Pathology & Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians

Doody Reviews

Reviewer: Kate F McGovern, BVetMed (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description: This is a book that might benefit from division into two separate publications - one on veterinary pathology and one on veterinary parasitology. The pathology section is less detailed and could have included a lot more specifics on particular diseases. The previous edition was published in 2005.
Purpose: It is targeted at students studying veterinary technology, animal production, and preveterinary science, but I'm not sure that it meets its objectives for animal production students.
Audience: Although intended for technicians and students, the book also could be a useful review for residents and practitioners.
Features: The book covers broad points about pathology, looking at large, generalized topics rather than at specific diseases. However, part two includes a reasonably detailed overview of ecto- and endoparasites of most mammalian species. The book is well organized, easy to read, and contains pertinent, concise information. Although color images are available on an accompanying CD, detailed appendixes at the end of the book contain information related to the images. It would have been better if the descriptions were on the CD with the pictures or, conversely, if everything was in the book. Many of the pictures on the CD appear in the book in black and white. It probably would have had more of an impact if the pictures in the book were in color - it would be helpful for readers using the book as a quick reference, which I believe it would be useful for.
Assessment: The parasitology section is a complete and informative reference guide. However, I wouldn't buy this book for the pathology section. It is interesting and well written, but doesn't offer a high level of detail. For example, Duncan & Prasse's Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology , 4th edition, Latimer et al. (Iowa State Press, 2003) , offers a lot more detail. That said, the pathology section may be a nice starting point for students and technicians. A new edition is justified; in particular, parasitology is an area in which it is important to have current, up-to-date information.

Reviewer: Kate F McGovern, BVetMed(University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description: This is a book that might benefit from division into two separate publications - one on veterinary pathology and one on veterinary parasitology. The pathology section is less detailed and could have included a lot more specifics on particular diseases. The previous edition was published in 2005.
Purpose: It is targeted at students studying veterinary technology, animal production, and preveterinary science, but I'm not sure that it meets its objectives for animal production students.
Audience: Although intended for technicians and students, the book also could be a useful review for residents and practitioners.
Features: The book covers broad points about pathology, looking at large, generalized topics rather than at specific diseases. However, part two includes a reasonably detailed overview of ecto- and endoparasites of most mammalian species. The book is well organized, easy to read, and contains pertinent, concise information. Although color images are available on an accompanying CD, detailed appendixes at the end of the book contain information related to the images. It would have been better if the descriptions were on the CD with the pictures or, conversely, if everything was in the book. Many of the pictures on the CD appear in the book in black and white. It probably would have had more of an impact if the pictures in the book were in color - it would be helpful for readers using the book as a quick reference, which I believe it would be useful for.
Assessment: The parasitology section is a complete and informative reference guide. However, I wouldn't buy this book for the pathology section. It is interesting and well written, but doesn't offer a high level of detail. For example, Duncan & Prasse's Veterinary Laboratory Medicine: Clinical Pathology, 4th edition, Latimer et al. (Iowa State Press, 2003), offers a lot more detail. That said, the pathology section may be a nice starting point for students and technicians. A new edition is justified; in particular, parasitology is an area in which it is important to have current, up-to-date information.