA Manual of Wildlife Casualties is a valuable reference for anyone who treats captive or free-ranging wildlife. The text is clear and concise, and the organization and numerous excellent tables facilitate finding information quickly. The manual is divided into 2 sections: general information (eg, basic principles of decision making in wildlife rehabilitation, triage, first aid, initial management in captivity, and preparation for release) and species-specific chapters. The discussion in the first chapter on the ethics of wildlife rehabilitation and the impact of the rehabilitation process on both the individual animal and ecosystem to which it will return will be valuable and instructive for readers who are new to the field. The authors clearly state that all treatment and rehabilitation efforts should first and foremost consider the long-term well-being of the patient. The chapter on triage and initial assessment emphasizes the need to gather as much information as possible, including observation of the animal from a distance, before attempting to capture an injured animal. Also identified are injuries for which euthanasia is advised, with reference to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. One method missing from the list of recommended euthanasia methods is CO2. The authors discuss the importance of appropriate nutrition and housing in both the general and species-specific chapters. Given that the book was written for members of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, the species-specific chapters naturally cover wildlife found in the United Kingdom. However, that does not detract from the value of this book for readers in other parts of the world because much of the information is applicable to related species. Each species- or taxa-specific chapter provides information on the basic anatomy, physiology, and ecology of the animals being described, followed by a discussion of handling techniques, treatment options, drug dosages, and general guidelines for initial management. Finally, the authors review common diseases and injuries and methods for rearing orphaned and injured juvenile wildlife and provide information on how to avoid the imprinting of those animals on humans.
Reviewed by Anne Justice-Allen, DVM
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Phoenix, Ariz
Veterinary Embryology (2nd edition)
T. A. McGeady, P. J. Quinn, E.S. Fitzpatrick, M. T. Ryan, D. Kilroy, & P. Lonergan
386 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-94061-7. Price $74.99.
The second edition of Veterinary Embryology is the best available source of current information on the topic. The content is comprehensive, authoritative, logically organized, and amply complemented with color illustrations that are generous in size and generally effective in highlighting stages of embryo development. Those illustrations are also available from a companion website.
The book consists of 28 chapters that address embryology history, cell division, gametogenesis, fertilization, early embryonic development, cell signaling, stem cells, embryo mortality and related genetic and environmental factors, fetal membranes, placentation, development of the various body systems, and assisted reproductive technologies. Each body system–specific chapter includes key points, color illustrations, and a comprehensive description of developmental stages and definitive anatomy, gestational event timing for each species, gene expression proteins, transcription factors and signaling agents responsible for underlying cell differentiation, and developmental anomalies specific to particular species or breeds along with associated genetic factors. Tables in the book contain a wealth of information regarding embryo features and gestational timing for various domestic animals. Additionally, the book highlights molecular details of gene expression, stem cell lineage related to twinning, and a comprehensive description of hematopoietic development.
This book is a good value for the price. I highly recommend it as the best available resource for information related to veterinary embryology. As a textbook, students will appreciate the key points and color illustrations, but the comprehensive detail of the text may present a headwind for veterinary students, who typically must study embryology under time constraints.
Reviewed by Thomas F. Fletcher, DVM, PhD
University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minn
Atlas of Histology of the Juvenile Rat
George A. Parker, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DABT & Catherine A. Picut, VMD, DACVP, DABT
448 pages. 2016. Academic Press (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-12-802682-3. Price $140.00
Are villi expected in the colon of a young rat? In nursing rats, what intestinal segments have absorption vacuoles, and at what age do those vacuoles disappear? How do the eyes, brain, and endocrine and reproductive tissues of young rats mature in regard to microscopic anatomy and histomorphology?
Those questions and more are answered in the Atlas of Histology of the Juvenile Rat. Drs. Parker and Picut and 13 other experienced toxicological pathologists have created a histologic atlas that contains an abundance of details, which are usefully summarized, illustrated, and referenced. This atlas will be an important resource and reference for anyone involved in the field of rat (or rodent) pathology or interested in specific details and terminology for microscopic anatomic features of rodents with reference to changes that occur during the maturation of other species as well.
