books for veterinarians
Veterinary Medical Education: A Practical Guide
Jennifer L. Hodgson, BVSc, PhD, DACVM & Jacquelyn M. Pelzer, DVM
626 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-12500-6. Price $99.99.
Veterinary Medical Education: A Practical Guide is an in-depth and comprehensive, yet practical, guide for individuals interested in optimizing the way that veterinary students are trained and equipped. This book is a tremendous resource for those trained in education who seek insight into the nuances of veterinary medicine, as well as veterinarians who aim to increase their knowledge regarding the science of teaching and learning. Contributors from around the globe have developed a comprehensive resource that includes content on curriculum, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, instructional venues outside of the classroom, student and program assessment, promotion of professional competency, the student experience, faculty development, and educational scholarship. Each section offers information on an array of topics that are highly relevant to current and future veterinary medical education. Each topic is accompanied by numerous classic and contemporary references from veterinary and allied health fields for readers who wish for more in-depth understanding. Importantly, despite coverage of complex and sometimes abstract subjects, the book is remarkably straightforward and enjoyable to read. The authors describe real-life cases and provide useful examples to optimally convey ideas. This approach has the added benefit of inspiring readers; feasible methods are detailed, which enables readers to apply the information in their own unique learning environments. This innovative, comprehensive resource will undoubtedly be viewed as an indispensable textbook for all who seek to improve their own educational practice, optimize the learning environment, and progress veterinary medical education into a relevant and impactful future.
Reviewed by Melinda Frye, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colo
Animal Welfare at Slaughter (Animal Welfare in Practice Series)
Antonio Velarde, PhD, MSc & Mohan Raj, PhD
276 pages. 2016. 5M Publishing.
ISBN 978-1-910455-69-2. Price $80.00.
The stated objective of Animal Welfare at Slaughter is to provide guidance on animal welfare for those involved in the practice of animal slaughter, including animal welfare officials, slaughterhouse managers, veterinarians, and meat inspectors. The book accomplishes this goal with its detailed analysis of the various situations that animals encounter on arrival at a slaughterhouse and throughout the slaughter process.
This well-referenced book is divided into 14 chapters written by 21 contributors. Black and white photographs and illustrations are used to highlight key points, and many chapters contain “toolboxes” for the evaluation and improvement of animal welfare. Opening chapters provide information on animal physiology and behavior and concepts of animal welfare applicable to animal slaughter. Animal handling and husbandry during unloading and lairage are discussed, with descriptions of practical species-specific handling methods that can minimize animal distress. Separate chapters are dedicated to gas stunning–killing, mechanical, and electrical slaughter methods; fish harvesting; and slaughter without stunning. An important chapter on the effect of preslaughter animal handling on meat quality is almost hidden at the end of the book. Many of the welfare concepts discussed in the 2 chapters that focus on current and future trends of European slaughter regulations will be of interest to stakeholders in any part of the world. The brief chapter on depopulation strategies seems somewhat out of place because it deals with issues on the farm rather than at the slaughterhouse.
Overall, this book provides excellent information and guidance. It will be a useful reference for anyone interested in welfare issues associated with animal slaughter.
Reviewed by Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
Veterinary Information Network
Davis, Calif
Managing Breeds for a Secure Future (2nd edition)
D. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD & Alison Martin, PhD; & Jeannette Beranger
288 pages. 2017. 5M Publishing.
ISBN 978-1-910455-76-0. Price $39.95.
The second edition of Managing Breeds for a Secure Future is an excellent resource for breed conservation and management. It covers basic population genetic principles, breeding strategies, and practical management recommendations with many examples from both rare and populous breeds. The authors, who have extensive experience working with breeders and breed organizations, provide practical recommendations that cover theoretical, political, and organizational aspects of breed preservation.
The second edition adds discussions of dog and horse breeds to the other livestock species covered in the first edition. That information is a welcome addition because there is great confusion in the field as to how to manage breeds with perceived limited genetic diversity or small populations. The book clearly explains why domestic breed conservation is completely different from species survival plans developed for endangered natural species. It details how concentrating solely on outbreeding programs actually destroys unique bloodlines, within-breed genetic diversity, and breed population structures that are necessary for long-term breed maintenance.
