books for veterinarians
Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian: An Evidence-Based Solution to Increase Wellbeing
Nadine Hamilton, PhD
173 pages. 2019. Australian Academia Press. ISBN 978-1-925-64419-7. Price $20.23.
Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian: An Evidence-Based Solution to Increase Wellbeing is an excellent introduction to a discussion of the mental health and wellbeing issues that have faced the veterinary profession worldwide for decades. The information is presented in an easy-to-understand manner for anyone interested in the health and wellbeing of veterinarians. I hope this book lands in the hands of many mental health workers worldwide. Although it discusses the dark side of veterinary medicine, it does not stop there and provides hope that the mental health landscape can improve. Through explanations of multiple psychological techniques and theories, it allows nonmental health professionals to understand how our thoughts impact our lives, as well as how we can reshape the way we process and react to our thoughts and experiences. The final section of the book gives clear action steps (in worksheet form) to help improve the general wellbeing of individuals. I highly encourage anyone who is struggling in the veterinary profession, or life in general, to take time to read this book and take a chance on yourself. You are worth it.
Reviewed by Melanie Goble, DVM, CCFP
Renewed Strength Veterinary Services Manitowoc, Wis and Not One More Vet Inc Granite Bay, Calif
That Sheep May Safely Graze: Rebuilding Animal Health Care in War-Torn Afghanistan
David M. Sherman, DVM
307 pages. 2019. Purdue University Press. ISBN 978-1-55753-862-8. Price $34.95.
That Sheep May Safely Graze: Rebuilding Animal Health Care in War-Torn Afghanistan is an incredible account of one determined veterinarian destined to make a meaningful impact on rebuilding the foundation of a country decimated by conflict. The author tells his compelling story with a combination of humor, suspense, and inspiration, with heartwarming tales of farmers whose lives have been changed because of the education they have received from Dr. Sherman's leadership, veterinary manuals, and paraveterinarian training courses. The book also highlights the critical importance of veterinary medicine to a nation's survival, as he points out that only 11% of Afghanistan's land is arable; thus, the dependence on healthy livestock is essential. Anyone with an interest in international development can and should read this book. It is well written and informative and contains sound advice with limited technical jargon. Important lessons are shared regarding shortcomings in government systems and aid agencies along with the dangers bureaucracies can impose. However, what is most critical is Sherman's ability to create a self-sustaining animal health-care system in the private sector amidst challenging circumstances.
Reviewed by Scarlett Magda, BSc, DVM
Founding President Veterinarians International New York, NY
The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual (3rd edition)
Susan Cork, BVSc, PhD, & Roy Halliwell, MIBMS
559 pages. 2019. 5M Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78918-045-9. Price $108.00.
The third edition of The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual has 3 main sections. The first section explains animal handling techniques and how to obtain clinical samples. The accompanying diagrams and illustrations are clear and easy to understand. The second section explains how to set up and use a laboratory service and describes everything needed to select, use, maintain, and ensure the quality of laboratory equipment and supplies. The third section provides a detailed discussion for all laboratory specialties. Appendices provide quick and useful references for common zoonotic diseases, necropsy techniques, and sample collection methods. The information is presented in a practical format, which makes this manual a useful resource for practicing veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students, particularly those in resource-limited countries where access to regional diagnostic laboratories is challenging. This manual could be enhanced by the addition of information regarding the reporting of suspected cases of foreign animal diseases and basic field biosecurity measures for early disease outbreak control. Regarding the information provided on antimicrobial resistance (pages 213 and 437), in the United States, it is important to note that the FDA Veterinary Feed Directive and Guidance for Industry 213 restricts the use of antimicrobials in the food or water of animals.
Reviewed by Michael A. Parker, DVM, MS, RN
Strategy, Plans, and Policy Division US Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC
Diseases of Swine (11th edition)
Jeffrey J. Zimmerman, DVM, PhD, DACVPM; Locke A. Karriker, DVM, MS, DACVPM; Alejandro Ramirez, DVM, MPH, PhD, DACVPM; Kent J. Schwartz, DVM, MS; Gregory W. Stevenson, DVM, PhD, DACVP; & Jianqiang Zhang, MD, PhD
1,108 pages. 2019. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-35085-9. Price $249.99.
The 11th edition of Diseases of Swine continues to serve as the gold-standard resource for anything and everything related to swine herd health. With an industry that is constantly changing, this edition does an outstanding job of keeping up with the advanced diagnostic technologies and the latest research on new or emerging diseases and syndromes. The quality of the color images has been greatly improved in this edition, which enhances the presentation of gross and histologic lesions to readers. In a world where animal welfare continues to be moved to the forefront of the minds of consumers, the additions to the animal welfare chapter provide readers with critical science-based research that is necessary for evaluating pig behavior and understanding the animals' needs to provide optimal welfare. This edition is well organized, and it is easy to search for content by either pathogen or clinical signs. In my opinion, there is no other informational resource that comes close to providing the depth or quality of information on the topic of swine diseases as does this book.
