Abstract
Any pathologist who has looked down a microscope at an unfamiliar species and wondered, “Is this normal?” or “What organ could this be?” will empathize with many of the clinical veterinarians in this engaging collection of “most memorable moments” by many of my zoo and wildlife veterinary colleagues. The book is composed of 28 short stories divided into five topics introduced by co-editor Lucy Spelman: Close Connections, Technology Helps, Getting Physical, Puzzles and Mysteries, and Crossover. The stories are authored by veterinarians representing a diversity of careers in zoos, wildlife agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and private practice. The daily challenges faced by these zoo and wildlife veterinarians and their ingenuity in finding solutions, often in front of cameras, makes for great reading. From the challenges of administering large volumes of fluids to an elephant (an intra-rectal garden hose), treating bugs with bugs, deciphering a CT from an octopus with tissue contrast similar to Jell-O, to risking life, limb, or reputation when administering anesthesia to dangerous, sensitive, or high profile species, these stories will give most pathologists new insight into the zoo and wildlife veterinary world. What will be familiar to pathologists are the challenges of solving complex medical problems that include understanding the animal and its environment. One important underlying theme throughout the book is “One Medicine,” as these veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in a vast variety of species and reach out to their colleagues in the human medical and traditional veterinary community for expertise. These stories inspire a well deserved respect for these veterinary pioneers.
The book is written in lay language to reach a broader audience, so do not expect state-of-the-art knowledge in pathology or information to benefit your day to day activities. You still will not know what that organ is under the microscope. However, your evenings or flights to China will be transformed by this book, as will your children.