This book is important reading for any veterinarian, breeder, or owner interested in the hands-on management of breeding and breed conservation. The text is easily understandable and is accompanied by many photographs, figures, tables, and diagrams of breeds and breeding schemes. It allows readers to understand the different goals and emphases of various domestic animal species, as well as the market forces that affect breed management. This book is economically priced and hardbound to stand up to vigorous use as a reference source.
Reviewed by Jerold S. Bell, DVM
Tufts University
North Grafton, Mass
Guide to Ruminant Anatomy: Dissection and Clinical Aspects
Mahmoud Mansour, DVM, PhD; Ray Wilhite, PhD; & Joe Rowe, DVM
275 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-05102-2. Price $99.99.
Guide to Ruminant Anatomy: Dissection and Clinical Aspects is comprised of 275 pages of text and illustrations of the regional anatomy of ruminants, with some comparisons to horses and small animal species. The content is preceded by a few pages devoted to an extensive paged index of chapter contents and ends with a fairly accurate subject index.
The content material is clearly presented in 6 extremely well-organized chapters, each with a title and image of the relevant regional ruminant anatomy. Each chapter begins with an introduction followed by a set of relevant learning objectives and concludes with a “Lab ID List” for that specific region. Further, the subdivisions within each chapter are clearly titled and include defined goals. Clinically relevant facts are concisely presented in numbered blue-colored boxes. The text is supported by relevant schematics and 244 extensively labelled color photographs of embalmed cadavers. Although some of the photographs, especially those of the limbs, are small, they and the “Lab ID Lists” will be greatly appreciated by visually inclined readers.
Although the book is titled as a dissection guide for ruminants, the actual dissection instructions for bovine cadavers are provided in italics within the text and provide contrast to the dissection instructions for goat cadavers, which are briefly described in Appendix A, the last 6 pages of the text. This book is intended to be and will likely be most useful as a dissection guide for students; however, its organization will make it a beneficial addition to the library of clinicians as well.
Reviewed by Hugh D. Dookwah, DVM, PhD
University of Georgia
Athens, Ga
Piglet Nutrition Notes (Volume One)
Ioannis Mavromichalis, PhD
88 pages. 2017. 5M Publishing.
ISBN 978-1-910455-62-3. Price $24.95.
Piglet Nutrition Notes is a book on postweaning nutrition for piglets. In 5 chapters, the author captures key topics for young nutritionists, practicing veterinarians, and animal science students. In fact, in my opinion, this book should be required reading for all students of veterinary medicine, animal science, and related fields. The author's writing style allows readers to quickly understand complex issues.
Of special interest is the discussion on how nutrition and diseases, such as Escherichia coli enteritis in weaned piglets, are intertwined. The author clearly explains those relationships and references research studies so that readers can develop the knowledge needed to understand the complex relationship between ration formulation and animal performance. Chapter 2 begins with a description of antioxidant nutrition, which transitions to the exciting topic of oxidative stress, a subject that is not as well understood in animal nutrition as it is in human nutrition. The author clearly defines oxidative stress and how it can impact production, especially in modern swine production systems where 30 piglets weaned/sow/y is considered the benchmark.
This book also contains an interesting discussion on the use, and lack thereof, of zinc oxide to control disease in piglets during the postweaning period. Zinc oxide alters the intestinal microbiome, and some amount is needed in the diet of weaned piglets. This topic is particularly relevant given current changes in regulations on the use of feed-grade antimicrobials in production livestock.
With this book, the author has definitely achieved his goal of providing practical and applicable nutritional information for the global pig industry. I eagerly look forward to volume 2!
Reviewed by Thomas G. Gillespie, DVM, DABVP
Bethany-Rensselaer Swine Services
Rensselaer, Ind
Pitfalls in Veterinary Surgery
Geraldine B. Hunt, BVSc, PhD
174 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-24164-5. Price $59.99.
Decades of surgical experience, both in small animal general practice and in a referral setting, have contributed to Pitfalls in Veterinary Surgery. This book describes an expansive journey in surgical training, which cannot be appreciated from most standard veterinary surgical textbooks. Veterinary surgery does not always follow the textbooks. Complications happen. Mistakes happen. This book provides readers the opportunity to learn from someone else's blunders and understand the ramifications of those blunders.
Although this book is a little pricey, it is generally well written and will be a great adjunct for general practitioners and veterinary students, interns, and residents who have an interest in small animal surgery. For experienced veterinary surgeons, it is a heartwarming and humbling read of relatable experiences.
