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All Horse Systems Go is an excellent equine reference book written by equine veterinarian Nancy S. Loving. It would be of particular interest to students of equine studies and to horse owners who wish to know more about health and disease of horses.
There are 18 chapters covering a comprehensive list of subjects. Anatomy and physiology of each system of the body – respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, neurologic, reproductive and integumentary is covered in detail. Structure and function of the hoof, bone strength and development, joint, muscles, tendons and ligaments in health and disease are thoroughly examined. The skeletal system and its relationship to conformation are discussed in the first chapter. There is an entire chapter devoted to the eye; another chapter covers painful conditions of the back. There is a very informative chapter on first aid including wound management, recommended contents of a first aid kit and injection techniques. Pros and cons of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are discussed as well as a consideration of restraint techniques that can be used with horses. A large number of diseases are covered in this text including important equine conditions such as colic, laminitis, recurrent airway obstruction and infectious viral and bacterial respiratory diseases. Chapter 15 covers herd health entitled “Preventive and Mental Horse Health” and also includes information on parasite control. Four appendices conclude the text: A: Normal Physiological Parameters, B: Common Drug and Supply Names, Uses and Actions, C: Common Toxic Plants, and D: Commonly Used Acupuncture Points in the Horse. Appendix D would probably be more useful if it were accompanied by an explanation of these points. The book also contains excellent information and over 500 outstanding color photographs. There are also a number of illustrations to complement the written information.
As a detailed, up to date overview of horse care in both health and disease, this book is excellent. There is occasional information given with which other equine experts might disagree. Because the text covers a very wide variety of subjects, some topics may necessitate additional information from supplemental sources. The text would likely have limited appeal to veterinarians, but would be a great resource for veterinary technicians, students of equine studies and horse owners.
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing, Vermont, 2006
Pages/type of book: 616 pages including appendices and index, soft cover
ISBN-13: 978-1-57076-326-7; ISBN – 10: 1-57076-326-7