Abstract
Now in its 4th edition, the Handbook of Veterinary Anesthesia is a unique and information-packed resource for those interested in veterinary anesthesia. The four authors have compiled a tremendous amount of information concerning the technical aspects of providing anesthesia and analgesia for the commonly encountered species. Intended as a compact study guide for students and a reference for practitioners, the book would be of interest to veterinary pathologists working in research, or those refreshing their clinical skills. The book is small in stature, and would fit in the pocket of a lab coat.
This handbook contains 30 chapters and 4 appendices, and touches on most areas relevant to anesthesia. The format is generally concise; with material in point form under various headings and sub-headings. In some chapters important facts or cautions from the text are repeated in a boxed area, for emphasis. Some clinical jargon is included in several chapters, with appropriate definitions. There are 138 illustrations, and they are clear and generally pertinent. The index is helpful. There are only a few references cited, not unusual for a handbook.
The content has been slightly re-organized and updated from the previous edition, photographs and tables added, and some figures improved. Cats were given their own chapter, increasing the count by one from the 3rd edition. There are two introductory chapters, 6 chapters cover specific drugs and toxicity, 4 describe local anesthetic techniques, 3 review anesthetic or monitoring equipment, 1 addresses acid-base balance, 1 covers pain and 1 presents acupuncture analgesia, 7 present anesthetic protocols for different species or procedures. The final 5 chapters outline fluid therapy, shock, various emergencies, and euthanasia. The appendices provide a short list of the manufacturers of various drugs and anesthetic-related equipment; some equations, conversion factors; arterial gas tensions at altitude; the different controlled substance schedules; and recommendations for management of research subjects.
Each chapter provides a reasonable overview of the titled topic, with much greater depth in some areas than others. The descriptions of local anesthetic techniques and anesthetic equipment are excellent. The algorithms, dosages, checklists, and tabulated ranges of normal values are a great resource.
The format of this book is that of a handbook, but the scope of content is almost that of a textbook. Inclusion of anesthetic and analgesic protocols for cesarean section in many species, but no other commonly encountered clinical problems, is one apparent limitation. Specific deficiencies are negligible, but include the fact that the procedures and techniques chapters tend to be repetitive, there are two photographs repeated in two places, the contents of two tables have no units, and some minor redundancies were found in the text.
This handbook has improved with each edition, and is a very useful addition to any library.