Although the histologic features of tissues from adult and aged laboratory rats and mice are well documented and especially familiar to toxicological pathologists, less information is available about the histologic features of juvenile animals. In studies involving juvenile animals, age-matched controls are usually not available between scheduled endpoints, and normal histologic features of maturing animals must be distinguished from effects of drugs or other interventions. This atlas is a definitive resource on the histomorphology of juvenile Sprague Dawley rats of both sexes. Descriptions and illustrations represent weekly time points from birth to 42 days old. Also included are > 700 high-resolution photomicrographs of tissues that were examined in nonclinical (preclinical) safety assessment and toxicological studies.
The book is organized by system into 14 chapters, plus an introduction that includes discussion and correlation of postnatal developmental stages in rats and humans. Chapters are organized in parallel, beginning with clear concise descriptions of embryonic and postnatal development and microscopic anatomy of the tissues. Key features are presented chronologically, with attention to sexual dimorphisms and differences between time points. The high-resolution, high-quality photomicrographs of histologic specimens with consistently comparable coloration, size, proportion, magnifications, and annotations are a credit to the contributors and illustration editor and facilitate recognition of changes relevant to maturation. Important features are highlighted by photomicrographs of H&E-stained histologic specimens, bone marrow cytologic specimens, intestinal specimens prepared by the Swiss roll protocol, and other tissue specimens stained with various histochemical (eg, Masson trichrome, Luxol fast blue, and periodic acid–Schiff) and immunohistochemical (eg, CD3, CD45RA, and Ki67) techniques.
Recognition of different responses to drug or chemical exposures in children and young animals led to legislation, such as the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act in 2002 and the Pediatric Research Equity Act, and an increase in pharmaceutical safety assessment for pediatric or juvenile populations in 2003, all of which led to a need for resources on the histomorphology of juvenile animals. Although this atlas is an essential resource for the toxicological community, it is also relevant for pathologists, veterinarians, and anatomists because of the tremendous detail, precise terminology, and excellent images, along with historical and contemporary references.
In addition to the print version, the chapters and figures from this atlas can be purchased from Science-Direct and Virtual Microscope, which may be cumbersome for some. However, the e-book version is easily navigated with free e-book software, such as Adobe digital edition, and is useful to have open on a desktop workstation or notebook computer when reviewing specimens with a micrsoscope.
Reviewed by Cory Brayton, DVM, DACLAM, DACVP
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Md
Drug Safety Evaluation (3rd edition)
Shayne Cox Gad, PhD, DABT
886 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-09739-6. Price $350.00.
The stated goal of the third edition of Drug Safety Evaluation is to present an all-inclusive practical guide of how the safety of human drugs and biologics are evaluated. One just needs to peruse the table of contents to see that this book provides a comprehensive overview of human drug development as it applies to safety. The content encompasses the regulatory process for small molecules and biologics, and includes detailed descriptions of the toxicological tests that can be conducted and how the results are evaluated. The book also covers specific areas of interest such as pediatric product safety assessment, occupational toxicology, and postapproval safety evaluation. Although the content is clearly meant for human pharma, this book will be useful to those involved in safety evaluations for veterinary drug development. The in-depth explanations of how data are evaluated from toxicity studies conducted for human drug development can be applied to animal drug development. The chapter on statistics in pharmaceutical safety assessment is particularly useful, with assumptions and limitations provided for each of the common statistical tests. Appendix E provides an overview of toxicity data for common vehicles used in drug formulations, with dog and some cat data included. This comprehensive book on drug safety evaluation is a welcomed addition to my reference library.
