books for veterinarians
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline (7th edition)
Larry P. Tilley, DVM, DACVIM; Francis W. K. Smith Jr, DVM, DACVIM; Meg M. Sleeper, VMD, DACVIM; & Benjamin M. Brainard, VMD, DACVAA, DACVECC
1,647 pages. 2021. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-51317-9. Price $119.99.
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline is a well-known text, and the new seventh edition is an updated continuation of what is expected from this series. This book describes, in alphabetical order, over 840 disorders of dogs and cats. Each disorder is concisely and thoroughly reviewed by an expert in the field in an easy-to-read bulleted format over 1 to 2 pages. Each section includes a basic overview of a specific disorder, including clinical signs, diagnosis, expected laboratory and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, follow-up, and client education. Additional internet resources and suggested readings are provided for some topics. This book is meant to be a quick reference for practitioners and is not intended to provide in-depth details on specific diseases; that information is available in other textbooks.
The seventh edition contains several disorders that were not included in the sixth edition. The appendix on pain management and osteoarthritis has been expanded, and a new appendix on performing 32 common procedures and diagnostic tests, such as tracheal washes and urinalysis, has been added.
The book is published in black and white and contains primarily text with only a small number of tables and figures. It has a companion website, which is accessed by means of a password provided in the purchased book. The website contains 331 client education handouts and a small number of images and videos. The handouts are fairly extensive, are generally 3 to 4 pages long, and can be altered or customized prior to printing.
This book will be a valuable resource for new graduates and busy practitioners who are interested in clinically relevant material in a concise and well-organized resource. The authors are commended for providing material across such a large range of topics with current referenced articles. I believe the price of the book is fair given the wealth of information it contains.
Reviewed by Robin Jaeger, DVM, DABVP
Cat Care Clinic
Ormond Beach, Fla
Breed Predispositions to Dental and Oral Disease in Dogs
Brook A. Niemiec, DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC
196 pages. 2021. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-55211-6. Price $99.99.
Breed Predispositions to Dental and Oral Diseases in Dogs is edited by Dr. Brook Niemiec, a veterinary dentist and prolific author and lecturer on veterinary dentistry. Contributors to the book include Dr. Sean Aiken, a board-certified veterinary surgeon who discusses treatment of brachycephalic syndrome; Dr. Amber Hopkins, a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist who describes concerns associated with anesthetizing brachycephalic patients; and Kymberly McLeod, a well-known veterinary lecturer on animal welfare issues. The book is divided into 11 chapters and include content such as dental conditions common in toy- and small-breed dogs, dental conditions in brachycephalic breeds, welfare concerns of heritable dental diseases, additional dental conditions commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds, brachycephalic airway disease, unique welfare challenges of brachycephalism, other heri-table dental conditions, anesthesia management of toy- and small-breed dogs, brachycephalic breed anesthesia, periodontal therapy toy- and small-breed dogs, and the unique challenges of extractions in toy- and small-breed dogs.
The text is well referenced and complemented with copious clinical and intraoral radiographic images. I found the flow of the presented information somewhat confusing with the bouncing back and forth among topics related to anesthesia, dental conditions, and welfare concerns of small and brachycephalic breeds. Additionally, in my opinion, the text lacks in-depth coverage of the genetic basis of specific dental and oral cavity congenital defects (eg, skeletal and dental malocclusions) and the importance of genetic counseling to help eradicate oral and dental problems through responsible breeding. Nevertheless, even with those slight shortcomings, this book will be a worthy addition to the reference library of any general practitioner who is interested in the diagnosis and care of dental and oral cavity challenges in small-sized and brachycephalic dogs.
Reviewed by Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP
Hometown Animal Hospital Dental Clinic All Pets Dental
Fort Lauderdale, Fla
Veterinary Ophthalmology Volumes 1 & 2 (6th edition)
Kirk N. Gelatt, VMD, DACVO; Gil Ben-Shlomo, DVM, PhD, DACVO, DECVO; Brian C. Gilger, DVM, MS, DACVO, DACT; Diane V. H. Hendrix, DVM, DACVO; Thomas J. Kern, DVM, DACVO; & Caryn E. Plummer, DVM, DACVO
1,255 pages & 2,569 pages. 2021. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-44183-0. Price $399.99.
Veterinary Ophthalmology is the pinnacle reference for those who wish to further their understanding of ophthalmic disease in veterinary medicine. This resource is geared toward residents and veterinarians with a specific interest in veterinary ophthalmology, but it is also an ideal reference for those with a specialized focus of study, such as internal medicine, anatomy, and pathology. The updated sixth edition is a 2-volume set and is organized into 4 primary sections, with contributions from leading experts in the field. The first section concentrates on subjects related to basic visual sciences and has been updated to include a chapter exploring the fundamentals of animal vision. The second section covers concepts vital to the foundation of clinical ophthalmology such as immunology, microbiology, and ocular pathology. The third section focuses on canine ophthalmology; information is organized and presented according to each anatomic region of the eye from the anterior to posterior aspects. In the fourth section, the presented material is organized by species. It also has chapters devoted to neuro-ophthalmology and ocular manifestations of systemic disease. New to this edition is a chapter dedicated to small mammal ophthalmology, which complements sections on exotic animal and laboratory animal ophthalmology.
