Abstract
This 6th edition of this popular reference text provides in alphabetic generic name, order one-to-two page systematic monographs of veterinary legend, and nonveterinary pharmaceuticals. The revised two-color layout is easy to read and access key information. The current edition adds 70 new drug monographs, and overdose information on 50 drugs most associated with animal overdoses from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The appendix provides reviews of ophthalmic, topical, and otic products. Therapeutic diets for dogs and cats are also summarized. The last 50 pages provide oncology protocols, conversion tables, hematological normal values and reference ranges, and various phone numbers and websites. The handbook has two print editions (Desk Size: 8.5 × 11 inches; Pocket Edition: 5 × 8 inches), and two electronic editions (CD and a mobile/PDA version). Errata and updates are afforded via the website (http://www.vetdruginfo.com/errata5th.html).
Each monograph offers uses/indications/pharmacological actions, pharmacokinetics, contraindications/precautions/warnings, adverse effects, reproductive/nursing safety, overdose/acute toxicity, drug interactions, doses (usually stratified by species), monitoring, client information, chemistry/synonyms, storage/stability, dose form/regulatory status, which includes whether the drug has a veterinary label, and its trade name and manufacture as a human labeled product.
The relevancy of printed summary monographs can be questioned, as access to drug information using quick web searches has increased access at point of care and locations were veterinary professional and technicians review and plan. However the myriad of formats, limited veterinary perspective and lack of peer review often limits the utility of these electronic searches. Donald Plumb and the 8 contributors provide substantial value to the practitioner, researcher, technician, and student by offing the standardized format, and assuring that the text has application to companion, food, laboratory, or exotic animals with emphasis on interactions, legal (Racing Commission), and availability.
The “Prescriber Highlights,” a colored box abstract before each monograph, offers an ultra concise, bulleted list of 2 to 5 key issues about each drug, reviewing its use, contraindications, adverse effects, route, and cautions, and remains one of the high utility aspects of this handbook. One caution is to alert prospective users that it is not a literal handbook in either of its presentations (they are too large and bulky) but a key reference text to be placed in both a high traffic area of a clinic's treatment area and in the quieter office area, adjacent to the other key reference texts relevant to one's practice or research location.
Criticism of this 6th edition is few, as each edition offers more and provides added value over older versions. The handbook has high application to users in the United States and Canada as trade names, approvals, and the majority of milk discards and meat withdrawal periods listed are for these jurisdictions. This focus may be limiting to EU colleagues who will have a more difficult time reconciling these US names to their local brands especially for non–veterinary approved drugs. Lastly, at times, the references to the primary sources are detailed only for dosage by species, any more variable in the other listings, for example pharmacokinetics, or pharmacology.
Overall the handbook's 6th edition deserves a privileged easily accessible location in areas where clinical decisions are rendered or where cases and plans of actions are developed by all who provide either primary or consultative care. Veterinary pathologists will find the handbook useful as they review treatment history on clinical, surgical, and gross pathology reports, and participate in discussions with clinicians. The handbook's monographs provide concise, relevant review of each pharmacological entity and one is well served reviewing these summaries before amassing more details from the literature or Internet. The handbook clearly tries to meet the needs of many, a feature that usually results in meeting the needs of a few, except in this case. The clear, concise, accurate, and relevant drug information provided by the handbook provides foundation information to assure sound medical diagnostic and therapeutic care. Previous editions have been held in high esteem; this edition will maintain the tradition.