A veterinary guide for dog owners...

By Andrew Gardiner BVM&S, Cert SAS, MRCVS
Reviewed by Nicola Williams

Description: A 'vet's eye' view of first aid emergencies and all the common health problems and diseases of the dog. It gives a level of detailed information and guidance that is missing from many popular dog books, yet explains the often-complex nature of canine diseases in a clear, jargon-free way. Each body system is considered separately.

Contents include:-

  • Preface
  • Using this book
  • Introduction
  • Major infectious diseases and vaccination
  • The mouth and nose
  • The eye
  • The ear
  • The skin
  • The digestive system
  • The heart and respiratory system
  • The kidneys and urinary system
  • Bones, joints and muscles
  • The nervous system
  • Male reproductive system
  • Female reproductive system
  • Hormonal diseases
  • Diseases of the blood system
  • Breed and whelping
  • Dog behaviour and behaviour problems
  • Euthanasia
  • Practical first aid and homeopathy
  • Index

Best Features:  I found this book excellent.  It explains things in a clear and concise way. What I did like was the way each disease was explained and what steps your vet might take in making a diagnosis.

The 'outlook' section of each disease is very helpful. A lot of books explain about the disease and treatment but leave out the outlook, and this aspect can be very important to the dog owner.

Other things I liked were

  • Good illustrations and more than 140 clinical photographs and diagrams
  • Each disease is explained in a very clear way from the cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and outlook
  • Each first aid point is clearly marked
  • Clear index and contents of each chapter
  • Basic but good Homoeopathic section
  • Very thorough in every chapter and laid out in an easy to read format
  • Each body systems structure and function is explained which helps in understanding when things 'go wrong'

Design & Format: Text is laid out well. There are a lot of excellent photographs and illustrations that break the text up and make it easy to read. The First Aid points are clearly marked for easy reference.

Worst Features: The title could put people off as it is much more than just a first aid manual.

Overall Rating:  I would give this book 10/10. It is very thorough but still easy to read and understand. It has a good index so you can find exactly what you want. It also answers the questions that people are often frightened to ask their vet.

Price: £27.50

Value for Money: Excellent value for money. It is a must for all dog owners.

Available from good bookshops or direct from the publishers.

Combined Book Services
Units l/k, Paddock Wood Distribution Centre, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 6UU
Tel: 01892 837 171 Fax: 01892 837 272
e-mail: orders@combook.co.uk
http://www.halebooks.com

About the Author
Andrew Gardiner BVM&S Cert SAS MRCVS qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, and has since worked in private practice and for animal welfare charities, specialising in the treatment of dogs and cats. His main interests are in surgery, complementary medicine and the human-companion animal bond.

 

About The Reviewer
Nicola (Nikki) Williams is a qualified veterinary nurse and has worked in veterinary practice for 15 years. She has worked in both a charity organisation and private practice. Recently she has just stared her own business - walking dogs. She also runs her own agility training club called Walkabouts.

Her agility career started 13 years ago with a little lurcher called Weber. She caught the agility bug. Her most successful dog so far is a Miniature Poodle called Ozzie.'

They have qualified for all the major finals in Britain and have qualified to represent the UK in the World Championships for the second year running. Her new dog is a JRT called Spud. His agility career has just started so they will have to wait and see.

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