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

This book is Out of Print.

The book opens with an introduction and normal reference information. Included are common abbreviations used both in cardiac reference and in this book. The leading chapter on the Normal Cardiovascular System presents the system in a combination of photos and drawings that clearly illustrates heart function in the normal animal. The chapter closes with end-notes and references.

The chapter on cardiovascular examination is thorough and highly informative. There are several interesting techniques for evaluating cardiac function. The chapter on Cardiac Radiography is filled with good quality radiographs, along with appropriate arrows and captions, making it genuinely instructive. The chapter that follows on reading ECGs is well presented, with a variety of readings as examples, including common ECG artifacts.

There is an overview on echocardiography that includes ultrasound, drawings that illustrate the variety of views for echocardiography, M-mode echo, contrast echo, color flow images, common measurements, and normal values. Doppler views are also included and explained.

The next couple of chapters cover presentation and evaluation in various forms. They are well illustrated and offer a variety of diagnostic options.

Myocardial diseases are separated into Dog and Cat chapters, with excellent illustrations in the form of photos of presentations, radiographs, post-mortem photos, ECGs and US views.

Cardiac tumors are discussed, as are heartworms, pulmonary hypertension, and valve disease.

The book is an excellent condensed course on cardiovascular disease. I would recommend the book also for any board preparation where cardiac issues may play a major part in the test. It's a fast read, to the point, and liberally sprinkled with interesting facts and techniques. A page of post-publication updates is tucked inside the front cover.

Publisher's Description

"This is a comprehensive, authoritative, yet user-friendly guide to cardiovascular diseases and disorders in the dog and cat. It is fully referenced and richly illustrated throughout by clinical color photos, imaging, and diagrams of the highest quality. Coverage includes evaluation techniques, investigative procedures, diagnosis, and medical/surgical management options and methods. Already highly praised in pre-publication reviews, Dr. Ware's book will be an educational resource and a professional reference of lasting value."

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction and Normal Reference Information

1. The Normal Cardiovascular System
2. The Cardiovascular Examination
3. Overview of Cardiac Radiography
4. Overview of Electrocardiology
5. Overview of Echocardiography

Section 2: Cardiovascular Problems

6. Murmurs and Abnormal Heart Sounds
7. Cardiomegaly
8. Cough
9. Respiratory Difficulty
10. Jugular Vein Distension or Pulsations
11. Abdominal Distension
12. Subcutaneous Edema
13. Abnormal Heart Rate or Rhythm
14. Syncope and Intermittent Collapse
15. Thromboembolic Events

Section 3: Cardiovascular Diseases

16. Approach to CHF Management
17. Approach to Arrhythmia Management
18. Congenital Cardiovascular Diseases
19. Acquired Valve Diseases
20. Myocardial Diseases of the Dog
21. Myocardial Diseases of the Cat
22. Pericardial Diseases and Cardiac Tumours
23. Pulmonary Distension
24. Heartworm Disease
25. Systemic Hypertension
26. Index

Wiley (2007).

Hardcover, 400 pages, 10.5 x 8" format, 580 colour and black-and-white illustrations, 68 tables.

ISBN: 978-1-84076-076-7.