Veterinary Medical Team Handbook

" At first glance, Veterinary Medical Team Handbook appears to be another of those books that attempt to summarize everything and therefore sacrifice depth of coverage in the process. However, this book and companion CDs differ substantially from other published books in the genre of global coverage. Where this book definitely changes gears is in its primary focus on patient triage and client communications. The first 2 sections are not organized by academic subject; instead, they provide a case-based–systems approach aimed at directing personnel into a systematic and thorough evaluation of patients with appropriate responses (for veterinary technicians) to a wide variety of situations. Virtually every page contains important information to elicit from a client when taking a history or to deliver to a client when releasing a patient. Given that teaching someone how to obtain a medical history, perform patient triage, and conduct client communications is one of the most challenging areas in the education of veterinary technicians, this approach is a welcome breath of fresh air. The companion CD-ROM is also a departure from the usual in that it is much more than just a reorganization of the printed text. The cases provided on the CDs are informative, fun, and challenging. They take the information in the book and synthesize it into situations that provoke the type of critical thinking veterinary technicians need to achieve. Most impressive are the extremely good audio recordings of heart sounds that accompany each case. I will definitely use this book and the CDs in my courses, and I clamor for more and better from this talented author." - Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, March 2008

"The strength of this book lies in the comprehensive format of each section's chapters and their topics. Etiology, signalment, common patient assessment findings, diagnostic methods and current up-to-date treatment options for common canine and feline conditions are each briefly reviewed for each topic. Photographs are clear and helpful. The box of "Key points for discussion with the client" that is provided for each topic is presented in easy to understand terms to facilitate communication with the owner. Key terminology is presented in bold print for easy reference in the glossary, and the medical techniques and methods... are up to date with today's veterinary world." - TechNews

"This is a useful, user friendly, well illustrated quick reference source for paraprofessionals on general practice subjects. The CD-ROMs, algorithm flowcharts, and glossary are additional valuable learning tools." - Doody's Book Reviews