This new edition has a companion website that includes access to helpful video clips, downloadable figures from the book, and references linked to Cross-ref to improve reader access and searchability. The literature and references have been updated throughout this edition, which includes a wide array of clinical images, diagnostic updates, color diagrams, and visually appealing color schematics to assist readers in understanding described concepts. Additionally, the authors took great care to consolidate key information into numerous useful tables that cover a wide range of topics and put necessary information right at readers' fingertips.
Reviewed by Renee T. Carter, DVM, DACVO
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, La
Veterinary Clinical Parasitology (9th edition)
Anne M. Zajac, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Gary A. Conboy, BSc, DVM, PhD, DACVM; Susan E. Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM; & Mason V. Reichard, PhD
408 pages. 2021. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-30077-9. Price $79.99.
Published under the auspices of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, the ninth edition of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology is a comprehensive and concise parasitology book with updated clinically relevant information. This book will be a valuable reference for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students. This edition benefits from the addition of 2 notable veterinary parasitologists, Drs. Susan Little and Mason Reichard, as authors. Similar to previous editions, this edition focuses on the morphological identification of parasites. The content has been updated throughout the book and includes novel photographs and illustrations. New to this edition are chapters on modern parasiticides and diagnostic dilemmas, which include common case scenarios that often confound practitioners. It also addresses the important emerging problem of parasite resistance and how to factor that consideration into practice and management of patients. This edition has a companion website that contains figures from the book in a downloadable format and the answers to case scenarios presented in the diagnostic dilemmas chapter. The updates to this edition make it well worth the price. This book will be a great microscope-side reference for any general veterinary practice.
Reviewed by Ashley Steuer, DVM, PhD
Texas Tech University
Amarillo, Tex
Equine Hematology, Cytology, and Clinical Chemistry (2nd edition)
Raquel M. Walton, VMD, PhD, DACVP; Rick L. Cowell, DVM, MS, DACVP; & Amy C. Valenciano, DVM, MS, DACVP
333 pages. 2021. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-50024-7. Price $199.99.
The second edition of Equine Hematology, Cytology, and Clinical Chemistry is the combination and revision of 2 textbooks: the second edition of Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Horse edited by Rick Cowell and Ronald Tyler, and Equine Clinical Pathology edited by Raquel Walton. This new book opens with a chapter on general laboratory medicine, followed by 3 chapters on hematology, 7 chapters on clinical chemistry, and 9 chapters on cytology. The contributors to this book have a breadth of expertise and include various veterinary clinical pathologists who work in academia or for a commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory as well as board-certified specialists in internal medicine, emergency and critical care, ophthalmology, and theriogenology.
Each chapter provides the fundamentals of a specific topic and highlights relevant equine- and breed-specific facts, differential diagnoses, and aspects of diagnostic testing. Information on treatment is beyond the scope of the book. The chapters are well referenced with historical and more current literature, including consensus statements, which allows readers to dive into the primary literature if they choose. The text is supplemented with many helpful diagrams, summary tables, and gross and microscopic images. The chapters on cytology contain useful instructions on sample collection and handling for various sites and sample types, and all accompanying images are integrated within the text, as opposed to the color plates provided in the second edition of Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Horse, which allows for easy reference to the images while reading. This well-organized, user-friendly book will appeal to a wide range of audiences including equine-focused veterinary students, interns, residents, and practitioners, as well as clinical pathologists seeking to expand their knowledge of equine-specific entities.
Reviewed by Ashleigh W. Newman, VMD, DACVP
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Equine Reproductive Physiology, Breeding and Stud Management (5th edition)
Mina Davies Morel, BSc, PhD
519 pages. 2021. CABI. ISBN 978-1-78924-224-9.
Price $60.00.
The fifth edition of Equine Reproductive Physiology, Breeding and Stud Management presents equine theriogenology to veterinary students and general practitioners at a very reasonable price. The book begins with sections covering foundational elements of mare and stallion reproductive anatomy and physiology, then builds on those concepts with sections on management of broodmares, stallions, and foals. It concludes with a section on advanced reproductive techniques. The book is structured with pedagogy in mind; a list of stated objectives starts each chapter, priming readers to pay attention to important concepts while studying. Each chapter concludes with conceptual study questions to assess reader comprehension and illustrate applications in clinical settings. A helpful list of further suggested reading directs interested readers to sources of more in-depth information on the subject matter.
The topics addressed in this book are broad in range and cover important husbandry practices, basic medical and surgical management, and advanced reproductive techniques that are still evolving. The resulting message is that attention to small details can have important consequences. The style is easy to follow. Figures and charts nicely complement and summarize the information in the text. At the front of the book, there is a collection of quick-response (QR) codes that provide links to YouTube videos. These videos were compiled, not produced, by the author and therefore are of various styles and quality. However, I found most of them very informative and helpful.
