The first thing the reader will notice upon examination of this book is the use of British grammar and spelling of certain words and phrases which is charming rather than distracting. Each of the twenty two chapters is laid out to include clearly stated learning objectives, facts and key points of interest, mini-exercises reflective of lessons to be learned, multiple choice test questions and activities that may be assigned as projects to be presented in class.
The book has several things in its favor as a textbook selection. It is easy to digest and would be useful for either a veterinary assistant program or a supplemental workbook for those in a veterinary technology program. The text is clear, concise and to the point with fun mnemonics (acronyms) for retention of listed processes and organs. For example I Paid My Aunt Twice jogs the memory as to the phases of mitosis, while the four types of body tissue are remembered by Mum Never Eats Cake. There are also great study prompts and hints for learning the material with in-depth study questions presented in a multiple choice format. One chapter of particular interest was Chapter 12 - The Endocrine System, which tackles a detailed subject, breaking it down for review in easily understood yet detailed fashion.
There are a few areas where this text is lacking for use as a textbook. The line drawings are all black-and-white, some with minimal and overtly simplistic detail. For this reason, the workbook would not be suited for use in a dissection lab setting. The exercises which include labeling of drawings would require a supplemental text in many cases in order for students to successfully complete them. Lastly if one is expected to complete the exercises to turn in for grading purposes, there are two problems: the answers are readily available in the back of the book and the pages are not perforated to be easily detached.
All in all, this book would be most suitable for a vocational-technical style program for veterinary assistants or as a supplemental text for more structured, undergraduate programs of study. It has a good deal to offer but should not be relied on as an exclusive text of veterinary anatomy and physiology.
Butterworth-Heinemann title (2003).
232 pages.
ISBN-10: 0750648597,
ISBN-13: 9780750648592.