The latest edition of this handbook is currently available in softback form. The author's stated goal is for this to be the “single volume, veterinary drug reference that includes not only veterinary approved drugs but also those nonapproved (human) drugs that are used in veterinary practices today.” I believe that the author comes very close to his goal in this volume.
Proper generic names are used for the drugs and they are listed in alphabetical order. In total, 439 drug topics are discussed, and with few exceptions, these are individual drugs. The general format is for each drug to be handled as a monograph with chemistry; storage; pharmacology; pharmacokinetics; contraindications, precautions, and reproductive safety; adverse effects, warnings, or both; overdosage, acute toxicity, or both; drug interactions; laboratory considerations; doses for a range of species (usually the ones commonly receiving the drug); monitoring parameters; clinical information; and dosage forms being the common topics. An example of the range of species covered can be demonstrated by the monograph for yohimbine, the xylazine reversing agent — dogs; rabbits, rodents, and pocket pets; birds; cattle; horses; llamas; and deer.
An important feature at the start of the drug monographs is a brief “Prescriber Highlights” section. This gives the reader a quick review of “must know” information about the drug, common adverse reactions are usually mentioned in this section, as well as likely reasons for its use. Another useful feature is the list of common products and trade names that is included in the dosage forms section of each drug monograph.
While it is described as a handbook, it should definitely not be purchased with the idea that it can be used as a pocket book. Most would find it a too large to carry with them while working and, indeed, there are other therapeutics handbooks that will fit nicely into a laboratory coat pocket. However, I would expect it to be in a handy location for the practitioner to access, such as in treatment rooms, offices, or mobile units. Its size is my only reservation about this handbook in that it somewhat limits mobility and availability, however, this is offset by the amount of excellent information it contains. The tradeoff in volume size is to either reduce the font or reduce the amount of information presented. Indeed with the amount of material in this volume, the publisher has had to compromise somewhat on font in order to retain a reasonable size. I rate this book as definitely an excellent buy.