The 3rd edition of this book continues to achieve its intended goal: to provide a comprehensive and thorough source of veterinary technical and scientific words, terms, and phrases. The book is edited by 3 well-respected and experienced authors and has 18 contributors.
The introductory section “Notes on the Use of this Dictionary” describes the efficient and effective use of the book. The 2nd section, the core of the book, is the dictionary of veterinary technological and scientific terminology in which words and phrases are listed in alphabetical order. The approach used in this book is unique. Definitions are usually supplemented by relevant basic and clinical information. For example, if the name of a microorganism is searched, the reader will find information about taxonomy, similar species, and the related diseases in the different species. If a name of a disease or syndrome is searched, the reader will find a definition of the disease, the causative agent, and a synopsis of the clinical signs.
The book includes over 65 000 main and sub-entries on all aspects of veterinary medicine, science and technology, including academia, research and general practice. The entries cover internal medicine, theriogenology, surgery, anatomy, physiology, histology, pathology, genetics, toxicology, virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology and therapeutics, and several others. Terms and definitions are relevant to a wide range of animal species including large and small animals, as well as exotic species. There is also a wide range of terminology that suits readers with different backgrounds, starting from very basic terms and definitions such as “what is an erythrocyte” to terms such as “haemangioendothelioma.”
There are 4 main appendices titled Laboratory Services, Anatomy, Clinical, and a new addition, the Veterinary Professional Directory. The Laboratory Services appendix includes reference values for serum biochemical analysis, hematology, and conversion tables for units, weights and temperature, in addition to several others. The anatomy appendix lists the vascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal parts and their branches. The clinical appendix include tables about causes of mastitis, estrous cycles in animals, eruption of teeth in domestic animals, and animal diseases notifiable to the Office international des épizooties (OIE). The Veterinary Professional Directory lists veterinary schools and degrees from around the world, and veterinary and related organizations and programs with their electronic address.
The newest edition of this book is almost twice the size of the previous edition. It is printed on better quality paper, and has a clearer outline which is more reader friendly than the previous edition. The new edition has a larger font and stepped tags at each alphabetical section. Several hundred new entries and more than 400 full-color illustrations have been added. The latter is a fundamental change, since the previous edition did not have any illustrations.
This book is most useful for veterinary clinicians, students, technicians, and scholars. In addition, it is a valuable source of information for veterinary administrative and support staff. The concept behind this book is brilliant and each edition has been welcome as a valuable addition to veterinary literature.