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

This book is Out of Print.

One of the primary uses of this book will be for veterinarians answering questions from breeders about their breed's known problems. The book is a laundry list of inherited and predisposed diseases. The book begins with a chapter on the basics of genetics. The expectation of inheritance is explained as well as a caution that not all of the diseases listed are inherited, even if a genetic link is suspected (some may be incidental). The section on basic genetics gives a good formula for the likelihood of a disease being genetic, based on presence in one or both parents and on genetic probability. Sex-linked diseases are so stated.

The absence of some breeds in this volume is explained as a lack of data rather than an absence of inherited diseases (a good, solid academic statement).

There are a few color illustrations on grouped color pages, and a larger number of radiographs scattered throughout the text. Drugs are listed for treatment, where indicated.

Not all inherited diseases are listed. When I looked for epilepsy in Italian Greyhounds, it was not given, although it is common in some bloodlines. However, some more-obscure diseases were listed -- such as congenital hypotrichosis in poodles.

As far as I know, this is the only text for veterinarians that addresses breed predispositions for disease in dogs and cats. It should be on your library shelf for reference. A list of authors is not specific, but there are acknowledgments to six persons for their helpful comments.

Blackwell Publishing (2004).

Soft cover, 240 pages, 6-3/4" x 9-3/4" format.

ISBN: 9781405107488.