So I readily admit that I am a bit of a textbook ‘junkie’ and that not everyone will be excited over a formulary as I am, but this text is so much more than your normal formulary. There is a lot of information crammed into its 352 pages. I reviewed the spiral bound book, but it is available in other formats as well. You may purchase it as a CD ROM/ USB, a 2-year web subscription or a mobile app for iPhone/iPad or Android.
The index is very clearly marked for quick and easy retrieval of information, making it very user-friendly. The text begins with a How to Use section and is then divided into other clearly defined sections. The bulk of the text is indeed the standard formulary compiling concise information on each drug which includes: differing dosages for different uses, the form in which the drug is provided, and special notes (such as exactly how to dilute Acepromazine from the 10mg/mL into a 2mg/mL solution). It also includes other valuable information split into the following sections, both educational and useful in a clinical situation.
One section I think will be very useful is the Generic Name and Trade Name Product Index that lists drugs under both trade and generic names in alphabetical order. This will be very handy as a quick reference when a client provides the name of a drug one may be unfamiliar with. There is also a chapter that organizes drugs by use or symptoms, which I found to be another quick and easy reference.
The useful Reference section holds all kinds of gem such as how to alter drug dosages for chronic kidney disease, a table with common drug interactions, a conversion table for weight to body surface area, daily water and calorie intake requirements for dogs and cats, how to calculate percentage solutions, antibiotic selection according to organ system, and much more.
I believe this text would be a great asset for all members of the veterinary staff from the veterinary technician to the clinician and everyone in between.
Publisher: North American Compendium, Inc., 2013
ISBN 13: 978-1-934880-10-4
VIN Bookstore: Currently Unavailable