Abstract
iCatCare
Excellence Rewarded in Three Ways
At the International Cat Care (iCatCare) 2013 awards ceremony in London on September 6, the charity, which is the parent body of ISFM, recognised contributions made by individuals and companies in improving the lives of cats in three award categories.
For more information on these awards go to www.icatcare.org.
Award
Feline Research Award Announced
William Murphy, Associate Professor of Genetics at the Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, USA, is the recipient of this year’s Excellence in Feline Research Award presented by the Winn Feline Foundation and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. The award recognises Dr Murphy’s contributions to feline genomics, addressing feline species phylogeny and developing comparative maps by radiation hybrid analysis.
The award was presented by Winn Past-President, Susan Little, in August at the Merial-NIH Veterinary Scholars Symposium, held at Michigan State University. As well as a cash prize of US$2500, the award includes a crystal cat statue, the ‘Winnie’.
Books
Bite-sized reviews
Joe Bartges and David Polzin (eds). Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2011. Hardback, 904 pages. Price £102.00. ISBN 978081381717
Positives
This book provides an exhaustive compilation of information on renal physiology, and diagnostic testing and therapeutic techniques for renal and urological disorders. It is useful for veterinary clinicians who have a particular interest in veterinary nephrology and urology or are working or studying at a specialist level. It also covers other important topics such as the pathophysiology of certain renal and urological diseases, fluid, electrolyte and acid–base disorders and hypertension. The book includes a chapter on urinary disorders of avian and exotic companion animals, which some may find helpful. There are a lot of very useful and detailed images, which are of good quality. The book also aims to provide and successfully achieves an evidence-based approach.
Negatives
From this UK reviewer’s perspective, some of the chapters, such as those on haemodialysis, renal scintigraphy and lithotripsy, are not relevant. As this is an American textbook, the units are not standard international and some of the drugs that are discussed are not available in the UK.
Target audience
Veterinary clinicians with a particular interest in veterinary nephrology and urology and those working at a more specialist level.
Comment
This is a very comprehensive textbook that would be of use to all those interested in veterinary nephrology and urology. However, it is more suited towards those working at an advanced level.
Ratings
(out of five cats)
Feline-specific content
Practice resource
Value for money
Overall reviewer rating
Natalie Finch
BVSc PhD MRCVS
iCatCare Senior Clinical Training
Scholar in Feline Medicine
4th ed. Theresa Welch Fossum (ed). Mosby, Elsevier, St Louis, 2012. Hardback, 1640 pages. Price £124.00. ISBN 9780323100793
Positives
This is a very well illustrated textbook with most images in colour in a very user- friendly format. The new edition has new and updated chapters with more information on newer and more advanced techniques including minimally invasive procedures and advanced imaging. It also provides access to a website enabling updates on chapters, access to video demonstrations and case studies.
Negatives
The information provided is not as detailed as some surgical textbooks but does convey the key details. The additional data accessed via the website appears quite limited, with only a few case studies and videos currently available.
Target audience
Practitioners and veterinary students.
Comment
Although advanced procedures are not routinely performed in first opinion practice, it is good that they have been included to broaden the reader’s knowledge and it enables more discussion with clients prior to potential referrals.
Ratings
(out of five cats)
Feline-specific content
Practice resource
Value for money
Overall reviewer rating
Katie Hamilton
BVSc MACVSc(SAS)MRCVS