Abstract
The primary and three contributing authors are veterinary clinicians specializing in exotic species. Their book provides an overview of gross anatomical structure and physiology of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, with chapters on rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, and ferrets. The book addresses a basic level of anatomy and physiology to assist clinicians working with common exotic pets. The other intended target audiences are veterinary students and technicians. Chapters are divided into sections on taxonomy, metabolism, thermoregulation, external anatomy, and various anatomical systems. Text descriptions are supported by a plethora of figures, but the majority of figures consist of basic internal anatomical illustrations, various radiographs, or photographs of external or skeletal anatomy and taxonomy. Image quality is good. Photographs of gross lesions and photomicrographs are rare. Each chapter summarizes key points and clinical notes in boxes that allow the casual reader to skim each section for highlights. In keeping with the intended audience, most of the cited literature is textbook references but includes the major texts on biology, medicine, and disease. Pathology references are sparse. Monographs on Pathology of Laboratory Animals and Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits are included, but texts on reptile and avian pathology, such as Pathology of Pet and Aviary Birds, were omitted. The index is organized primarily by species rather than organ system, such that information on a topic like avian heart is listed under the major heading “bird anatomy/physiology,” subheading “cardiovascular system.”
None of the anatomical systems are described in much detail, so it would be difficult for the pathology trainee or novice pathologist to utilize this text as an anatomical guide to assist with gross necropsy. Information such as the widespread distribution of mammary tissue in the rat and, hence, the potential sites for mammary tumors might be useful for a pathologist with an interest in comparative anatomy. Sections on physiology might assist pathologists in drawing inferences on pathophysiology of disorders, such as the result of a high-fat diet leading to proliferation of GI pathogens and GI stasis in rabbits. Some examples may assist the novice pathologist in differentiating between normal anatomy and pathology. The section on amphibian integument noted that the compact inner dermal layer, stratum compactum, of anuran skin does not adhere tightly to the underlying connective tissue and can appear edematous as a result of normal water storage. The text may also be useful to researchers utilizing these species as research subjects. For example, one clinical note states that reptile erythrocytes are prone to lysis by EDTA and that lithium heparin is the preferred anticoagulant for hematology. In summary, the authors met their objectives of delivering valuable information to clinicians engaged in exotic animal practice, but there is limited utility for the veterinary pathologist.