Reviewed by Rich Burgess, BVM&S, MS, DACVS
Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists
Annapolis, Md
Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Photobiomodulation
Ronald J. Riegel, DVM & John C. Godbold Jr, DVM
490 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-22011-4. Price $149.99.
Photobiomodulation, formerly known as low-level laser-light therapy or cold laser, is a topic that has not had a definitive go-to resource in veterinary medicine until now. Prior to Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Photobiomodulation, there were few good resources for veterinary application of lasers in practice. This book is well researched, written, and organized and easy to understand. The early chapters describe the history of laser therapy and the physiology of red and near-infrared light at the cellular level. Dosage is covered, and the text does a good job of clarifying, on the basis of current research evidence, what has always been a confusing and often contradictory topic. Multiple chapters cover clinical applications of laser therapy in companion animals, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, exotic and zoo animals, equids, and food animals, as well as alternative therapies and implementations of lasers in practice. From a clinical perspective, nearly all of the book's focus is limited to class 4 (high-powered) lasers, and there is no real discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of class 3B versus class 4 devices in clinical application and therapeutic outcomes. This is an area that I would like to see enhanced in the next edition because there is compelling evidence from recently published randomized controlled trials about the benefits of class 3B and light-emitting diode delivery that is missing from this edition. Overall, this is an excellent and much-needed addition to the veterinary literature. Photobiomodulation is a well-researched and documented photochemical effect that deserves a place in veterinary practice. This book will provide readers with a good understanding of how and why light can be therapeutic.
Reviewed by Marty Henderson, DVM
SonoVet Inc & Texas Laser Therapy Series LLC
New Braunfels, Tex
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care (2nd edition)
Elisa M. Mazzaferro, DVM, PhD, DACVECC
868 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-118-99028-5. Price $109.99.
The second edition of Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care is a great reference for emergency doctors, interns, and residents. It contains easily accessible information, excellent photographs, and diagrams regarding conditions commonly and uncommonly seen in emergency-critical care practice. The book is well organized and contains many excellent etiology and pathophysiology tips. A broad range of topics are covered, such as arrhythmias, toxins, electrolyte abnormalities, electrical cord injuries, viral infections, and ocular emergencies. It even contains brief surgical descriptions of various procedures, such as correction of gastric dilatation-volvulus and obstructions and removal of gastrointestinal foreign bodies. This is a great resource as a quick reference for emergency or critical care cases.
Reviewed by Pamela K. Fettig, DVM, DACVECC
Oradell Animal Hospital
Paramus, NJ
Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals: Principles and Practice
Amir Shanan, DVM; Jessica Pierce, MDiv, PhD; & Tamara Shearer, DVM
325 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-03666-1. Price $79.99.
Over the past few decades, companion animals have been increasingly regarded as important members of the family, and with this shift, owners expect more options for the care of their beloved pets. Although the veterinary profession has recognized this and provided increasing treatment options for prolonging the lives of pets, the end of life has received little attention. Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals: Principles and Practice focuses on the final part of life's journey, and provides veterinarians interested in providing end-of-life care a resource that covers the medical aspects of hospice care for pets as well as the emotional and spiritual care of clients. I appreciated the authors' focus on the most common disorders that might be seen in a hospice situation, with sections dedicated to both specific organ systems and clinical signs–based treatments. I also found the discussion on how to emotionally support clients helpful because it reminded me that owners, as well as their pets, are affected during this incredibly difficult time. While reading this book, I got the impression that some of the authors viewed euthanasia as an undesirable ending and leaned toward supporting natural death, which might be controversial for some readers. On the other hand, in my practice, many owners are beginning to ask about that option, and I found the section on natural death very enlightening in understanding a process with which I do not have much experience. In my opinion, this book is a good introduction to an emerging issue in veterinary medicine, and I am glad to have it in my library.
Reviewed by Rachel Klickman, DVM
Lap of Love Inc
Annapolis, Md
Avian Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review (2nd edition)
Neil A. Forbes, BVetMed, DECZM & David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman, LV, MS, DECZM, DACZM
362 pages. 2017. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group).
ISBN 978-1-4987-0351-2. Price $49.95.
