This hardcover book is an excellent source of useful information for practicing veterinarians, veterinary students, and horse breeding managers. The book has 66 chapters and contributions by 61 authors, mostly from North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Authors are from academia, clinical practice, and industry. The book has a logical and practical organization and is divided into the following 8 sections: I, the normal female reproductive system; II, female reproductive problems: diagnosis and management; III, the normal male reproductive system; IV, male reproductive problems: diagnosis and management; V, semen collection and evaluation; VI, assisted reproductive techniques; VII, the pregnant mare: diagnosis and management; and VIII, the post-foaling mare. There are numerous black-and-white illustrations, and a few tables and references are listed at the end of each chapter. The index is extensive and detailed. The text covers general aspects of equine reproductive physiology as well as specific clinical problems including their therapeutic management. Because it is a multi-authored text, some topics are dealt with in more than one chapter. These duplications are a strength of the book because they broaden its scope. Examples of this are manipulation of ovulation, endometrial histology, and oocyte culture. Chemical restraint is another item that is discussed in more than one chapter, and the reader will benefit from the different recommendations and clinical experiences.
One of the editors used a unique approach in chapters he has co-authored with others. Large parts of original publications or Web sites have been included, marked by italicization and a slightly narrower column. These sections are clearly referenced and many are related to assisted reproductive techniques in humans and horses. This has allowed detailed information to be included that might otherwise have been difficult to incorporate in such a text. Although not necessarily relevant to the average clinician, the added information is useful from a comparative viewpoint. However, it requires more effort from the reader because he/she is presented with original detailed descriptions rather than bite-sized summarizing interpretations most readers are used to.
On a minor note, the scale is missing in some ultrasonograms, and in one table there is some confusion with respect to Celsius-Fahrenheit conversion.
In the preface, the editors reveal their intention to address recent changes that have occurred in dealing with equine reproductive problems and wonder whether they have met their objectives. In my opinion, they have achieved their goal.