Written in an outline format, this book gives a straightforward review of a wide variety of subjects related to veterinary technology. In this second edition, the editors have grouped the subjects into 6 parts: Basic and Clinical Sciences, Clinical Applications, Patient Management and Nutrition, Anesthesia and Pharmacology, Medical and Surgical Nursing, and Practice Management and Self Management. Each of these areas has expanded since the previous edition and a new section on Veterinary Technician Ethics has been added.
As the title states, the editors, with the help of Canadian and American veterinary technicians and technician students "review" the subjects that a veterinary technician has already study during their education. One should not expect to learn how to be a technician from this book.
The outline of each subject is followed by a 10 question review, just as it was in the first edition with the addition of a 300 question comprehensive test. It is important to keep in mind that this test does not accurately represent the percentage of questions for each subject that a state or national exam may have, as those tests are ever-changing.
Along with enlarging and updating the existing appendices of the first edition, this second edition has an added appendix covering internet websites for various associations and other resources. There are two glaring omissions for the website list: Veterinary Support Personnel Network at www.vspn.org and an incorrect listing for the Veterinary Information Network, www.vin.com.
This book is an excellent refresher for a technician student or graduate preparing to sit for a national, provincial, or state licensing exam. It would not however have much value to the practicing veterinarian although I would recommend it to a veterinarian who has a vested interest whether or not their technicians pass the state/national boards.
Publisher: St. Louis: Mosby-Elsevier Health (2008).
576 pgs, soft cover.
ISBN-13: 9780323052146.