The second edition of Avian Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review offers a unique case-based approach to learning. The first half of the book consists of 271 cases, each of which is made up of a case description and a series of questions for readers to answer. Most of the cases are accompanied by high-quality images (photographs of patients, radiographs and other diagnostic images, and photographs of necropsy lesions) and laboratory test results. The cases cover a broad range of topics and taxonomic orders. Although the cases are randomly listed in a manner similar to how cases are examined in practice, the table of contents classifies cases by different categories, which is useful because it enables readers to quickly access specific topics. The second half of the book provides detailed answers to the case questions, along with references. The inclusion of the references allows readers to easily research further information on any given topic.
Although traditional textbooks are often used as references when particular information is needed, this book is better suited for reading from beginning to end. It is useful for both novice and experienced avian practitioners and encourages readers to think critically, which strengthens the learning process. It is reasonably priced, and compared with large and bulky textbooks, it is a fairly small and lightweight book that is easy to read in any location. The main downside is that it is not a comprehensive or standalone reference on avian medicine and surgery; rather, it is a complement to traditional textbooks on the topic.
In conclusion, this is a great resource for any veterinarian who examines and treats birds. It is a fun and easy read and provides information in a distinctive format that mimics real-life veterinary practice.
Reviewed by Michelle Ravich, DVM, DABVP
VCA Northside Animal Hospital
Danbury, Conn
Raptor Medicine, Surgery, and Rehabilitation (2nd edition)
David E. Scott, DVM
326 pages. 2016. CAB International.
ISBN 978-1-78064-746-3. Price $144.00.
The second edition of Raptor Medicine, Surgery, and Rehabilitation is a concise, easy-to-read introduction to working with raptors in a rehabilitation setting. Much of the material in the text is based on the author's many years of experience in raptor rehabilitation. It covers topics ranging from basic reconditioning to orthopedic surgery and has a wide variety of full-color images and tables that complement the text.
Compared with the first edition, changes in this edition include a hard cover, slightly larger format, brief bibliography at the end of each chapter, and inclusion of an index. These changes give this edition a more polished look and dramatically improved its readability. Aside from some needed updates and a few minor additions, the major change to this edition is the inclusion of species from around the world, which necessitated the expansion of the Species Overview chapter from 6 to 60 pages.
This book is not intended to be a complete reference for the rehabilitation of birds of prey, but rather a clinical handbook intended for veterinarians, technicians, or rehabilitators. Naturally, this results in some topics being presented in a cookbook fashion most applicable to rehabilitators, whereas other topics are presented at a level most applicable to veterinarians. Although the author clearly identifies some ethical issues associated with raptor rehabilitation, I would have appreciated more information on welfare, analgesics and when to use them, and evidence-based medicine.
Overall, this book is a unique and practical support reference for raptor rehabilitation in the United States. Veterinarians new to the field of raptor rehabilitation should augment this handbook with references on the topics of avian medicine and surgery, raptor reconditioning and release, and wildlife rehabilitation.
Reviewed by Michelle Willette, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
The Raptor Center
University of Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minn
Handbook of Primate Behavioral Management
Steven J. Schapiro, PhD
529 pages. 2017. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group).
ISBN 978-1-4987-3195-9. Price $119.95.
The Handbook of Primate Behavioral Management was created by Steven Shapiro, a renowned primate behaviorist, in tandem with the Primate Behavioral Management Conference. The book provides broad and comprehensive information to guide readers in both development and support of programs that maximize the behavioral health of captive nonhuman primates ranging from prosimians to great apes.
The book is organized into 6 sections and 29 chapters, each of which was written by subject-matter experts. The 6 sections include “The Basics,” which covers regulations and fundamentals of behavioral management; “Content Areas with Behavioral Management Implications,” which includes summaries of scientific interpretations of behavior in nonhuman primates; “Application and Implementation in Behavioral Management,” which covers specifics of pairing, positive reinforcement training, and other techniques used in behavioral management programs; “Genera-specific Behavioral Management,” which outlines components of behavioral management programs for each genus; “Products, Equipment, Techniques, and Services,” which includes guidelines for food and foraging enrichment; and, lastly, a “Conclusion,” which summarizes and highlights the critical nature of behavioral management programs.
This book is an excellent, well-organized, fairly priced resource for veterinarians and others working with nonhuman primates. It breaks down an extensive and complex subject into basic general concepts and provides specific guidelines that can be readily used to develop behavioral management programs or adapted into existing programs.
