June, 1954 ]
REVIEWS
133
indicated. Included in this edition are the further considerations of the use of
barbiturates in the horse, sheep and pig, together with references to new develop-
ments in the use of ethyl chloride and trichlorœthylene in the dog and cat and of
cyclopropane in the sheep. All the available information on the new general
anæsthetic—Anavenol—has been incorporated. A chapter on the transthoracic
œsophagotomy in dog has also been included. There are two appendices, 72 illustra-
tions and one index. The illustrations are profuse and well explanatory.
The author needs no introduction, as he is a well-known teacher of the subject,
of many years' standing, both at the Royal Veterinary College, London, and now
at the University of Liverpool. The book would be indispensable for veterinary
students, teachers and general veterinary practitioners, and other research workers
in the field of veterinary science. The fact that within a decade the third edition of
the book is out, shows its growing importance and popularity. The book is printed
on good paper, is well-bound and has an attractive print. In short, the author has
spared no pains to make the book unrivalled so far as veterinary anæsthesia is
concerned. (M.R.M.)
INDEX OF DIAGNOSIS (CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL) FOR THE CANINE
AND FELINE SURGEON
BY HAMILTON KIRK
(Published by Messrs. Bailliere, Tindall and Cox Ltd., London, 1953, pp. viii+668,
Price 45s.)
B Y far the most important part of the duties of a veterinary surgeon is the
diagnosis of the ailments of his patients. The interpretation of the objective
signs and symptoms exhibited by the animal and the weaving of them into a pattern
to fit in with a disease is an accomplishment which can come only by constant and
diligent observation and judicious understanding. The accumulated experience of
great practitioners is a true and correct guide in this matter for the student and the
practitioner alike, and therefore, this publication will be a welcome addition to the
veterinarian's library. The author is an old practitioner of repute and he has drawn
amply from his own experience and from the current literature in giving expression
to his views and opinions.
First published in 1939, this book has run through three editions and one reprint
in fourteen years and this is the fourth edition. This is in itself a proof of the
popularity of this book. In this latest edition, the author has covered the advances
that have been made on some of the important virus diseases of dogs and cats during
the last few years. A virus disease which was originally known as 'Hard pad' disease,
called after a prominent symptom of the disease, and which is now designated as
para-distemper is very well described and so also the disease contagious viral hepatitis
or Rubarth's disease. Fortunately, these diseases are not prevalent in this country,
judging from the recorded publications and experience of clinicians here. All the
same, their descriptions may be helpful to practitioners to detect them with greater
ease whenever they come across such cases.
A few other interesting subjects are also found in this edition and they include
doping of grey hounds, poisoning by D.D.T. and benzene hexachloride, progressive
retinal atrophy and disease of the intervertebral discs.