Reviews

Here are two comprehensive reference works for the horse owner, both written by British authors using British spelling. The Pavords, an equine veterinarian and an equestrian writer, respectively, divide their book into four sections. Part 1 explains equine anatomy, discusses routine preventive care and first aid, and enumerates symptoms warranting professional veterinary attention. The text is copiously illustrated with full-color photographs and drawings. Part 2 consists of lists of diseases in tabular format, arranged by system and describing symptoms, cause, and treatment. Part 3 is a recapitulation of these diseases in dictionary arrangement. The final section consists of appendixes explaining U.K. protocols for the treatment of strangles (distemper), the control of venereal diseases during breeding, and artificial insemination. The latter information seems of marginal interest to the U.S. amateur horse owner. Rossdale, an equine veterinarian, and Wreford, a former reporter for the Sporting Life, have updated their comprehensive yet succinct dictionary, first published in 1974 and previously revised in 1989, to reflect changes effected by emerging technology and new medical discoveries. Definitions for diseases include symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment and, in some instances, are accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. Charts of muscles and arteries, lists of drug manufacturers in Great Britain and North America, and a table of proprietary drug names complete the book. Public libraries serving patrons who ride or own horses may have to choose between the attractive and informative, if pricey, Pavord book and the relatively inexpensive yet comprehensive Rossdale/Wreford book. Academic or special libraries serving veterinarian or vet technician students will want to own both.ÄFlorence Scarinci, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City, NY