Abstract
Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits (4th ed.) is one of a handful of critical texts for pathology resident education and serves as a valuable reference for those working in biomedical and toxicological pathology. In the fourth edition, the most notable improvement is transition from black and white to color photographs and photomicrographs (accessible and downloadable at www.wiley.com/go/Barthold/Pathology). The importance of these images as reference tools cannot be understated as many captured conditions occur rarely within today’s specific pathogen-free laboratory animal facilities.
The book (384 pages) is organized by species (mouse, rat, hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, and rabbit) and further by condition. Abbreviated normal biology is followed by viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, age-related, and neoplastic disorders of each species. The bibliographies for each section serve as a valuable reference, organized by both organism and species. The mouse and rabbit sections stand alone, with remaining rodents described in comparison with the mouse and each other.
This text seamlessly bridges the fields of pathology and laboratory animal medicine. The expansion of the rabbit section in the fourth edition further bridges the usefulness of the text between the pathologist and clinician supporting the animal model. In the 23 years since its initial publication, Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits has continued to follow the evolution of the field(s), transitioning from a focus on infectious pathogens of conventional rodents to the intricacies of “pseudo”-pathogens in genetically modified animals with unknown immune competency.
For those wondering if an “upgrade” to their well-loved first, second, or third edition is worth the cost, I would recommend the fourth edition without reservation. It goes without saying that Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits is required reading for anyone sitting for American College of Veterinary Pathologists or American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine boards. Historically known as “Percy and Barthold” to fledgling residents, the fourth edition has adopted a new author (Stephen M. Griffey) upon the retirement of Dean H. Percy. It is comforting to know that this text will continue to endure past many of the “greats” through the leadership of the next generation.