This text is designed to take the reader through a problem-oriented approach in the diagnosis of common small animal diseases. Each chapter starts with a clinical case and the presenting history; then takes the reader through the steps of assessing the patient’s condition. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of each condition are discussed, with the chapter ending with the prognosis of the patient and outcome of the case.
I own the first edition and wanted to see if there were many changes. The new edition includes the addition of case reports, and I felt it helps give the reader a clearer picture of the patient and the development of the thought process as it progresses through the case during the work-up. There have been updates to diagnostic tests that are reflective of the changes and improvements that have been made in procedures as they are performed in the veterinary field.
For those used to a standard textbook, the book is in a different format, as the chapters are almost a reverse of what is found in other similar books in which the problem is defined first. The format is an excellent way to help teach how to think through a case and the logical steps to thoroughly work through it. The text does not go into complete explanations of all facets of the disease processes, so the reader might need to refer to a more in-depth text for more detail on some topics. Overall I feel it would be a good text for both veterinarians and veterinary technicians alike to help teach or reinforce many points to be considered when presented with a patient, including clinical signs throughout the disease process.
The topics discussed include: The Problem-Oriented Approach, Polysystemic Problems, Behavioral Problems, Conformational Problems, Dermatologic Problems, Hematolymphatic Problems, Cardiovascular Problems, Respiratory Problems, Digestive Problems, Urologic Problems, Reproductive Problems, Musculoskeletal Problems, Neurologic Problems, Special Sensation Problems and Laboratory Problems.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (2009).
Soft cover, 502 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-8138-1338-7.