Reviewed by Laurie Brignolo, DVM, DACLAM
University of California-Davis
Davis, Calif
Fish Viruses and Bacteria: Pathobiology and Protection
Patrick T. K. Woo, BSc, PhD & Rocco C. Cipriano, PhD
384 pages. 2017. CAB International.
ISBN 978-1-78064-778-4. Price $157.50.
Fish Viruses and Bacteria: Pathobiology and Protection is a thorough look at the most important diseases of fish today. The book focuses on major viruses and bacteria that have high economic consequences and potential global impacts. This book will be of value to veterinarians working in any aspect of aquatic animal medicine, particularly those who work with aquaculture providers.
The pathogens discussed in this book include 13 viruses and 12 bacterial species that primarily affect economically relevant freshwater aquaculture species. This book builds upon the diseases previously discussed in Fish Diseases and Disorders, Volume 3: Viral, Bacterial and Fungal Infections, which was published in 2011. Descriptions of sampling techniques for and photographs and photomicrographs of gross and histologic lesions caused by the pathogens discussed will be useful for aquatic animal clinicians. Each disease is thoroughly discussed along with helpful preventative and control strategies. Each chapter is broken down into specific sections including structure, distribution, economic impacts, diagnosis and clinical signs, transmission, pathology, protective and control strategies, available treatments, and possible further research directions. For some of the pathogens described, knowledge gaps regarding pathobiology still exist and require further research. However, rather than ignoring those shortcomings, the authors provide suggestions for future research studies when appropriate.
This book will be a great reference for all aquatic veterinarians, from those working with common pet koi to high-volume commercial aquaculture. It contains a wealth of relevant information that is easy to access for most common and important viral and bacterial diseases of fish.
Reviewed by Jessie Sanders, DVM
Aquatic Veterinary Services of Northern California
Soquel, Calif
books for veterinary technicians
Veterinary Guide to Animal Breeds
Beth Vanhorn, AS, CVT
109 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-29972-1. Price $59.99.
Veterinary Guide to Animal Breeds is intended for inexperienced readers who are interested in animals. The book includes all domesticated animals kept as pets or for production. Each species is briefly characterized, key elements are discussed, and then breeds are listed with short descriptions of each.
The text was written for readers with minimal biology background. The images are clear and of good quality. The accompanying website hosts a series of teaching presentations, test questions, and breed identification worksheets to help students memorize facts. The quality and format of the presentations vary.
As I was reviewing this book, the question running through my mind was, what does this book provide that a quick web search does not? Perhaps the weakest part of the book is the lack of context. Thinking of Bloom's taxonomy, one expects a textbook to progress from knowledge to comprehension through application and ideally analysis. This book is strictly knowledge based. It contains no additional information to add context or help students in descriptions or application of the knowledge. Historical background on most breeds is lacking.
This book will be best used as a resource in animal science classrooms or for veterinary assistants in the early stages of their careers, who want a quick reference before speaking with clients about their pets.
Reviewed by Lisa Eshman, DVM
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, Calif
Animal Restraint for Veterinary Professionals (2nd edition)
C. C. Sheldon, DVM, MS; Teresa F. Sonsthagen, BS, LVT; & James A. Topel, CVT
240 pages. 2017. Elsevier.
ISBN 978-0-323-35494-3. Price $55.16.
In the second edition of Animal Restraint for Veterinary Professionals, the authors state that the purpose of the book is to serve as a reference and a pictorial guide to common, time-tested animal restraint techniques used by the veterinary profession. The book is divided into well-organized, easy-to-navigate chapters. The clear, nontechnical writing style makes the book easy to read and follow. The book contains step-by-step guidelines and photographs of how to tie various types of knots along with how to achieve various restraint positions and methods for cats, dogs, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, and birds. The short glossary and index make the book easy to use as a reference.
In my opinion, this book may be a useful reference for entry-level veterinary professionals, who desire to gain or improve their animal handling skills. The step-by-step guidelines with photographs make the procedures described easy to duplicate. The major flaw of this book is the lack of details and photographs that depict gentler handling techniques. For classroom purposes, this book will ideally be paired with another reference that contains information about low-stress handling techniques for dogs and cats.
