Abstract
This first-edition text is intended for veterinary students and provides an easy-to-read introduction to veterinary clinical pathology. The book contains a total of 12 chapters dedicated to general topics. The first 4 chapters focus on hematology (Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, Hematopoietic Neoplasia, and Hemostasis). There is a single chapter (Cytology) that covers both solid tissue cytology and fluid cytology. The final 7 chapters are devoted to clinical chemistry (Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance; Renal System; Hepatobiliary System; Digestive System; Endocrine System; Muscle; and Lipids and Proteins).
Because the book is written by a single author, the chapters have a consistent structure and style. Each chapter includes a brief review of basic physiology. This is followed by discussion of some of the most common mechanisms that cause disorders in that system as well as expected abnormalities in laboratory data. The discussions are clear, concise, and easy to follow. The author has the ability to explain complex topics, such as acid-base balance, in terms readily understood by students with limited experience. Because some chapters are minimally divided into subtopics, readers may sometimes find it difficult to locate information by glancing through the text. However, topics of interest can be readily found by consulting the index which appears to be complete. Although variable from chapter to chapter, the depth of discussion of pathophysiology is limited when compared to other available veterinary clinical pathology texts and readers may need to consult other references for additional information. Most chapters contain a section called “Nuggets” that is a bulleted list of the most important concepts from the chapter. Students will likely find this section useful. The text portion of each chapter concludes with a brief glossary of important terms that are then repeated in a complete glossary at the end of the text.
Except for the final 2 chapters (Muscle; Lipids and Proteins), each chapter concludes with a series of cases (total of 64 cases, ranging from 5 to 13 cases per chapter) that give readers the opportunity to apply their knowledge and develop skills in data interpretation. The cases cover a wide spectrum of disorders and are a valuable addition to the text. Most of the cases are straight forward, easy to understand, and clearly reinforce concepts presented in the preceding text portion of the chapter. The majority of cases are from dogs but cases from cats, horses, and cattle are also included. Complete laboratory data are included for each case and the discussion generally includes one or two likely mechanisms for the most significant abnormalities. At times the explanations are rudimentary and oversimplified; however, they provide a good starting point for students to gain experience with case interpretation. The data is provided in a format that mimics an actual laboratory report. There are often tests listed that do not have data provided and there are occasionally results included from laboratory tests that are not discussed in the text; however, these problems are minor. Because the cases are from actual animals, not all abnormalities can be explained and the author makes this clear in the case discussion. Results are presented in both SI units and in non-SI units commonly used in the United States.
The text is complemented by a variety of useful charts and diagrams that help to explain important concepts. The hematology, cytology and urinary system chapters contain black and white images that are of limited value. There is a color section (16 pages total) where some of these images are reproduced. The color images are of high quality and are a useful addition. Unfortunately, none of the images in the urinary system chapter are available in the color section.
The book concludes with 3 appendices. The first appendix is a collection of 5 additional practice cases. Although explanations are not provided, there is a final diagnosis for each case that allows readers to test their diagnostic skills. The second appendix is a listing of laboratory tests and disorders that can cause test results to be increased or decreased. This information is a useful resource that may be missed because of it's placement at the end of the book. Incorporation of the information into tables in the relevant chapters would have better supplemented the text. The third appendix is a listing of the final diagnosis for the cases in each chapter. This makes it easy for the reader to locate cases of interest.
The references are included at the end of the book rather than after each chapter. References are limited and primarily consist of textbooks on clinical pathology, medicine or physiology. The author acknowledges in the preface that “the book is not intended to be a review of the current literature.”
In summary, the author has accomplished the goal to provide a “reader-friendly text” that provides a “clear, concise presentation of basic mechanisms without overwhelming the student.” Although the book lacks the depth or breadth of information found in some of the other available veterinary clinical pathology texts, the case-based approach makes it a useful introductory resource for veterinary students.