Guest Reviewer: Ned Gentz, MS, DVM, DACZM, Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (Click on stars for an explanation)

You may purchase this book in the VIN store.

The first edition of Dr. Mader's “Reptile Medicine and Surgery” text, published in 1996, was a godsend to all reptile practitioners everywhere, as it was truly a giant leap forward for herpetologic medicine. This new, long-awaited second edition does not disappoint. More than twice the size of the first edition, the second edition has expanded and strengthened its topic areas in all respects.

The book is divided into eight main sections: Introduction; Biology and Husbandry; Anatomy, Physiology, And Behavior; Medicine; Clinical Techniques And Procedures; Differential Diagnoses; Specific Diseases And Clinical Conditions; and Special Topics. Particularly useful are the Specific Diseases and Clinical Conditions, set in alphabetical order (from abscesses and acariasis to upper respiratory tract disease and vomiting); there are 33 topics in all, nine more than the first edition.

As in the first edition, a separate section on amphibians is a welcome addition for the practitioner who sees the occasional frog, toad, or salamander. The appendices, as well as the glossary, should be useful. The text is also lavishly illustrated with many color photographs.

I did notice a couple of typos in the author listing; I hope this pattern is not repeated through the text. This volume represents a monumental effort by Dr. Mader and all his chapter authors. They are all to be commended for what is obviously a labor of love. I would consider this book to be essential for any veterinarian (or biologist) who is interested in or treats reptiles.

1242 pages; 2005, ISBN 072169327X. List Price: USD$129.00. Distributor: Elsevier Health