Reviewed by Jennifer T. Johnson, DVM
Lincoln Memorial University
Ewing, Va
Performing the Small Animal Physical Examination
Ryane E. Englar, DVM, DABVP
440 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-29530-3. Price $124.99.
Performing the Small Animal Physical Examination provides a very detailed overview of how to complete a comprehensive physical examination in dogs and cats. The book is well organized, and it discusses cats and dogs separately. The description for each species begins with an overview of examination preparation methods including easy examination room modifications and low-stress handling techniques to help calm patients and set the environment for the best examination possible. Examination of each body system is described in detail, as are some common abnormalities and possible differential diagnoses for those abnormalities. Although the text contains many medical terms, it is easy to read and follow. The best part of this book is the vast amount of color photographs it contains that complement and reinforce information provided in the text and provide comparisons of normal versus abnormal. Occasionally, those photographs are not on the same page as the corresponding text, which necessitates some page-turning and searching. However, each photograph has a descriptive legend that provides context. This book will be an excellent resource for veterinary and veterinary technician students and new graduates. It will also be appropriate for experienced large animal veterinarians who are transitioning into small animal medicine and desire information on current low-stress examination techniques for dogs and cats.
Reviewed by Amanda L. Teter, VMD
Penn Foster College
New Ringgold, Pa
Principles and Practice of Veterinary Technology (4th edition)
Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, RVT
875 pages. 2017. Elsevier.
ISBN 978-0-323-35483-7. Price $79.96.
The fourth edition of Principles and Practice of Veterinary Technology is an updated textbook designed primarily for veterinary technology students and new graduates as a comprehensive reference that encompasses the diverse range of topics and skills required for education of veterinary technicians. The book is subdivided into 4 sections of fundamentally relevant information: foundations of veterinary practice, veterinary diagnostics, veterinary therapeutics, and animal care and husbandry. Review questions are found at the end of each chapter and online.
The section on foundations of veterinary practice includes topics such as ethical and legal issues, communication, and medical terminology. The veterinary diagnostics section is particularly valuable. It updates the latest nomenclature changes of parasites, provides tables to summarize veterinary parasites, outlines step-by-step diagnostic procedures, and offers useful diagrams and illustrations to enhance learning. The therapeutics section includes an array of procedural techniques, and the newly expanded animal husbandry section covers a broad diversity of species, such as camelids and wild animals. Complementary medicine and pet health insurance are timely topics added to this edition.
Although no textbook can include every bit of information relevant to the education of veterinary technicians (eg, in this book, there is no discussion of demodicosis in cats and information regarding zoonotic diseases is limited), this book comes close. Students and new graduates alike will find a wealth of reference material for learning clinical procedures (> 80 clinical procedures are detailed step-by-step) and developing essential skills and knowledge. Generous use of illustrations, diagrams, and color photographs promotes understanding of skills. This book is worth the investment to have as a handy reference on a broad range of pertinent topics.
Reviewed by Brenda R. Woodard, DVM
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, La
Assessing Essential Skills of Veterinary Technology Students (3rd edition)
Laurie J. Buell, MS, LVT; Lisa E. Schenkel, DVM; & Sabrina Timperman, DVM
81 pages. 2017. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-04211-2. Price $49.99.
Of the many challenges facing veterinary technology program educators, one of the most substantial is the teaching and assessment of over 200 essential skills from the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). The editors of the third edition of Assessing Essential Skills of Veterinary Technology Students have taken the 2016 CVTEA skills list and broken each skill into the standard criteria for teaching and assessment by veterinary technology program faculty.
For faculty, this textbook will be very helpful when establishing or revising skills within the curriculum. The standard criteria or learning outcomes are presented in a logical, thorough, thoughtful, and learner-centered fashion. Both the knowledge and decision-making abilities needed for successful mastery are provided for each required skill. For example, the CVTEA essential skill of “remove sutures in a safe and correct manner” lists 5 knowledge-based decision-making abilities for suture removal. Although this skill may seem simplistic, the editors have broken it down in a logical stepwise manner. This thorough breakdown helps both students and faculty when covering all essential skills.
To meet accreditation guidelines, each accredited veterinary technology program has the responsibility to demonstrate and track the completion of each required skill by every student. The text is accompanied by an online list of skills with standard measurement criteria. This resource can be used by faculty or students to document the student's satisfactory completion of each skill, including dates of completion and faculty signatures.
