Abstract
Latimer, K. S., Mahaffey, E. A., and Prasse, K. W. (eds.). Duncan & Prasse's Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology, 4th ed. 473 pp. Iowa State Press, Ames, IA, 2003. $49.99. ISBN 0-8138-2070-7.
The long-awaited fourth edition of this book continues as a succinct outline format of the discipline of veterinary clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and cytology). In addition to in-depth information on the major domestic mammalian species, particularly bovine, canine, equine, and feline, many chapters have been expanded to include the avian species as well. The number of contributing authors has increased from four to 18, but this has not had an adverse effect on the writing style, which still is consistent and easily understood. This edition has expanded by about 150 pages, some of which is due to new material, but much of it is caused by a welcome change to a larger font size.
This clinical pathology text should continue to be a favorite of veterinary students and practitioners and to faculty, graduate students, and residents (particularly those in medicine, clinical pathology, and anatomic pathology). It is up-to-date and relatively comprehensive; yet, it generally lacks excess detail for veterinary students and practitioners. However, it still contains enough to be a useful resource for graduate students and academicians as well. Information is easily found in the user-friendly Table of Contents and Index, and adequate references are found at the end of each chapter for readers to pursue topics in greater depth.
In addition to including new information, the book includes many new illustrations, most of which are useful diagrams in the chapters on the liver and the endocrine system. Also, another eight cases have been added to the Case Studies section at the end.
The strengths of this book are its breadth, its currency, and its succinct outline style. However, some may consider the last a weakness. It will continue to be a highly useful book to many, including those that teach this subject (including myself).