BOOK REVIEW

Managing the clinical approach in neurological presentations

Paolo Pazzi

Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort campus, South Africa

Correspondence to

Book Title: Small animal neurological emergencies (1st edition)
Editors: Simon Platt Laurent Garosi
ISBN: 978 1 84076 152 8
Publisher: Manson Publishing Ltd, London; 2012, $199.99^*

Undertaking an investigation of a neurological case is often a daunting prospect for many veterinarians because of the complexity or vague nature of clinical signs, as well as the expense or practical difficulty in reaching a final diagnosis. This user-friendly text presents an all-encompassing overview to neurological emergencies and non-emergency cases.

Various specialists from all corners of the globe (Europe, USA and Australia) provide a logical stepwise clinical approach to the neurological patient and this is reflected in the layout of the book. The first part begins with assessment of the patient (including the neurological examination), continues with cardiovascular support, diagnostic imaging, amongst other sections, and ends with cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Part two discusses, in detail, the various syndromes that may be found during the neurological examination. Importantly, these syndromes do not only apply to emergencies, but are also common presentations in non-emergency neurological patients. The syndrome approach is described with clear text and diagnosis is made easier with easy to follow algorithms. Part three delves into specific emergencies and includes sections on head trauma, acute disc disease, myasthenia gravis and tetanus and botulism, amongst others. Finally, part four describes important management aspects of the emergency neurological patient, including anaesthesia, analgesia, fluid therapy and physical rehabilitation.

The practicality of the book comes across in its focus on relevant aspects of the presentation, diagnosis, management and prognosis of almost all neurological presentations. To assist with this, almost every page features colour photographs, summary tables or MRIs of case studies, as well as diagnostic algorithms or technique procedures. Taking all of this into account, this book would most certainly appeal to, and be an asset for, the general practitioner who sees the occasional neurological case, as well as for the resident or specialist in the referral setting.

Correspondence to:
Private Bag X04
Onderstepoort 0110
South Africa
paolo.pazzi@up.ac.za

* Book price at time of review