Our long-standing veterinary technology program has just gone through a curriculum revision. We found this textbook very helpful as a guide to remind us of the steps, knowledge, and decision-making abilities needed for each essential skill.
Reviewed by Allen R. Balay, DVM
Ridgewater College
Willmar, Minn
books for clients
Rosie the Pig
Rebekah Hartfield, DVM
36 pages. 2017. Workman by Design.
ISBN 978-1-64008-713-2. Price $14.99.
Rosie the Pig is a wonderfully illustrated and engaging children's book about a pig that becomes ill. Rosie makes a full recovery and is running around by the end of the book. I would have preferred that Dr. H, Rosie's veterinarian, examined Rosie before making a diagnosis and prescribing medication. Instead, Dr. H tells Abby, the presumed owner of Rosie, to grab her vet pack and do an examination while she waits for Dr. H to arrive. I got over this quickly because as written, the book empowers readers by depicting a child using medical instruments to perform an examination and identify problems. Engagement with readers is skillfully reinforced through short quizzes in which readers must identify instruments and their uses. Thoughtful contents include description of the pronunciation and function of each tool in Abby's vet bag. Pronunciation and explanation of the diagnosis and treatment are also included. The injection site for administration of Rosie's prescribed treatment was accurately portrayed; however, the location for checking body temperature was altered, I imagine, to avoid an awkward conversation.
Delightful details include an inspiring dedication and a nameplate where a child can claim ownership of the book and declare his or her intent to become a veterinarian. The content is more advanced than a board book but less advanced than a chapter book. The book sports library binding and nice, thick pages that can be easily grabbed, but not easily wrinkled or torn by small active hands. Rosie the Pig will be a great addition to clinic waiting rooms or home book collections. This book is part of a series, and I look forward to Dr. Hartfield's next book when we will meet Pistol the horse.
Reviewed by Sandra San Miguel, DVM, PhD, DABVP
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Ind
Dachshunds Get Diabetes, Too!
Sandra San Miguel, DVM, PhD
24 pages. 2016. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
ISBN 978-1-62671-068-9. $10.00.
Donkeys Need Dentists, Too!
Sandra San Miguel, DVM, PhD
24 pages. 2016. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
ISBN 978-1-62671-070-2. $10.00.
Elephants Need Eye Doctors, Too!
Sandra San Miguel, DVM, PhD & Wendy Townsend, DVM, MS, DACVO
24 pages. 2016. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
ISBN 978-1-62671-071-9. $10.00.
Macaws Need Medicines, Too!
Amy Wackerly, BS; Ann Mennonno, MS; Sandra San Miguel, DVM, PhD; & C. A. Nobens
24 pages. 2016. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
ISBN 978-1-62671-069-6. $10.00.
This series of 4 stand-alone educational children's books presents a whimsical introduction to the many facets of veterinary medicine. The authors are to be applauded for their one health perspective; they highlight unique comparisons between human and veterinary medicine through a diversity of animal species as well as a diversity of veterinarians to demonstrate key points. For example, Elephants Need Eye Doctors, Too! provides an easy-to-follow compare-and-contrast depiction of human and canine eye examinations. The illustrations complement the text and, in many cases, clarify concepts that may be a bit challenging for early readers. Consider the description of color vision: the illustrator beautifully demonstrates how a person sees the world as compared with a bird or a bee. Another exceptionally strong and unique aspect of this series is that it features complete Spanish translations. This broadens the pool of readers who can benefit from an introduction to the veterinary profession. My primary concern with the series is that, at times, I felt there was a mismatch between the level of detail provided and the anticipated age of the intended readers. The illustrations are suggestive of early-reader (4 to 6 years old) picture books, but some of the text may challenge even 8- to 10-year-old readers. In particular, Dachshunds Get Diabetes, Too! and Macaws Need Medicines, Too! get bogged down by medical details that may overwhelm the intended audience. For example, there is a detailed section on SID-BID-TID-QID dosing, and 3 paragraphs/page may lose early readers who are interested in an overview but not necessarily depth. I would like to see this series expanded into age-appropriate tracks rather than a one-size-fits all approach because I believe these authors have the potential to create an exceptional educational market if they refine their approach.
Reviewed by Ryane E. Englar, DVM, DABVP
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kan
