This little ninety page paperback is one of the most exciting finds of 2010 for this reviewer. Published by Animal Insides, Inc. this book is a heaven sent gift for the veterinary technician who is about to have their first encounter with digital radiography. While some may find the conversational tone off-putting, the author has sought to put veterinary technicians at ease while introducing this sometimes confusing radiographic newcomer to clinical veterinary medicine.
The first thing that the reader recognizes is the authors’ thorough appreciation for veterinary technicians especially when it comes to the role they play in radiology. His confidence is exhibited further in his advocating veterinary technicians be brought into the decision making process. This, coupled with the obvious clinical improvements digital radiography brings to clinical veterinary medicine, makes for a winning combination. To quote Dr. Wright: “With digital radiography, better medicine happens because it is easier to obtain a good image NOT because digital gives us a more diagnostic image than film,” hence better diagnostic images enhance the practitioners own diagnostic abilities.
From a business standpoint, this book presents a comprehensive look at the different types of machines currently available which in turn serves as a starting point for those looking to buy. While explaining the pros and cons of a variety of machines, the subject of cost is also factored in. Digital is an expensive startup proposition; however this book makes one realize that the old adage, “you have to spend money to make money” was never truer than when addressing the addition of digital radiography to a clinic.
Clinically speaking, this book is a great troubleshooting guide that is plainly written with enhancements in the form of black and white images. The images show the radiographer how shots should look when properly taken as well as when things go wrong. This illustrative method of good shot/bad shot is a great teaching tool for students as well as seasoned veterinary technicians being introduced to digital radiography for the first time.
Throughout this plain spoken book are a couple of interesting things which the reviewer would be remiss if proper attention is not given: Chapter 17 entitled Installation Day Checklist really should be in the place of Chapter 1 as this chapter instructs veterinary technicians on what to expect when installation day for the new digital radiography unit occurs for their clinic. Chapter 10 had what this reviewer felt was the most interesting application of information for a textbook chapter. The entire chapter was comprised of a supplemental article reprint from the Journal of Veterinary Radiography and Ultrasonography entitled: Introduction to DICOM for the Practicing Veterinarian written by Dr. Wright.
As the reader may have guessed, this reviewer really enjoyed and plans to utilize this book. There is very little that did not charm, however there were a couple of issues which could be put to rest in future editions of this book. There were occasional grammatical and spelling errors that cropped up and being a “nerdy proofreader” they distracted the reviewer. The lack of reference citations at the end of every chapter was something that the reviewer found deficient as they can be helpful in searching other informational resources. It should be noted that Chapter 10 and 16 were solidly referenced while the remaining fifteen chapters were not; however many of these chapters dealt with learning clinical applications of digital radiograph technique through case studies.
Ultimately I found Dr. Wrights’ presentation of this subject to be charmingly disarming, something I was not expecting when I began reading. Because he does not follow the set-in-stone rigid format of so many publishers, he indeed grabs the reader with his unique writing style. This is a book that will be helpful to both veterinarians and their veterinary technicians, reached for again and again as they get acquainted with their digital radiograph machine. Students also will be aided in their studies with this newest toy in the arsenal of clinical diagnostics. Indeed after reading this book I wanted to go straightaway to spend a day in a radiography suite with Dr. Wright and play before the University gets our own digital magic box. Already I am looking forward to the second edition of this neat little book and am delighted to promote the first edition with a five star rating.
Publisher: Animal Insides Press (2010)
ISBN #: NONE
ID #: 9333592
VIN Bookstore: Currently unavailable