Abstract
Overall, this is a well-written, very readable, interesting text on congenital malformations in mammals. It is well organized, with an interesting first chapter on species differences in normal mammalian hearts that includes a nice table of heart mass/body weight. This chapter could perhaps have a few more references. Some statements are not cited, and it may be unclear if the statements are based on observations of the authors or on previously published works. Additional chapters are devoted to individual species, including but not limited to horses, cattle, dogs, and cats. Each of these chapters includes a brief summary of the literature followed by a list of individual case observations by the authors. In future editions, the authors should expand on the individual defects a bit more. The descriptions seem a bit short, especially for some of the more common and important defects. The list of authors' observations are of mixed value. In some cases, they are followed by a figure of the lesion, which is quite useful; in others, the simple statement that a lesion was observed in a particular species does not add much to the text. This information might be better off in a comparative table. There are two appendices, one describing methods of sample preparation and dissection that is particularly useful.
The authors do not state the intended audience, but the book could serve as a good reference for veterinary students, residents, specialists, and medical doctors needing a comparative pathology reference. Some individuals may find the list of citations slightly deficient because the authors have chosen to cite a review article or book chapter rather than all of the original references.
The book appears to be accurate, although the authors have chosen to include some lesions that are adult onset and inherited under the category of congenital. Some individuals may find inclusion of these lesions confusing especially because the authors are inconsistent with the use of this policy. For example, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an adult-onset inherited disease in the Maine Coon Cat is included, but dilated cardiomyopathy, an adult-onset inherited disease in the Doberman Pinscher is not.
Each chapter includes several photos, although even more would be nice. The photos are black and white and very well labeled but small, and sometimes it is difficult to see the fine points. Color images would be helpful. Figures, especially in the chapters on segmental analysis and comparative pathology, are well drawn, interesting, and clear.
In conclusion, this is a unique and interesting book that will be of great value to many individuals with an interest in cardiac pathology.