The third edition of this best selling dictionary has been expanded and updated to include new definitions reflecting changes within the veterinary nursing profession, additional illustrations as well as revised appendices. Intended specifically for members of the veterinary nursing profession, all aspects of the curriculum are covered making this a comprehensive quick reference source for nurses working in a busy practice.
New to this edition
• Fully updated throughout retaining the focus of defining terms relative to veterinary nursing
• Inclusion of 2nd colour to enhance user-friendliness and navigability
• Inclusion of new terms in: equine, animal behaviour, alternative medicine and expand the terms on exotics
• Inclusion of colour plates showing blood cells
• Inclusion of new drug names and listing useful websites in the appendices for the most-up-to-date information on this
Key Features
- Provides detailed explanations for nearly 4000 definitions, ensuring that all aspects of the curriculum are covered
- Useful line diagrams aid learning and understanding
- Focuses on terms relevant to companion and pet animals – including exotics, terms from the equine field, animal behaviour, etc
- Appendices provide a quick reference source for frequently needed data
Author Information
By Denis Richard Lane, MSc, BSc (Vet Sci), FRCVS, FRAgS, BSc (Hons) AAB&T, Former Senior Examiner in Veterinary Nursing; Sue Guthrie, PhD, BA, BVetMed, MRCVS, MBA (Open), Former Chief Examiner RCVS Veterinary Nursing Scheme and Sian Griffith, MSc, DMS, VN, Operations Director of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK
Dictionary
Appendices:
Temperature, pulse and respiratory rates for various species
Biochemistry parameters for dogs and cats
Normal parameters for urine for dogs and cats
Haematology parameters for dogs and cats
Zoonotic diseases
Biological data of smaller pets
Information on caring for smaller animals
Obstetrical information for different species
Mathematical formulae for use in veterinary nursing
Converting body weight in kilograms and pounds into body surface area in metres squared
Infectious disease of dogs and cats
Current vaccination schedules for dogs and cats
Average weights for common breeds of dog
Anaesthetic factors for dogs and cats
Gas cylinder colour coding (UK only)
Dog breeds and coat colours
Cat breeds and coat colours
Veterinary qualifications: interpretations of letters after names
Useful addresses
Despite using the word "dictionary" in the title, this book is a lot more. As well as a definition, additional facts are provided that are useful for an immediate clinical situation, or an at-home study perspective. Dozens of well drawn illustrations are included, which aid the understanding of the relevant explanation as well as breaking down the monotonous nature of normal dictionaries.
The book has been designed with day-to-day usage by veterinary nurses in mind. The cover is made from a hard-wearing, washable, flexible plastic and the size is A5, which will fit into a standard nurse uniform pocket.
It really is a little powerhouse of a book, full of practical and comprehensive information. It specifically suits veterinary nurses, whether qualified or still training, but would also be useful for receptionists and veterinary students.
Overall, this dictionary gets a "4-star" rating from me and should be part of any veterinary nurse’s arsenal of learning tools.
The Veterinary Record, June 2008
The third edition of The Veterinary Nursing, contains a broader range of terms and species than previous editions. This work is intended for those “in veterinary nursing and associated animal health professions…whether in training or in working practice as well as for those working alongside these professions. The Dictionary of Veterinary Nursing will be a useful and practical reference tool for those seeking a simple, compact and reasonably priced introduction to the field.
Reference Reviews, January 2009