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

You may purchase this book on Amazon.com

This book continues to be a standard on this topic. Granted, it was printed in 2011, but there was no review in the VIN archives and the book remains an important volume, deserving of a review and resurrection.

First, the book is hard-bound, representing a quality printing process. Today, it is difficult to find such a book as most are paper covers or NO covers (digital). For those few remaining bibliophiles, this book is a prize.

Sixty-six contributors joined in the authorship of this book. There are 85 topics in 11 Sections beginning with the regulation section on Anatomy and Physiology. This is followed by a breakdown of all of the methods available for diagnostic testing, from urine collection, through culture, renal function testing, US examination, CT and MRI imaging of the urinary tract, scintigraphy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, biopsy, pathology and, cytology.

Each method is accompanied by drawings of the recommended method of obtaining test samples and results. Each drawing is described indicating the species and sex of the subject. The sections are short but to the point with no repetition, described with professional terminology and not resorting to basics. The authors are depending on the readers being of a certain experience and knowledge.

Each diagnostic process is well illustrated and equipment use is further described as necessary. The collection of a urinary history is described along with a physical exam and diagnostic suggestions. Methods of urine collection are illustrated and well described.

A sheet for patient information and results of testing is provided and a step-by-step diagram is suggested for obtaining the information. Microscopic views will assist with a diagnosis. The presence of sediment and how to identify each in a variety of forms is shown.

Urine culture is discussed, showing culture plates, interpretation of results (charts) and a substantial chart of antimicrobials.

Each section is liberally illustrated with black and white and color photos and imaging views. The endoscopic views are in color and are clear and well described in the captions. Cadaver views are used where necessary and drawings further illustrate the procedures

There is an excellent and well illustrated section on use of a laser, a very useful addition to the practice with an under-utilized laser.

Section 5 discusses chronic cases including follow-up and prognoses. Again, illustrations describe the use of various methods of detection and diagnosis. Some of these would require reading the chosen section prior to determining a final diagnosis or attempting surgery. An excellent recommendation is to read as much as possible prior to need as this book would provide the information needed for success.

Various urinary tract infections (bacterial, fungal, viral and, parasitic) are included. Several surgeries are shown in photographs, primarily those that are most difficult to achieve. The photos are excellent for the most part, although one photo (Fig 77.12) mentioned arrows that did not seem to be visible in the actual photo, although the objects of the intended arrows were obvious.

A good suggestion would be for the reader access the Wiley-Blackwell site and read the Table of Contents for a larger picture of the contents of this book. It would take another book to do justice to a review of this volume.

The topics are well organized, the photos are clear and well captioned, and the detail is excellent for those few who require a bit of hand-holding.

All in all, the acquisition of this book for the clinic library would go far in improving the expansion of the client base.

Publisher: Wiley and Sons, 2011

ISBN: 9780813817170