BOOK REVIEW

Review of the newly released book entitled 'Equine Pediatric Medicine'

Luis M. Rubio-Martínez

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

Correspondence to

Book Title: Equine Pediatric Medicine
Editors: William Bernard Bonnie S. Barr
ISBN: 9781840760811
Publisher: Manson Publishing Ltd; 2012, £99.50^*

The first edition of the book Equine Pediatric Medicine, by W. Bernard and B.S. Barr, has just been released. Its aim is to provide a practically oriented compilation of the common disorders affecting equine neonates. The contributors to the book have extensive clinical experience and are well-renowned specialists in their respective fields.

This comprehensive 352-page book provides an up-to-date review of equine paediatric medicine and surgery, and comprises 17 chapters organised according to body systems. The first chapter details the physical examination of the foal. The second chapter reviews cardiovascular shock, resuscitation and fluid and electrolyte therapy. This is followed by the different organs or body systems in a chapter-by-chapter approach. Each of these chapters includes a short introduction before a description of each of the most common disorders affecting the specific body system. The description of each disorder consists of a concise review including the following sections: a list of key points, a definition or overview, aetiology and pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and diagnosis and management. The last chapter (pharmacology) reviews the drugs most commonly prescribed to foals, and highlights the differences in dosage and effects in foals versus adult horses. It also provides a succinct review of the drug's mechanism of action, uses and indications, dosages and adverse effects.

The book is printed on heavy, glossy paper with a hard cover. It is splendidly illustrated with 600 high quality clinical photographs, diagnostic images, diagrams and tables. Although the book is slightly larger than a conventional manual, its limited size (page size: 261 mm x 194 mm) makes it easy to carry and consult.

This book is not a comprehensive in-depth text intended for the specialist in equine neonatology. It is, however, intended as a valuable reference for the equine clinician, veterinary students and nurses, and will undoubtedly prove its value. It will guide them during their examination of patients, their diagnostic process and their elaboration of the therapeutic plan.

Correspondence to
Luis M. Rubio-Martínez
Private Bag X04
Onderstepoort 0110
South Africa
luis.rubiomartinez@up.ac.za

* Book price at time of review