Dr. Engelking’s Textbook of Veterinary Physiological Chemistry, the 2nd Edition is an excellent resource for detailed information on the important reactions that occur at the cellular level. The chapters are short and to the point which makes them easy to read. This book starts with amino acid and protein metabolism and moves through the metabolism of nucleotides, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, trace minerals, lipids, and ends with acid-base balance. The book is written in such a way that each chapter builds on the information discussed in the previous chapters, allowing the reader to build on what he or she has learned. To enhance understanding, each chapter includes figures that show pathways, reactions, and chemical structures along with questions to allow the reader to evaluate his or her comprehension. The book includes in depth chapters covering metabolic changes seen with starvation, exercise, and acid-base. The section covering vitamins and trace minerals includes information on sources, absorption, deficiencies, and toxicities.
New to the 2nd edition are learning objectives at the end of each chapter. These objectives are clearly stated and met by the author. The book also incorporates pathophysiology relating to each chapter including such topics as diabetes, oxygen toxicity, hepatic lipidosis, and the use of NSAIDs. It may be of interest to the reader to know that a 3rd Edition will be forthcoming within the next year or so and promises to be even more exciting in terms of updates and information.
This book is a valuable resource for anyone in veterinary medicine including students, instructors, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians. The information can be used to understand the pathophysiology of many disease processes and, by doing so, improve the care provided.
Publisher: Elsevier 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0-12-384852-9