Review by Kathy Lyon 
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This book is primarily directed toward the technicians’ role in evaluation and surgical assistance to the veterinarian. Procedures are well illustrated with photographs, and the text is clear and precise. Attention is given to history taking and workup as well as surgical assistance.
Technicians following the instructions in this book will be essential to any practice. The History and PE section is particularly informative as it will no doubt bring many issues of note to the history and evaluation of the patient. A path to a thorough history is suggested and it would do any technician well to have a copy to follow and a check-off list prepared for each case. In fact, such a check-off list is presented on page 4, suitable to copy and use.
Photos demonstrate some physical issues crucial to the history.
A case plan is discussed illustrating the tests and sampling commonly required pre-op. One example is a photo to illustrate establishing a cystocentesis location point and procedure. Preparation for common surgeries is illustrated with photos and described in the text. Included in pre-op preparation is how to obtain a fine-needle aspirate, imaging choices, surgical site preparation (shaving, creating a sterile field), and self protection. Some use of radiographic views is discussed and photo samples are shown on reading a CT scan or a US scan.
Pain management is illustrated using the University of Wisconsin Pain Scale Chart. The section is detailed as to the effects of a variety of medications. Important, but mentioned in passing, is the phrase “In consultation with the surgeon” when deciding which medications and how much to use.
Scrubbing and sterile covering are discussed in the section on Asepsis and Infection Control, followed by sterilization and agents used in instrument sterilization. Abdominal, thoracic and orthopedic fields are explained and a chart is shown outlining the margins of the surgical field in preparing for surgery.
There is a liberal section on instrumentation, how it is used, and proper names assigned to each. This includes not only surgical instruments but also the various machines utilized in surgery (warming systems). Included in this section is the preparation of assisting personnel, use of hand scrub, and maintaining a sterile field.
Preparing and opening a surgical pack is well illustrated. Step by step photos show how to wrap and identify a pack for future use.
Surgical procedures are noted and illustrated in order to educate the technician for what is to follow and to be able to anticipate the surgeons’ steps and needs. This section is well illustrated with radiographs showing the various steps in the surgery. Color photos of some surgeries are also used as well as the preparation of surgical trays. A substantial variety of surgeries are illustrated mid-surgery included many not-so-common surgeries. Bandaging and wound therapy is explained and methods are illustrated with photos.
All in all, this book should be an excellent preparatory tool in the technicians’ medical bag. It s should be a must for all students and a welcome addition to the clinic library.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN# 9780470959763