Reviewed by Megan Inskeep, DVM
Merck Animal Health Rensselaer, Ind
Côté's Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats (4th edition)
Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, & Etienne Côté, DVM, DACVIM
1,566 pages. 2020. Mosby (an imprint of Elsevier). ISBN 978-0-323-55451-0. Price $129.00.
Readers familiar with previous editions of Côté's Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats will find the new fourth edition organized in the same manner. The book is divided into 6 sections: Diseases and Disorders; Procedures and Techniques; Differentials, Mnemonics and Lists; Laboratory Tests; Clinical Algorithms; and a Drug Compendium. Within each section, topics are arranged alphabetically to make searching for specific content easy. Also, the entire book, along with many additional topics, is available online in a fully searchable format at no cost to purchasers of the print copy. The online version also includes over 250 client communication handouts in both English and Spanish. This book will be a great addition to the library of anyone in small animal practice as well as veterinary students.
Reviewed by Kimberlee Buck, DVM, DABVP
Frankenmuth Birch Run Veterinary Hospital Birch Run, Mich
Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management: A Color Handbook (2nd edition)
Jeff C. Ko, DVM, MS, DACVAA
448 pages. 2019. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-1-138-34563-8. Price $119.96.
The second edition of Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management: A Color Handbook is now available. This edition represents a substantial update from the first edition, which was published in 2012, with marked expansion into topics that are integral to anesthetic management and provision of analgesia to small animal patients. The contributing authors represent various areas of expertise within the field of veterinary anesthesiology. This book is formatted as a handbook. The preface states that it should serve as a quick source of information with color photographs and readily accessible flow charts and tables and provide readers with a precise and practical resource for making decisions in small animal anesthesia. The book consists of 32 chapters, which are packed with useful, pertinent, and practical information; however, the topics presented are not covered in exhaustive depth. The intended audience is veterinary practitioners, nurses and technicians, and students, and the book should serve that audience well.
The content is well organized in chapters, and the index makes it easy to locate information of interest quickly. An appendix of recommended anesthetic dosages is particularly useful. New to this edition are chapters that address perioperative laboratory data, blood components, and transfusion therapy. In addition to chapters that discuss anesthetic considerations for specific diseases, there are also chapters on anesthesia for specific procedures, such as airway or thoracic surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmic procedures, and diagnostic imaging techniques. The pain management portion of the book has been expanded with information on treatment of neuropathic pain, photobiomodulation with lasers, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and physical rehabilitation. The photographic illustrations are good.
This is an excellent book for the intended audience. It should be in the reference library of every veterinary clinic.
Reviewed by Diane E. Mason, DVM, PhD, DACVAA
Kansas State University Manhattan, Kan
Small Animal Dermatology: What's Your Diagnosis?
Jane Coatesworth, MA, VetMB
222 pages. 2019. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN 978-1-119-31111-9. Price $124.99.
Small Animal Dermatology: What's Your Diagnosis? is the third book in a series that uses a case-based format to improve critical thinking and clinical problem solving. This book presents 34 cases of dogs and cats with skin diseases. The cases are arranged in 5 sections on the basis of clinical sign or lesion type. Each section has a well-written summary, which alone is useful to clinicians who want to improve their clinical skills. Each case is presented in a detailed easy-to-follow manner with logical explanations of examination findings, lists of differential diagnoses, recommended diagnostic tests, and treatment plans. For some cases, the clinical findings were either unusual for a common disease or nonspecific and complex, which emphasizes the need to consider a thorough list of differential diagnoses. Perspective buyers are cautioned that this book was written for a United Kingdom audience, and some of the treatments described are not available in other countries such as the United States.
One criticism is that the images are quite small, particularly given the large amount of blank space present in the book. Dermatology is a highly visual field, so it is unfortunate that the layout and image quality were not optimized.
Overall, this is a useful book for those in the veterinary profession wishing to challenge and improve their dermatologic problem-solving skills. Students, technicians, and practitioners will find the cases challenging and interesting. However, it is important to note that this book should not be considered a general reference because it does not cover all dermatologic diseases and is not organized or intended to be a textbook reference.
Reviewed by Elizabeth A. Layne, DVM, DACVD
BluePearl Veterinary Partners Midvale, Utah
Avian Virology: Current Research and Future Trends
Siba K. Samal, DVM, PhD, DACVM
411 pages. 2019. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-912530-10-6. Price $399.00.
Avian Virology: Current Research and Future Trends is the first textbook that provides a comprehensive and detailed account of major avian viruses that is both easy to understand and advanced enough for avian virologists. The book holds to its title and describes current research and future trends for about 13 major viral pathogens of global poultry health importance.
