Review by Kathy Lyon (Click on stars for an explanation)

You may purchase this book on Amazon.com.

The authors bring this 4th edition with the goal of maintaining the high standard of the previous edition, inviting recent diplomates and residents preparing for their board examinations, to research the third edition for areas that might be updated or revised. These recommendation were provided to the contributors for guidance.

With over 70 contributors, nearly all boarded, the book is brought up to date in every aspect of surgical technique, relevance, and skill.

New material includes expanded coverage on current or new topics throughout the book; the addition of a chapter on regenerative/therapeutic medicine; expansion of the section of diagnostic imaging, reorganization and updated material an eye and adnexa; temporomandibular joint disorders, and postoperative physiotherapy for the orthopedic patient.

There are 12 sections; Section I: Surgical Biology; Section II: Surgical Methods; Section III: Recent Advances in Anesthesia; Section IV: Integumentary System ; Section V: Alimentary System; Section VI: Respiratory System; Section VII: Nervous System; Section VIII: Eye and Adnexa; Section IX: Reproductive System; Section X: Urinary System; Section XI: Diagnostic Imaging Examination; Section XII: Musculoskeletal System.

Section XII is by far the most covered section, but a glance at the Table of Contents on the Elsevier website will give you a full list of all chapters within the sections.

By need, the first chapter deals with shock and response to trauma. Charts guide you through hypovolemia and increased intravascular volume/cardiac output. Administration of fluids is covered with recommendations on crystalloids vs colloids. Various methods of monitoring response are suggested. The following chapter covers fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base therapy.

The section on surgical site infection is important as it discusses, among other things, current therapies and risk factors, minimally invasive techniques, bandages and drains, and treatment of infections.

One interesting area is the chapter on the use of lasers. Still new in many practices, often clinicians find themselves with this expensive piece of equipment and not enough training of how it can be useful in the practice.

The photos and drawings are exceptional.

This is one of those books that begs to be present for perusal prior to need. The chapters and illustrations make good reading when you have a few minutes to examine the book. It is one that you will want to read as soon as you receive it. Some of these techniques need not be limited to horses. All clinicians will learn something here.

Elsevier, 2012. 1536 pages, fully illustrated.

ISBN: 978-1-4377-0867-7