Reviewed by Lesley C. Rausch-Derra, DVM, MS
Scout Bio Inc
Kansas City, Mo
One Health Case Studies: Addressing Complex Problems in a Changing World
Susan Cork, BVSc, BPhil, PhD; David Hall, DVM, PhD; & Karen Liljebjelke, DVM, PhD
378 pages. 2016. 5M Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-910455-55-5. Price $51.54.
One Health Case Studies: Addressing Complex Problems in a Changing World is an insightful thesis on the many applications of the one-health approach to solving complex problems. Readers familiar with one health may find the introduction a bit repetitive, but it is worth reading. The authors present one-health concepts in a unique breakdown of categories, such as Systems and Disease, Environmental Complexity, Agricultural Sustainability, and Concepts and Knowledge Transfer.
The book contains an outstanding compilation of examples of one health in action, and it may very well become the definitive textbook for learning and teaching the one-heath concept. Each case study begins with an abstract that briefly outlines the scenarios and ends with a conclusion that reiterates the one-health principles it was meant to demonstrate.
In the case study on avian influenza, the authors provide readers with just the right amount of detail on the genomic characteristics of the virus so they can understand the complexity of the problem without needing to be a virologist to understand it. Moreover, unlike a scientific publication, the operational management of the problem is described in great depth.
The editors used a multisectorial approach to select content contributors, even though, as with most things one health, it is heavily weighted with animal-health experts. This textbook is well referenced and has extensive graphics to help illustrate one-health concepts in action. It is an insightful, thought-provoking, and comprehensive piece of work that is well worth the price for any medical professional.
Reviewed by Joseph F. Annelli, DVM, MS
One Health Coordination Center
Veterinary Services, APHIS, USDA
Riverdale, Md
Animal Influenza (2nd edition)
David E. Swayne, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACPV
634 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-90746-7. Price $189.99.
The second edition of Animal Influenza is an update to the well-known first edition. Although the scope of this edition has been broadened to include influenza viruses of mammals such as pigs, horses, dogs, and bats, this book remains a classic reference focused primarily on avian influenza. Similar to the first edition, this edition contains essential information regarding influenza viruses and the complexities of global viral evolution, vacci nology, zoonoses, and experimental models that is understandable and accessible to veterinary practitioners, animal-health officials, graduate students, and researchers. For example, the text is generally clear with well-described explanations of the genetic diversity of viruses and excellent discussions regarding immunologic concepts and pathogenesis. Each chapter represents the collective wisdom of many influenza experts. Readers will find many useful tables and figures for ready reference and teaching materials.
The text begins with a description of aspects common to all animal influenza viruses, then transitions to specifically focus on the various classes of animals known to host influenza viruses. In keeping with the veterinarian's duty to promote both animal and human well-being, the text concludes with a description of experimental models of influenza virus infections as a means to elucidate their zoonotic potential.
Although my overall impression of this book is extremely positive, I feel it is important to point out that it lacks information regarding practical immunology and a summary of antibody responses expected to result from natural infections and vaccination, particularly for domestic poultry. Nevertheless, the authors have successfully improved the quality of an already good product. This edition has superb coverage of influenza topics, presents important concepts in a straightforward manner, and provides sound strategies and considerations for influenza control, diagnostics, and surveillance in multiple animal species. I highly recommend this book for your personal, laboratory, or school library.
Reviewed by Marie Culhane, DVM, PhD
University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minn
Principles of Animal Research for Graduate and Undergraduate Students
Mark A. Suckow & Kay L. Stewart
269 pages. 2017. Academic Press (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-12-802151-4. Price $84.96.