Each chapter comprises a detailed account of 1 avian virus, including virus biology, pathogenesis and clinical disease, prevention, and control. The end of the book has a separate comprehensive chapter on the avian immune response to virus infection. The book compiles plenty of information about the latest advances in the field, including reverse genetics of avian viruses and the application of oncolytic avian viruses in improving human health. The reference list and citations included in each chapter are valuable sources of information on the contemporary research pursued in the field. Although this book is a suitable and highly useful resource for avian virology researchers, avian disease clinicians may not find it particularly helpful. If you are looking for pictures of gross and histopathologic lesions in poultry caused by avian viral diseases, you will be disappointed. Nonetheless, this book is a must-have for anyone whose daily activities require detailed knowledge of the biology, pathogenesis, immune response, prevention, and control of avian viruses. For avian virologists, this book is a ready reference for the latest information surrounding the major avian viruses and is well worth the investment.
Reviewed by Suresh V. Kuchipudi, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, DACVM
Penn State University University Park, Pa
Prions: Current Progress in Advanced Research (2nd edition)
Akikazu Sakudo, PhD, & Takashi Onodera, PhD, DVM
153 pages. 2019. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-910190-95-1. Price $319.00.
The second edition of Prions: Current Progress in Advanced Research is intended to provide readers with a concise update on research in the field of prion biology and disease, particularly over the last 6 years since the first edition of the book was published. The information provided in this book is comprehensive, accurate, and presented in an informative and logical manner. This book will be more valuable to research scientists than general veterinary practitioners because it goes into great detail about cellular mechanisms and current and past theories of prion biology.
This book is divided into 4 basic sections. The first section consists of 1 chapter that provides a brief introduction to prion diseases, including the species affected, risk of disease transmission by contaminated food sources or blood, related protein misfolding diseases, and how prions are normally cleared from the body. Although this chapter is a basic introduction, understanding the information requires some familiarity with prion biology.
The second section consists of 4 chapters that encompass molecular biology and function of the prion protein. The elusive physiologic role of the prion protein has been the focus of much research, and although much progress has been made and summarized in 1 chapter, no definitive function has been confirmed. The other chapters discuss neurotoxicity, the role of inflammation in prion disease, and the molecular dynamics in prion disease. This section is an outstanding overview for scientists involved in prion research, but it is unlikely to be useful or easily understood by veterinary practitioners.
The third section is comprised of 2 chapters. One chapter addresses human prion diseases (iatrogenic or acquired) that are sporadic and genetically induced by a mutation in the gene coding for the prion protein. The other chapter discusses inactivation of prion proteins. Both of these chapters are directed towards clinical practitioners. The chapter on human diseases is well organized, informative, and fascinating, and the chapter on inactivation is critical information for any practitioner—human or veterinary—who may work with infected tissues.
The last section is perhaps the most relevant to veterinary practitioners because it discusses the most common veterinary manifestations of prion diseases including scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and chronic wasting disease. The chapters of this section are extremely informative with information about outbreaks, genotypes, and what is currently known about these diseases as well as the implications that the disease in the wild cervid population could have on domestic species. The last chapter addresses genotype influence on susceptibility to prion disease and the future potential for management of prion diseases through breeding programs.
In my opinion, this book is well written and comprehensive, and any research scientist who studies prion diseases should have this book in their reference library. Veterinary practitioners who work with species susceptible to prion diseases, particularly large cattle and sheep production facilities, should also consider purchasing this book. It contains valuable information on the pathogenesis and spread of prion diseases in affected species as well as effective decontamination procedures because inactivation of prions is quite different from that for conventional infectious disease agents.
Reviewed by Valerie Johnson, DVM, DACVECC, MS
Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colo
books for veterinary technicians
Animal Handling and Physical Restraint
C. B. Chastain, DVM, MS, DACVIM
384 pages. 2018. CRC Press (an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group). ISBN 978-0-367-02832-9. Price $39.96.
The opening chapter of Animal Handling and Physical Restraint states that we as a society have moved away from the traditional rural lifestyle in which the handling of animals was a natural part of life, whether it was handling working dogs or large animals. A large portion of the student population headed into veterinary sciences, whether technical or doctoral programs, do not have the background and skills to properly restrain and handle all the species they will be expected to work with throughout their academic careers. This book will be an excellent resource to aid in their training.
The book is user-friendly with a comprehensive table of contents and substantial index. The content is organized by topic. It begins with a discussion of the theory and philosophy of animal handling and then addresses overall animal behavior followed by a small section on the housing of companion animals. There is a substantial section dedicated to the handling of dogs and cats specifically as well as a good section on the handling of 15 species of small mammals, birds, and reptiles (ie, common exotic pets). The last half of the book is dedicated to the handling of farm and ranch animals. The information provided for farm and ranch animals is similar to that presented for small animals and includes housing and environment with additional descriptions provided regarding ropes and knots. Approximately 17% of the content is devoted to equids, 15% to cattle and small ruminants, and 5% to swine and poultry.
In my opinion, this book provides the necessary background information students need before they are exposed to demonstrations and practice handling live animals. It is written in a succinct and clear manner that will be easily understood by all animal-oriented students as well as employees in research or veterinary clinics.
Reviewed by Jacob A. Mecham, DVM, CVA, CVSMT
Oregon State University Corvallis, Ore
