This text is a concise compilation of the knowledge from over 60 contributors on the topic of toxicology in small animals, with individual chapters devoted to the management of reptiles, pocket pets, and birds. The accessibility of the information is, from a clinical perspective, admirable. Right inside the front cover is an extensive listing of toxins organized by presenting problem (CNS depression or excitement, cardiac issues, renal problems, etc.), with frequent translation aids for those not well versed in Latin (e.g., Bufo = toad).
The first of four sections contains chapters on general principle in toxicology, including handy formulas for assessing the probability for poisoning in acute and chronic exposures, recommendations for sample collection for toxin analysis, and guide for the management of a clinical case from initial phone call through to discharge. The overview of nursing care of the hospitalized patient is thorough, and applicable to almost any situation, toxicological or otherwise.
Section 2 chapters address specific and possibly complicating physical conditions including pregnancy, lactation, pediatrics and geriatrics, as well as the aforementioned exotic animal discussions. Section 2 has a tutorial on indoor environmental quality and its role in animal toxicology and a short chapter on assisting in widespread disasters which round out this section.
Section 3 provides an overview of general toxin groups — adverse drug reactions, issues associated with common household products, accidental or intentional ingestion of prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal and naturopathic medicines, “recreational” drugs, plants, pesticides, and smoke inhalation.
Finally, Section 4 elaborates on specific toxins, which are arranged in alphabetical order from chapter to chapter. Each chapter begins with a highlighted and succinct summary of the the drug intoxication (toxic doses, clinical signs, treatment), while the body of the chapter elaborates on sources, toxicokinetics, diagnostics, treatments, prognosis, and postmortem findings, as well as possible rule-outs.
A few pages of color plates, some useful, most not, fill out the center of the book.
The preface states the intent to provide useful information for both the practicing clinician and the student of veterinary toxicology, and appears to fulfill that objective very well. This book has a place in the bookshelf of any small animal clinic.