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

This book is Out of Print.

This is an amazing book, a "gold standard" in the field. This is a complete revision and update reflecting large animal internal medicine today. In this single issue, it covers virtually everything the practitioner needs to know on this subject. Using a problem-oriented approach to the diagnosis of diseases in cattle, sheep, and goats, it teaches readers how to diagnose based on what they observe and what laboratory tests reveal. 

Complete lists of common, less common, and uncommon diseases associated with particular signs are given in easy-to-find boxes. The clinician is given an approach to each manifestation of disease and a method to work toward a diagnosis. The reader will also find guidance on treating problems symptomatically, a method commonly used in everyday practice. Also, interpretation of abnormalities is made easier with complete lists of diseases associated with a given lab abnormality.

New to this edition: There are significantly revised and expanded chapters on localization of differentiation of neurologic disease, disorders and management of the neonate, diseases of the alimentary tract, and parasite control programs; revised discussions on bronchopneumonia in ruminants and bovine coronavirus; new coverage of breath tests as a diagnostic tool, liver flukes (and other flukes), liver abscess treatment, corneal ulcers, minimal profiles for transition cow diets to prevent milk fever, vaginal varicose veins, single-drug treatments vs combination treatments related to development of resistance, and DNA-based testing to determine genotype.

The inside front cover is a quick-reference guide to Manifestation of Disease. This will speed the clinician to the proper chapter for quick diagnoses or treatment.

Cause of Presenting Signs boxes are extremely useful in formulating a differential diagnosis. The section on neonatal medicine is very strong, and has been greatly expanded from previous editions. There is an excellent chapter on nutrition for the sick animal. Extensive cross-referencing simplifies complex or unclear diagnoses. There is an excellent section on collection and interpretation of lab samples - including conversion to SI units. There is also an updated chapter on current vaccines. The index is 120 pages.

These highlights in no way reveal the impact of this excellent reference. With over 2110 pages and 400 illustrations, this book belongs in the library of any practitioner who sees large (or small) ruminants.

A Mosby Title, Harcourt Health Sciences (2001).

Hardcover, 8 1/2" x 11".

ISBN-13: 9780323009461.

ISBN-10: 0-323-00946-8.

Reviewed 11/21/2001.