Abstract
The fifth edition of Schalm's Veterinary Hematology comes 14 years after the publication of the fourth edition and represents a marked change in format for this classic hematology text. The text, primarily directed at veterinary clinical pathologists, is also a useful resource for research scientists, pathologists, clinicians, and technicians. The fifth edition reflects the dilemma of editors in properly covering the vast information in veterinary hematology that has been gleaned over the last two decades. Whereas the fourth edition was largely written by one individual with contributions from three others, the fifth edition represents contributions from over 170 authors, most of who are experts in their respective fields. The fifth edition has a total of 190 chapters compared with the 36 chapters contained in the fourth edition. Greatly expanded areas include chapters on erythrocytes, hemostasis, and immunohematology, as well as the hematology of laboratory, zoo, and wild animals. In addition, there are 18 chapters dealing with inherited or genetic hematological disorders, an area not specifically covered in the fourth edition. The book is nicely illustrated with color and black and white photographs, drawings, tables, and algorithms that aid the reader in quickly acquiring and understanding the information being presented. The book design allows one to quickly access specific information; however, some readers may perceive the format, which includes many different chapters and authors covering specific areas, as discontinuous or inconsistent. Although overall the book is an excellent resource for questions regarding veterinary hematology, the material is not arranged in a manner conducive for use by veterinary students who are interested in learning basic principles of hematology.