Infectious Diseases of the Horse

A clinician and a pathologist have collaborated to produce this thorough and balanced account of infectious diseases affecting horses. The book evaluates the latest diagnostic aids, including rapid developments in molecular biology, while emphasising that they are no substitute for clinical observation and skills.
The majority of equine infectious diseases caused by microbes and parasites are covered - bacterial, viral, protozoan, fungal, ectoparasitic and helminthic. A section on differential diagnosis is then provided to support clinical decision-making, followed by a review of current thinking on the zoonotic aspects of equine infectious diseases, and a guide to clinical pathology to underline its diagnostic importance.
This is an excellent review of infectious diseases in horses which occur worldwide. The authors work in the Netherlands but in no way is the text focused on Europe. They must be congratulated on their command of
English. The colour plates are stunning and really add to the text. Diagnosis, pathology, management and
treatment are all comprehensively covered. There is a section for each diseaseon its public health significance. This
is enhanced by the worthwhile appendix on potential zoonoses. The diseases are described in a standard format under: bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, ectoparasites and helminths. The chapters are very easy to follow so that this makes an ideal reference book for veterinary practitioners as well as veterinary students. Like all hard-back books it appears expensive and for cashstrapped students a cheaper paperback edition would be helpful. It is a
must for all equine practice libraries and it is extremely well referenced so it will be well used in veterinary college
libraries. I love books, particularly veterinary books, and this certainly is a lovely book. I strongly recommend its
purchase. The colour plates would not be as easily appreciated on a computer. Busy practitioners need the book in
their hands to study quickly. It would be an excellent birthday or Christmas present for a veterinary student.
I do hope the authors will regularly update this book with further editions as knowledge is being generated so
rapidly but at 69 I think this marvellous edition will see me out. – Graham Duncanson
Readership: All veterinary practitioners, scientists, students, technicians and nurses working with horses.