Acta Veterinaria 39. (1991)
3-4. szám - BOOK REVIEWS
BOOK REVIEWS The chapter is completed by a description of sampling and examination of the bone marrow. Respiratory system (Stöber, pp. 242—287). This chapter has been enlarged with the description of the aetiopathogenesis of respiratory diseases and the unique respiratory defence mechanism. Several up-to-date instrumental techniques, such as respiratory endoscopy (thoracoscopy), tracheobronchoscopy and thoracic X-ray examination are also described. The chapter also deals with the effect exerted by respiration on acid-base balance, and with other extrarespiratory functions of the lungs. The clearly arranged table summarizing the differential diagnosis and symptoms of respiratory diseases is worthy of special mention. Digestive system (Dirksen, pp. 288-400). The longest chapter of the book. Owing to its subject, it is one of the chapters which command the greatest interest. It deals with food intake, digestive processes, the examination of organs preparing the food for digestion, the forestomachs, the abomasum and the intestines. The chapter involves a range of subjects wider than its title implies, as it supplies the information which should be known about the examination of the liver, the abdominal wall and the abdominal cavity. Besides the physical and instrumental examination, the chapter deals with the clinicallaboratory methods of examination of the saliva, rumen liquor, faeces and ascitic fluid and gives, with an up-to-date and practical approach, a sufficiently detailed description of the clinical laboratory tests for liver function. This chapter is illustrated with well-arranged tables. Of the new material added to the chapter, the description of the defence mechanism of the digestive system, the functional examination of the omasum, intra-abdominal (peritoneal) endoscopy, intra-abdominal X-ray examination, cholecystography and the detailing of several other instrumental methods are worth mentioning. Urinary system (Gründer, pp. 401-421). The large part of the chapter is constituted by the description of renal function test and urine analysis (urinalysis). Instrumental examination of the urinary organs is also dealt with in sufficient detail. Male genital system (Krause, pp. 422-471). Besides the physical and instrumental examination of the male genital system, this chapter deals with sexual behaviour, semen collection techniques and examination of the ejaculate. Female genital system (Grunert, pp. 472—548). This chapter contains a description of the gynaecological and obstetrical diagnostic examinations and describes the handling and care of newborn calves. The methods serving for the diagnosis of udder diseases are also discussed here. Locomotor system (Dirksen, pp. 549-591). This chapter deals with the diagnostics of locomotor diseases and discusses the examination of individual animals and herds separately. The judgement of motion-associated behaviour and recumbem animals is also described. The reader gets a picture of the methods of examination of hooves, feet, joints, synovia, muscles, bones and tendons, and of ways of differentiating between physiological and pathological conditions. Central nervous system (Stöber, pp. 592-625). The chapter describes the general nervous, cerebral and spinal symptoms and the examination of reflexes, the technique of taking samples from the cerebrospinal liquor, and the clinical-laboratory examination of the liquor. Perhaps one of the most valuable parts of the entire book is the 9-page table in which the author summarizes the symptoms and differential diagnostic characteristics of the major nervous diseases with great professional virtuosity and practicability. Organs of sense (Rosenberger and Stöber, pp. 626-646). Evaluating the results of examinations (Stöber, pp. 647-662). Application of medicaments (Stöber, pp. 663—700). Index (pp. 701-708). All chapters of the book are abundantly illustrated with perfect photographs, beautiful drawings and highly informative tables. The illustrations are in perfect harmony with the text, complement it and make the book very attractive and highly readable. As it were to call attention to the high instrument and material demand of up-to-date clinical examination, at the end of each chapter there is a catalogue of the instruments and diagnos tica necessary for the methods described in the given chapter. Thist list also specifies the names of the manufacturers and the sources of supply. The chapters are completed with an up-to-date, detailed reference list containing references which were not included in the earlier editions. Perusing the book, we can state that Rosenberger9s original work has been substantially improved and expanded by his former co-workers who are authors of this third edition. The book gives a very favourable impression in every respect. We can only render full homage to Acta Veterinaria Hungarica 39, 1991