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

You may purchase this book on  Amazon.com.

This book contains a list of differentials to be considered when examining a presenting case. This book is not a "how to treat" volume. Once the suggestions are given as to the possible direction, you are on your own.

The presenting complaints are categorized in alphabetical order and the table of contents is constructed so as to give the clinician ready reference to various differentials. One thing that I can say is that some of the more uncommon problems are mentioned, so that the reader is not fixed on only the common presentations. A section near the back of the book on Diagnostic Procedures outlines some tests to narrow the choices, and includes equipment and technique.

There are a few illustrations, some in color that illustrate some points. I didn't find a clear differentiation between dog issues and cat issues. While I realize that most of the basic physiology and disease process may be interchangeable, some are not. Not all differences are readily familiar to all readers; when under pressure to obtain a diagnosis, it could ease the stress to have dog and cat issues somewhat presorted. There are signs that are omitted from the lists, for example, in the section on choking/gagging, no mention is made of hairballs, and while this may not be a disease, per se, it is sometimes a presenting issue. There were some topics that caused me to question their inclusion, such as "euthanasia of puppies due to undesirable cosmetic features."

There is plenty to recommend this book. The list of presenting signs is substantial, and the suggestions for diagnostics or rule-outs are numerous. The opening chapter explains how to use this book, and these instructions apply throughout.

There are algorithmic charts in the back of the book to help the reader follow a logical path to a diagnosis. Charts are included on what to consider when taking a history and conducting a physical examination.

This book may be useful for students, but I feel it will be of more use to the seasoned clinician.

Blackwell Publishing (2007).

Soft cover, 464 pages.

ISBN: 9781405132527.