This wonderful textbook is designed, in the author’s own words to “provide information for the whole of a veterinary nurse’s working life.” I do think this goal has been well met. There are chapters on a wide variety of subjects that a technician will deal with daily, as well as being a great overall text for those currently studying in a technician program. Among the chapters included within this book are: anatomy and physiology, (there are separate chapters on equine and exotic anatomy and physiology, behavior, and nutrition), genetics, patient care, pharmacology, common medical conditions, animal breeding, behavior and handling, nutrition, ethics and welfare, first aid, surgical nursing, anesthesia and analgesia, microbiology, laboratory diagnostic aids, among others. This text also offers additional online chapters on subjects like grooming, stable design, and management. There is also a chapter on management and care of injured wildlife, as well as a chapter on physiotherapy techniques. Each chapter begins by listing its key points as well as providing many good illustrations to help with understanding of the subject matter. The only chapter that might have been helped by more photographs or diagrams was the chapter dealing with the subject of the veterinary clinical laboratory. I especially liked the chapter on patient care and its emphasis on nursing models.
It may be of interest to the reader to note that the author is based in the UK so most information on laws and other such topics have facts pertinent to those in that country. Appendixes include normal values and essential calculations. The online resources include videos from the author on some common clinical procedures as well as multiple choice questions to test the reader. There are recommended reading lists at the end of each chapter if more in depth information is desired. Although I have not seen the first edition of this text this has been listed as a new section and I feel it is a wonderful addition.
There is a great amount of information in this well laid out and very comprehensive textbook. I feel this would be a great asset to any veterinary technician, new or experienced. Veterinarians may find this to be a valuable addition to their staffs’ library. This text would be something that will be reached for time and again and I am glad to have it as part of my library!
Publisher: Elsevier-Mosby
Softcover 732 pages
ISBN 978-0-7020-5367-2