August 2016
Parasitology in Veterinary Medicine
Peter Deplazes, Johannes Eckert, Alexander Mathis, Georg con Samson-Himmelstjerna and Horst Zahner.
656 pages, paperback, $99.00
Wagenigen Academic Publishers. 2016-08-15
ISBN 978 90 8686 274 0
“Parasitology in Veterinary Medicine” is certainly a book that would be suited to any vets bookshelf as it manages to compile core and specialist parasitology knowledge in a way that would suit different roles within the profession. From students to clinicians to diplomats in the subject this book is written in plain English with an accessible colourful layout for the reader to read to their desired level of knowledge.
To introduce parasitology from a student perspective the book is laid out by phylum, class and order parasitology to aid learning characteristics of groups of parasites. Conveniently there is an additional index for parasites by host species.
Although not as encyclopaedic as other textbooks the important, common and less common parasite species are covered in the usual domestic host species. The text is written from an international perspective aiding the textbook to be use across the globe. The text is split up in convenient heading for each parasite and includes keywords in bold to assist finding information quickly. The life cycle diagrams are superb being presented for every parasite and are great revision aids.
For the clinician there are ubiquitous photographs of clinical cases to support the text along with pathological specimens where applicable. The later sections of this textbook assist diagnosis and treatment of parasites. A diagnostic test section includes step-by-step methodology and equipment lists for simple parasitological techniques such as McMaster and Boray techniques. All supported by diagrams of the techniques and for diagnosis detailed diagrams for parasite identification. There are two detailed sections dedicated treatment and control of parasites. Emphasis on sustainable control is commendable in this textbook. Anthelmintic reference tables are grouped by common generic combinations. Additional useful information is included for the clinician such as parasite stage targeted and degree of efficacy.
Additional sections of the book cover more scientific areas of parasitology that will be equally of interest particularly to diplomats and specialists in parasitology. Such as genetics and immunology of parasites. References are included at the end of each section or parasite to aid additional reading and the detailed glossary explains specialist terms clearly.
Although this book requires a more resilient cover its is light-weight and will be an asset to any veterinary school, practice or personal library.
Rob Kelly