I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting and getting to know both authors of this book and it was with honor that I decided to review their work. The large paperback book encompasses 484 pages which are divided within twenty-one chapters supported by twelve appendices of assorted forms, body weight charts and species care sheets. The species addressed are as follows: Avian with emphasis on Psittacines/Passerines (i.e. parrots, canaries and finches); Reptiles with emphasis on lizards, snakes and chelonians (i.e. turtles); Amphibians with emphasis on frogs and salamanders; Mammals with emphasis on ferrets, rabbits, mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, skunks, sugar gliders and prairie dogs. The remaining chapters address such topics as veterinary technicians and their roles in exotic medicine as well as wildlife rehabilitation. The final chapter is a beautifully detailed work on the hematology of avian and reptilian species.
The chapters addressing the species are all broken down identically covering the following areas: Introduction, Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, History, Restraint and Physical Examination, Common Diseases, Radiology, Anesthesia and Analgesia, Surgery, Parasitology, Gender Determination, Grooming, Emergency and Critical Care Techniques, Treatment Administration, Diagnostic Sampling, Wound Care/Bandaging, Euthanasia and finally References. This makes it incredibly easy to locate information on specific animals quickly. An added bonus is the tone of the writing which is geared to instruct and provide information without “fluff.” For those who wish more information on a given topic (i.e. students, researchers) each chapter has a very comprehensive list of references.
Having shared all of the aforementioned accolades, the book only has one slight “short-coming.” This is in regards to the pictures within the book. The only color plates are found in Chapter 6 addressing various components of avian blood and fecal examinations, lizard anatomy and physiology as well as some treatment photos, and a host of identified parasite microscopy examples for comparison. There are also a few snake and turtle disease and parasite pictures as well as several plates illustrating blood smears. By contrast, the rest of the book is illustrated by line drawings and black and white photographs.
Perhaps one of the most useful aspects of this book for veterinary medical personnel is the inclusion of admission/exam/consent forms for use with wildlife which could also be modified for use with other animals.
I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars despite the lack of more color photographs as I believe anyone from a student of veterinary science to those currently in practice would benefit by having this book close at hand. The fact that the collaborative team is a veterinarian and a veterinary technician makes it all the more meaningful.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (2010)
ISBN 13: 978-0-8138-2206-8