Most topics are covered at a level appropriate for veterinary or animal science students, general practitioners, and managers of horse breeding facilities. Unfortunately, some important topics, such as the significance of diestral ovulations, changes in uterine edema, breeding on foal heat, and biofilm in endometritis, have been omitted or are addressed in a confusing manner. Also, many of the references cited are for chapters in other textbooks rather than for original sources. Nevertheless, this is a well-organized and informative textbook that will provide readers with foundational-level knowledge of equine reproduction at an excellent price.
Reviewed by Bruce W. Christensen, DVM, MS, DACT
Kokopelli Assisted Reproductive Services
Elk Grove, Calif
Equine Reproductive Procedures (2nd edition)
John Dascanio, VMD, DACT, DABVP, & Patrick McCue, DVM, PhD, DACT
768 pages. 2021. Wiley Blackwell.
ISBN 978-1-119-55598-8. Price $189.99.
The second edition of Equine Reproductive Procedures is an expanded and comprehensive resource for veterinary clinicians, veterinary students, and reproductive specialists. It is authored by multiple respected international experts in theriogenology and equine reproductive clinical practice. This edition is divided into 200 chapters (vs 161 chapters in the first edition) among 5 sections, including the nonpregnant mare, pregnant mare, postpartum mare, stallion, and newborn foal. Each chapter introduces a procedure, lists the necessary equipment for that procedure, and provides a stepwise description of the procedure as well as references for additional information. Techniques discussed vary from routine reproductive evaluation and breeding management to assisted reproductive techniques and those known to combat subfertility and infertility in both mares and stallions. New to this edition is information regarding treatment of infectious endometritis and placentitis and assisted reproductive techniques, such as oocyte collection and shipment. Chapters on estrous suppression and treatment of retained fetal membranes have been updated. All chapters are clear, concise, and descriptive, with well-annotated and supplementary images and diagrams. The book is appropriately priced and is a recommended addition to the reference library of all practitioners of equine reproduction.
Reviewed by Theresa Beachler, DVM, PhD, DACT
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Zen and the Art of Caring for Pets
Donna Kelleher, DVM
207 pages. 2020. Donna Kelleher.
ISBN 9798713-485436. Price $16.99.
As a fellow veterinarian drawing upon traditional Chinese medicine theories and modalities to care for my patients, I found Zen and the Art of Caring for Pets to be relevant, honest, and intriguing. The author artfully recalls cases that motivated her to become a veterinarian despite the struggles and misgivings deeply entrenched in daily life. In an effort to find balance and zen, she ultimately embraces a holistic mindset to diagnose and treat herself and her patients.
The author is open and honest as she reveals the reality of life as a veterinarian, including addressing the alarmingly high rate of career and sometimes life-ending depression amongst veterinarians. Fellow veterinarians, healthcare professionals, and pet caregivers alike will relate and perhaps benefit from knowing they are not alone. Through this journey, the author discovers that holistic modalities and mindset serve to heal both her patients and herself. She takes the reader through various cases to elucidate lessons she has learned. This is a story of a professional's review of her career struggles and successes as she understands the power of patience, connections, and compassion and the ability of the body, mind, and soul to heal. The story of her career path is relatable to any professional who has a passion but struggles with the reality of the profession as they find their own balance. This book will leave readers with a sense of belonging and with gentle motivation to find their own zen.
Reviewed by Hannah Wells, DVM, CVAP
Newfields, NH
books for veterinary technicians
Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (5th edition)
V. P. Studdert, BSc, DVM, DVSc; C. C. Gay, DVM, MVSc, DVSc, DACVIM; & K. W. Hinchcliff, BVSc, PhD, DACVIM
1,320 pages. 2021. Saunders (an imprint of Elsevier).
ISBN 978-0-7020-7463-9. Price $61.70.
This review encompasses the fifth edition of Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary and the accompanying information available through Evolve online. The “Notes on the use” section is helpful for optimizing use of information in the dictionary. The main portion of the dictionary provides definitions of veterinary terms and will be useful for veterinary students, veterinarians, and paraprofessional veterinary team members. The photographs and diagrams are of excellent quality and well designed to bring the definitions to life. The format and content of the appendix are designed and presented in a font that is accessible for use in practice, making it both an educational tool and daily reference. The tables listing arteries, bones, ligaments, muscles, and nerves provide an easy-to-use guide with detailed notes. The tables that list veterinary schools, degrees, related organizations, and programs are an additional useful tool in this truly comprehensive reference. Compared with similar resources, this text is rich and provides ongoing educational value. I found this dictionary to be an engaging refresher owing to its format, photographs, and tables. The companion Evolve online resource provides an array of supportive tools including audio pronunciation of each term. This alone will be a tremendous value for students and those transitioning into practice because many terms are challenging to pronounce until demonstrated. The online resource further increases the already good value of the dictionary.
Reviewed by Margaret (Peg) Wheeler, MS, LVT
Berwick, Me
