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The newly published 7th edition of this textbook is just the latest in a long list of sterling textbooks by the same name. Presented as 1445 pages and weighing in at 8.3 pounds, this book is designed to be everything to everybody. And it succeeds. There are thirty-nine chapters, broken down in such a way that educators can use it as the textbook of choice for every course from Freshman Orientation and Veterinary Science to more senior level classes such as Toxicology and Surgical Nursing. One of the most appealing things about this book is the approach to education that the editors have taken. In addition to the textbook, there is a corresponding workbook (which matches the text chapters), an electronic Internet support feature known as the Evolve® Learning System and available through the publishing company Elsevier, and a heavy endorsement to also purchase Mosby’s Veterinary PDQ for quick reference of medical values. Unlike many suggested purchases aimed at book buyers, these references are specifically aimed at supporting the textbook.
The textbook itself is organized in a thoughtful manner, which (as mentioned earlier) seems perfect for educators of veterinary technician programs in both the vocational technical arena and the more traditional collegiate route of a four-year program. The concise yet thorough coverage makes it attractive for use in a variety of classes, which significantly reduces the amount of funds spent on textbooks per class. As chapters progress numerically, so does the depth of subject matter in the various areas of veterinary medicine as related to the duties and responsibilities of a veterinary technician.
My personal endorsement of this book is based on an extensive three-month review of the text as part of a complete departmental overhaul of my institution's veterinary technician course syllabi. After review by one technician and three veterinarians currently charged with the delivery of the courses, it was decided unanimously that the "McCurnin’s text" would be the textbook of choice for approximately eight to ten classes, and listed as a supplemental text for at least five more. With the benefit of the experience of no less than sixty-four authors, this text breaks information down to an understandable, yet concise, level for ease of comprehension. Although heavy on medical terminology, the book does not talk down to students who may be new to the study of veterinary technology.
Key features of each chapter include terms and learning objectives that can be formulated into test questions or used to generate classroom discussion. A past favorite, "Technicians' Notes" continues to drive home pertinent information within the context of the subject being discussed, and is highlighted for quick and easy reference. Photographs are real-time pictures, which are helpful in understanding instructions. I was particularly taken with the photos, instructional illustrations of Neubauer Hemacytometer counting chambers, and microscopic pictures of urine sample findings in Chapter 16, Clinical Pathology. Likewise, there are pictures throughout the book of various methods used for performing exams and procedures on animals. These not only show the proper way to conduct such activities, but also placement of restrainer and restraint devices in relation to the animal. These are very relevant to teaching successful procedure and allow one to learn safety as well as proficiency.
This book garners a five-star rating. The only negative thing is found on the dedication page, in which it is announced that Dr. Dennis Michael McCurnin, editor/writer for the book since its conception in 1985, is soon to retire. It leaves us to wonder about the future of McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, and to hope fervently that this is not a final edition of a truly magnificent book.
Publisher: St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier (2010)
1445 pages, hard cover
ISBN: 978-1-4160-5700-0.
Editor's Note: Please see also the review for the companion text, Workbook for McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, Seventh Edition.