134
REVIEWS
[Vol. XXIV, Part II,
In the course of the interpretation of the symptoms, the author has discussed
them from a differential diagnostic point of view and this method of presenting the
subject matter is of great help in arriving at a correct diagnosis. This is indeed a
special feature of the book which will appeal to every reader.
The book is fairly well illustrated and contains a number of radiographs (majority
of these are the author's own) which are very clear and instructive.
With all these good points however, it is a great pity that some of the common
tropical canine diseases have not been adequately considered or have been ignored.
For example, there is no mention of canine piroplasmosis caused by B. gibsoni and
also of ankylostomiasis which are common causes of unthriftiness and anæmia in
dogs in this country. Spirocercosis of dogs caused by the encystment of Spirocerca
sanguinolenta in the œsophagus and aorta is another common disease which does
not find a place in this book. While on the subject of Biliary fever caused by B. canis,
the author mentions on page 324, that it is accompanied by a condition of hæmaturia.
This is not the experience in this country and it is extremely rare to find the presence
of blood in urine in such cases. Even jaundice is not a prominent symptom although
the complaint has long been known as malignant jaundice. Pyrexia, choluria,
enlargement of spleen and liver and presence of B. canis in the R. B. C., are the
main symptoms of the disease, as found in this country.
These comments do not, of course, detract from the excellence of the book,
which we are sure will be welcomed by the members of the profession.
The get up of the book is of a high standard. (R.S.I.)
FARMER AND STOCK-BREEDER YEAR BOOK (1953)
(Published by Farm and Stock Breeder Publications Ltd., London, S.E.I,
pp. 396, over 130 illustrations, Price 10s. 6d)
A S in previous editions this 77th edition of the British Year Book is divided into
two sections, the first dealing with special features of topical world interest to
stock-breeders and farmers. Such world figures as F.A.O. Director General and
Sir Thomas Dalling discuss the most vexed problem of 'can we feed the world' and
the 'inter-national campaign against foot and mouth disease affecting livestock'
respectively. All the countries of the world, whether in the East or West, are vitally
involved and engaged in these problems. This section is further devoted to help
all those engaged in the task of increasing output of food, of both plant and animal
origin. The special features include information on safeguarding the soil, use of
fertilisers, growing of corn, new cereal varieties and stepping up of meat production
from livestock. For those interested in the use of mechanical equipment for farming,
right from tractors to milking plants, a special article is given describing the latest
designs of the year.
The usual feature of breeding table, being a calendar for 12 months to record
service and birth dates of livestock, as also the pedigree year in pictures and some
pictures outstanding champion livestock of previous times can be seen in the book.
These tell their own story of the efficient and systematic production of livestock
practised by British farmers which are lessons in themselves for others to learn and
practise.