Principles of Animal Research for Graduate and Undergraduate Students is an excellent resource for research personnel and undergraduate and graduate students who seek a basic foundation in experimental animal research. This book provides a general perspective on ethics and regulatory aspects of animal use in research, including personnel safety. Understanding these aspects are prerequisites to engaging in research, and readers are encouraged to review those sections first. The main focus of the book is animal models, especially those involving rodents. Models are broadly classified prior to a discussion of selection process and study design relevant to animal use. Specific aspects of husbandry, behavior, diseases, and research uses for rodents, zebrafish, amphibians, and reptiles are then presented along with common technical procedures in rodents. This book is not intended for experienced researchers, and detailed descriptions of specific models are beyond its scope. Field research in vertebrates is briefly mentioned, but natural models of diseases and clinical trials in companion and production animals are not covered. The book consists primarily of text in clearly identified and well-organized chapters. Material that would allow readers to test their understanding of the main points is not included. Learning objectives are not specifically listed, but each chapter ends with a brief summary. This book will efficiently support formal courses for students and appeal to a broader audience.
Reviewed by Dominique Griffon, DMV, PhD, DACVS
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, Calif
books for veterinary technicians
Acid-Base and Electrolyte Handbook for Veterinary Technicians
Angela Randels-Thorp, VTS (ECC, SAIM) & David Liss, VTS (ECC, SAIM)
210 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-118-64654-0. Price $59.99.
Too often, veterinarians expect the veterinary technicians working alongside them to aid in patient care without a complete understanding of the complex pathophysiology of the disease or condition that is affecting the patient. Acid-Base and Electrolyte Handbook for Veterinary Technicians aims to correct this deficiency and hits the mark with only a few caveats.
Taking on this complex, often inscrutable, and somewhat dry topic, the 11 contributing authors have prepared a reference that is suitable for any technician (or veterinarian) who wants to know more than just how to collect arterial blood samples, put the samples in a machine, and read the results. The best technicians I have worked with generally presented me with results they had already evaluated and said, “I think this is a mixed sample. What do you think?” This book provides readers the information necessary to achieve that level of understanding.
This slim and fairly priced book is perfect for experienced technicians working in a specialty practice, especially an intensive care unit or emergency service, or those seeking specialty certification who want a better understanding of acid-base and electrolyte disorders. This book is not suitable for veterinary technician students during the early stages of their training because readers need some knowledge of physiology and chemistry to understand the text.
Despite its title, this book is largely a physiology textbook rather than a clinical handbook. It contains a nice section on exotic animals that includes many images of techniques for venipuncture of the various species. This book would have benefitted from additional descriptions of clinically applicable techniques and case examples, as well as a summary of key points at either the beginning or end of each chapter. Nevertheless, it is an excellent reference for experienced technicians who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of common acid-base and electrolyte disturbances.
Reviewed by Anthony Johnson, DVM, DACVECC
Veterinary Information Network
Davis, Calif
book for clients
Practical Organic Dairy Farming
Paul Biagiotti, DVM
148 pages. 2016. W. D. Hoard & Sons Co. ISBN 978-0-932147-52-3. Price $19.95.
Practical Organic Dairy Farming is a comprehensive book written for organic dairy producers, aspiring organic dairy producers, and others (including veterinarians) who are interested in working in that segment of the dairy industry. The book was written in a conversational style and draws heavily on the author's personal experiences. It is organized into 3 main sections. The first section is an introduction to the philosophy and constraints of organic dairy farming. The second section consists of 11 chapters that detail organic management practices for dairy cattle at each stage of life. The third section focuses on management and prevention of 6 major diseases that limit dairy cattle productivity and is heavily oriented toward prevention. The book also contains appendices with practical information and useful resources. It is formatted attractively and includes lots of glossy photographs. Each chapter has callouts that contain useful goals and summaries of key information found in the otherwise densely packed text. Although the author is generally careful to point out the lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of alternative treatment strategies, readers should be aware that several sections contain treatment recommendations that include use of non–FDA-approved products (eg, intramammary herbal products). Much of the book summarizes well-known management strategies that are commonly used by both conventional and organic dairy producers; however, advocates of organic dairy farming will likely welcome the book as a useful reference, especially those who are just entering the business.
Reviewed by Pamela L. Ruegg, DVM, MPVM
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wis
