As a veterinary technician student in the early 90’s, I studied parasitology with the use of this textbook in 7th Edition form. Although written for use by students of veterinary medicine, this book was by far the best point of reference for a veterinary technician student bar none. And now it is in its ninth edition.
From the moment I opened the front cover with a list of derivations of scientific names and terms related to parasitology through all eight chapters, I was enchanted by the familiarity of this old friend, yet pleased by the updated sleek look of the book. The first standout difference one notices of this ninth edition is the sleek, beautiful design and multitude of color photographs that grace the pages. It is interesting to note that while many of the photographs are in color, there are several that are preserved in black-and-white with an intense clarity and sharpness only seen in non-color presentations. Of interest is the fact that many of the photos, both black-and-white and color, are the original images that were captured by Jay and Marion Georgi in their first edition of the text. This historical text is divided into eight chapters which cover the following topics of parasitology: Introduction, Arthropods, Protozoans, Helminthes, Vector-Borne Diseases, Antiparasitic Drugs, Diagnostic Parasitology and Histopathologic Diagnosis. There are also seven appendices which address parasiticides used in several species of animals as well as commercial antiparasitic vaccines such as Pirodog, GiardiaVac and HuskVac to name a few. The chapters are packed with pictures, charts and beautiful drawings depicting life cycles that supersede the line drawing circle diagrams of the past. These diagrams are particularly useful in the chapters on diagnostic parasitology which has colorful depictions of different apparatuses one can build for use in parasite evaluation such as the Baermann Apparatus, Mixing Apparatus (made with a household drill) and a McMaster Counting Chamber.
This book still remains, in the estimation of this reviewer, the best known text for the instruction of both veterinary technicians as well as veterinary students. Its usage as a study guide and educational text is without compare, as well as its importance as a reference manual both in academia and the clinical environment of a clinic where veterinarians and technicians will find this text an invaluable resource.
Publisher: Saunders-Elsevier (2009).
ISBN 13: 978-1-4160-4412-3.