The fifth edition of the text that has for years been a staple in private veterinary practice laboratories and veterinary technology education programs is definitely a keeper. The book serves well as a reference, describing test methodologies, sample requirements, and the meaning of results, and a guidebook which can be used in the laboratory by technicians and other veterinary staff as a step-by-step manual for many procedures. There is included a much needed focus on tests that veterinary technicians actually perform or prepare for send-out to reference labs.
The book is filled with updated information on some of the newer technology that is available to assist the veterinarian in acquiring diagnostic information, with the most significant improvement being the inclusion of full color photographs and diagrams throughout the text. In the previous edition, imbedded photos were black and white with one color plate section in the hematology chapter. Color photos of urine samples, parasites (internal and external), and cytology slides make the fifth edition of this book well worth the purchase price. There are appendices at the end of the book for quick reference and a useful glossary of key terms. Procedure boxes throughout the text give step-by-step information on laboratory techniques commonly performed in the veterinary clinic with reference ranges, and bacterial pathogens of veterinary importance for a variety of domestic species listed. Chapters which begin with "Key Points" summarize and preview important concepts with the material having been streamlined in this edition. Readers will notice that as part of this streamlining the necropsy chapter featured in the last edition has been completely eliminated.
Of course along with the good points there are also some less than stellar areas which should be noted and addressed. Although the photomicrographs are clear and informative, it would be helpful to know what magnification is being depicted as well as what stains have been used. Some pictures do not readily allow one to recognize whether the sample is unstained or stained. This is especially true of the section on urinalysis. There is an unfortunate labeling error on the photograph on page 204 - Figure 6-40. It is meant to show adult Thelazia species (a parasite of the lacrimal duct) however it is actually a picture of a flea. The exact same picture appears on page 246 Figure 7-18, where it is correctly labeled as the cat flea. Also, within the preface, the authors state that there are procedure boxes (step-by-step instructions) for all commonly performed hematology, cytology, and parisitology laboratory tests, I would love the book even more if this were true however tests such as PCV/TP, activated clotting time, bleeding time, cross-matching, blood gas analysis, filter test for microfilaria, and direct microscopy for dermatophytes, while described within the text, are not written out in step-by-step, procedures manual format.
Despite some shortcomings, this book is an excellent choice for purchase by students and seasoned technicians alike. Seasoned technicians particularly will find it to be a great reference text to have in the veterinary clinic. I can truthfully say with confidence that this book improves with each new edition, and I think you will be happy with the fifth edition if you decide to purchase it--even if you already have previous editions.
Mosby-Elsevier Health, St. Louis, Missouri (2007).
416 pages.
ISBN-10: 0-323-04572-3
ISBN-13: 9780323045728.