This book is the first reference created by small animal internal medicine specialists for veterinary technicians who will be working in the field of small animal medicine; it does a very admirable job.
The book begins by providing a helpful overview of referral consultation, charting, and examination processes. For technicians who have been exposed only to a general medicine environment, this short but worthwhile section will help to better comprehend the differences between the two types of practices as pertains to the care and expectations of the client and patient.
Dealing with all body systems as well as infectious diseases, vaccines and immunology, pain management and nursing, the sections within each of the 14 color-tabbed chapters are very thorough in their content. Each condition is thoroughly explained in an organized fashion encompassing clinical signs, diagnostic testing, treatment, anesthetic and analgesic considerations, prognoses and client education. The information flows in a well thought out and presented manner that makes this a reading and reference treasure.
Diagrams, tables, and charts are clear and large enough to be easily read. Color photographs are numerous and show ample detail, i.e., pre and post-operative rhinoplasty to correct stenotic nares photographs exemplify the “a picture is worth a thousand words” maxim. The many laboratory images are presented in an enlarged color format which facilitates understanding of the material. A large section on abbreviations allows the reader to navigate the many new and unfamiliar terms.
A companion website contains all of the tables and images from the book in a PowerPoint format which can be downloaded for educational use. The three cardiac echo videos are provided with accompanying description. The website also contains quizzes and answers for each chapter to aid those using the book as a study guide.
In future editions, a glossary at the end of each chapter would facilitate researching new or unfamiliar terms — the neurology section has the only glossary in this edition.
Small Animal Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses is an excellent resource for practicing technicians and students. It provides a comprehensive education and understanding of the various diseases and conditions encountered, and skills needed in an internal medicine environment. It is a worthy addition to the practice bookshelf and will become a regularly consulted volume for the staff.