Small Animal Toxicology

This revised and expanded reference is a valuable aid for the practicing veterinary clinician in diagnosing and determining treatment for toxic exposures in small animals, and for veterinary students as a supplement to their classroom instruction. It contains chapters addressing nontraditional areas of toxicology not covered in conventional toxicology texts. It also covers areas of toxicology which seem basic but are rarely discussed, such as taking a toxicological history, establishing a minimum database, providing supportive care, and managing emergency treatment of the poisoned patient. The book is organized into three sections, including 20 new chapters and new topics such as grapes and raisins, lilies, "Christmas time" plants, mercury, and accidental poisoning in non-traditional pets.

This soft cover 12.5 x 21 cm clinical manual is a 1118-page compression of just about all the information needed for the understanding, diagnosis, emergency treatment and prevention of poisonings in companion animals. The 2nd edition updates and expands the earlier version that has been widely accepted as one of those references that small animal clinicians need to have available for rapid consultation.

Under the editorship of Patricia A. Talcott of the Washington State University and Michael E. Peterson of the Reid Veterinary Hospital, the manual brings together the wisdom of 65 expert authors and is organised into three main sections. The first is a stepwise approach to general toxicological principles and an overview of the management of poisoning in companion animals, including rarely discussed problems such as taking an accurate toxicological history, using poison control centres or providing supportive care. Secondly a section is de- voted to general toxicological exposures and discussions on some major complex topics. The final section consists of a total of 56 alphabetically ordered chapters dealing with specific poisons and drugs, from ‘acetaminophen' to ‘zinc phosphide', each containing detailed information on sources, toxicokinetics, mechanisms of action, toxicity ratings, clinical signs, histopathological lesions, diagnostic testing, treatment, prognosis and prevention. The summary boxes at the beginning of these specific chapters provide a quick overview and are therefore very useful.

This excellent book addresses several areas that differ from those covered by the usual veterinary toxicology texts, such as for example indoor environmental toxicants, hazardous herbal products, recreational drugs, toxicological disasters or toxicities in pregnant and lactating animals. The new edition also contains an interesting chapter dealing with poisoning in the captive reptile. Finally, this most comprehensive manual features a 72-page index that is intelligently prepared and cross-referenced to provide access to the desired information quickly and directly. Another useful index has been compiled according to the clinical symptoms elicited by toxic substances.

The manual's fundamental purpose of providing accurate and well documented information on the effects of poisons in small animals makes it an invaluable tool for practitioners, and students purchasing the book will have continuing value in its use as a reference throughout their practice years. If you haven't seen it, get a copy immediately!

Prof. Hanspeter Naegeli, DVM (CH)
FECAVA Vol. 16-2 October 2006