Short description
Written by veterinarians for veterinarians, this dictionary is a reference for veterinary students, practitioners and various biologists, to confirm definitions, research specific topics or to check spelling.
Long description
The third edition of Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary continues to provide a unique source of reliable and authoritative information not available from any other source. Extensively updated with the addition of hundreds of new entries this new edition is further enhanced by the introduction of over 400 full colour illustrations. Written by veterinarians for veterinarians, this dictionary remains an indispensable reference for veterinary students, practitioners and all biologists, whether they use it to confirm definitions, research specific topics or merely to check spelling.
Review
This massive volume of more that 2,000 pages is a must for any practice library.
This book is really more of an encyclopaedia than a true dictionary in many respects. In addition to definitions of words, there is also a large appendix containing information on laboratory services. There is a clinical section with tables for oestrous cycles, sections on important venomous snakes and aquaculture, as well as one on terrestrial animal diseases notifiable to the OIE. The final section of the appendix is a veterinary professional directory that contains much useful information on veterinary schools of the world and the degrees they award, as well as veterinary and related organisations.
A section at the beginning of the book, named 'Notes for the use of this dictionary' is excellent, well-presented and sure to be useful in helping many to benefit fully from the book.
In the preface the authors do state that, from feedback, it is used extensively by not only veterinary graduates and undergraduates, but also by administrative and technical assistants at all levels.
Overall, I think that this is an excellent book.
- Reviewed by Heather Briggs, Veterinary Times, August 2007
Table of contents
- Consultants Preface Notes on the Use of this Dictionary 1.Main entries 2. Sub-entries 3. Cross-referencing 4. Alternative forms 5. Adjectival forms 6. Irregular forms 7. Translations 8. Abbreviations used in this dictionary 9. Tables 10. Drug names The Dictionary Appendix Laboratory Services 1. Biochemistry 2. Hematology 3. The International System of Units: SI units 4. Weights and measures 5. Temperature equivalents: Celsius/Fahrenheit 6. Chemical elements 7. Blood groups of domestic animals 8. Viruses Anatomy 9. Arteries 10. Bones 11. Joints 12. Ligaments 13. Muscles 14. Nerves 15. Veins Clinical 16. Causes of mastitis 17. Estrous cycles in animals 18. Body temperature equivalents 19. Eruption of teeth in domestic animals 20. Collective nouns, gender groups 21. Conversion table of weight to body surface area for dogs 22. Important venomous snakes 23. Aquaculture:major finfish, molluscs and crustaceans used in aquaria, consumption and sport 24. Terrestrial animal diseases notifiable to the Office International Epizooties (OIE) Veterinary Professional Directory 25. Veterinary schools of the world 26. Veterinary degrees around the world 27. Veterinary and related organizations and programs