VETERINARSKI ARHIV 69 (5), 278, 1999

ISSN 1331-8055 Published in Croatia

BOOK REVIEW

SCHEBITZ, HORST, WILHELM BRASS (Eds.): Operations on dogs and cats. 2^nd revised edition (German language). Original title: Schebitz, Horst, Wilhelm Brass (Hrsg.): Operationen an Hund and Katze. 2., neubearbeitete Auflage. Parey Buchverlag. Berlin, 1999. 469 pages, 28×21 cm. Hard plastified cover. ISBN 3-8263-3032-3. Prices: DEM 248.-/ ATS 1810.-/ CHF 228.50

This lavishly produced book is printed on 469 large format pages, illustrated with 771 photographs, drawings and schematic presentations, eight of which are in colour, 66 tables, and is a hard cover edition of modern visual design.

In addition to material by the two authors the book contains contributions by 17 experts from various branches of veterinary medicine from Europe and Africa.

The book comprises two parts - the first dealing with general problems and the second with specific problems. The contents table at the beginning of the book is well laid out, while at the end of the book there is a subject index.

The part dealing with general problems covers 128 pages consisting of 8 chapters: Surgical equipment, Preoperative processing/Needle biopsy, Endoscopy, Minimal invasive surgery, Bandages, Wound reconstruction, Osteosynthesis, and Anaesthesia.

Pages 131 to 453 of the book deal with specific problems, divided into 7 sections which are themselves divided into areas as follows: Head operations, Neck, Rib cage, Abdominal and pelvic cavity, Shoulder region and fore limbs, Pelvis and hind limbs, Arthroscopy and Minimal invasive surgery.

In its general part the book provides detailed information in the fundamental sphere of surgery, devoting essential attention to different methods and approaches to the treatment of surgical pathology of dogs and cats, and also provides comprehensive information based on the latest scientific and professional advances.

The part dealing with specific problems, which covers individual organs and organic systems, presents the reader with detailed information regarding the most appropriate approaches to surgical treatment. It also provides information on indications, instructions as to the required instruments, on how to prepare patients, how to proceed with patients, recommends which materials to use, describes reconstruction methods and, finally, which treatments should be applied after an operation, until complete recovery. One is also presented with possible complications and how to prevent them and, should they occur, how to deal with them.

Each chapter ends with a bibliography revealing the meticulous approach to its selection, where emphasis has been placed on the topical quality of chosen volumes, and consequently no citation can be faulted.

And last, but not least, all those who co-operated in the formulation of this book are experts and renowned scientists in their fields, both in their scientific writings and in practice. In the second, revised part of the book they demonstrate to what extent accepted doctrines are undergoing change in certain segments of the profession.

The content of this book and method of presentation, combined with a clinical awareness of the latest scientific achievements, lead us to conclude that the quality of this book places it on a level with the finest titles of the field anywhere in the world.

This book undoubtedly represents extremely valuable professional literature, not only for students of veterinary medicine but also for veterinary practitioners who wish to apply the most advanced methods of veterinary science in their practice.

I am particularly pleased to able to say that the simple and clear presentation, together with excellent illustrative material, has greatly contributed to the fact that this work can be warmly recommended, and indeed, its use strongly encouraged.

Antun Brkic