Clinical Radiology of the Horse, Second Edition (2000); by Janet A. B utler, Christopher M. Colles, Sue J. Dyson, Svend E. Kold and Paul W. Poulos; Published by Blackwell Science and also available from Iowa State University Press; 8 1/2 x 10 3/4, illus., hardcover; 624 pages; US$214.95.

This book provides a comprehensive guide both to the techniques used to obtain radiographs of the horse, and to radiographic interpretation. The second edition has been significantly enlarged to include new information and many additional illustrations. With over 480 superb annotated radiographs and more than 100 interpretive line diagrams, it combines the best features of a high quality atlas with those of a detailed textbook.

It presents the normal radiographic anatomy oftheimmature and mature horse, with normal variations, incidental findings and details of significant abnormalities. Also included are remarks on clinical prognosis and treatment. The text has been updated to include new information, knowledge gained from continuing clinical experience, and the most relevant refer- ences from recent literature. The emphasis throughout is on practical tips, common

pitfalls, and the techniques to obtain the best radiographs for the evaluation of specific areas and conditions.

Since there have been advances ha other complementary imaging techniques since the first edition, brief references have been made to these techniques, where possible. However, the focus continues, as in the first edition, to be on radiography and radiology.

The normal radiographic anatomy of the immature and mature horse is presented, with normal variations and incidental findings. Full details of radiographic techniques are provided. WJ

Manual of Equine Practice, Second Edition (2000); by Reuben J. Rose and David R. Hodgson; published by W.B. Saunders; 7 1/4 x 10, softbound; 818 pages; US$85.

The first edition of this book had its genesis in a small handbook written in 1983 by Reuben Rose and published by the University of Sydney Postgraduate Foundation in Veterinary Science as a Vade Mecum on Horses. This book, which sold more than 3,000 copies, provided the impetus for the Manual of Equine Practice and showed the need for a simple and informative book focused on the needs of students and practitioners.

The first editionhas been well received by veterinarians and students around the world, according to the authors. "We have had extensive positive feedback about the book and its value to the veterinary student and large animal practitioner," they report. "Our aim in the first edition was to provide easily readable and accessible material for the veterinary student and equine practitioner. We became aware in our interactions with readers of the first edition that there were improvements that could be made and expansion of some of the material. We have retained the format of the first edition but have invited a variety of veterinarians from around the world with expertise in specific areas to update

chapters and include new material. We believe that this has strengthened the text, which still retains its focus on diagnosis as a prelude to treatment. Within each body system chapter, we have subdivided the material into important clinical areas, and individual conditions are listed alphabetically in a standard format of: history and wesenting signs, clinical findings and diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment. A modest number of key references have been included in each section, which should be available to most practitioners. We have retained the format that relates any drug treatment to a reference section in the back of the book, providing details of the forms of the drag available, the trade name, and dose rates."

The authors have successfully maintained a consistent format and style throughout the book, despite dealing with multiple authors. This certainly helps to maintain the original look, feel and practitioner usefulness as the first edition, while incorporating important new detailed material. As a result, it can still be rightly called a handbook even though it rivals most of the extensive texts devoted to equine veterinary medicine and surgery. WJ

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