Illustrations:
2. edition illustrations are now available for download. Register at "Download figures" to get access.
Book reviews - 1. Edition
(Reviews on 2. Edition to be included)
1. Veterinary Research Communications, vol 28, p26 (2004). Reviewed by A.S.J.P.A.M Van Miert, Utrecht.
"The publication of a multi-author textbook on comparative and veterinary physiology is something of an event for interested teachers, researchers, and students in veterinary, animal and agricultural sciences. This book is major, running 735 pages including a comprehensive index. The first edition of this textbook, published by the Scandinavian Veterinary Press, will certainly enjoy widespread acceptance.
In the preface, the editors state, "The ultimate goal of the book is to enable students to develop the problem-solving skills they will need in future careers". In my view, the authors have succeeded in this difficult task. They emphasize the explanation of conceptual aspects, and focus on homeostasis, that is, how regulating mechanisms keep the internal environment of the body stable in a changing external environment.
The subjects are well treated in 20 chapters, broken up into many paragraphs. They include not only a description of the different organ systems, but also biochemistry and biophysics, tissues and cells including communication, structure, function and apoptosis, bioenergetics and growth, reproduction and lactation. Each chapter includes a subject index, clinical examples and, at the end, control questions and a list of references to reviews for further readings. Chemical formulas, tables and full-colour drawings (nearly 600) are well executed. There is no doubt that over the years this textbook will become a standard. For further information, look up the web page: www.scanvetpress.com"
2. Veterinary Record, vol. 153, no 23, p721 (Dec. 6, 2003). Reviewed by Matthew J. Pead.
".... it does provide excellent coverage of animal physiology in a well-integrated fashion and shows a clear relationship with the clinical considerations and conditions that are the primary concern og most people invoilved in veterinary science."
"The chapters are well integrated, bringing together elements of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry to give the reader a full idea of how an individual system functions. The quality of illustration throughout is very high, with traditional figures such as chemata of histology or molecules being done very well, and in color. In addition, there are more unconventional but excellent diagrams, along with flow charts and tablers that are most helpful in terms of explanation. Throughout the chapters there are highlighted clinical examples from veterinary and human conditions that add particularly well to the sense of clinical relevance."
3. Swedish Veterinary Journal, no. 11, p 40 (2003). Reviewed by C. Kvart.
"…. After many years of dedicated effort, a modern, well-illustrated, international textbook in the physiology of domestic animals has finally become available."
"…. It is well constructed didactically, comprises 540 superior color illustrations, and includes an extremely comprehensive index."
"…. Each chapter also includes clinical examples (there are a total of 180) that help to give readers a broad understanding of the links between physiology, pathophysiology, and the mechanisms of disease. These examples are of great benefit to both students and practicing veterinarians alike, as they promote an understanding of the relationship between function and dysfunction as well as stimulate a desire for further reading."
".… The book is also appropriate as a reference work for practicing veterinarians who wish to refresh their knowledge of physiology …." (Translated from Swedish)
4. Norwegian Veterinary Journal, no. 6, p. 00 (2003). Reviewed by Ø. Andresen.
".... Physiology of Domestic Animals is an impressive textbook, presenting a vast amount of knowledge in an easily accessible and appealing manner."
"…. The book is richly illustrated with some 540 figures and approximately 50 additional diagrams and charts. The figures are professionally drawn medical illustrations executed in attractive colors. They are easy to grasp and a genuine treat to study."
"…. For students of veterinary medicine, the clinical examples will enhance motivation and at the same time clearly highlight the importance that detailed knowledge about the physiological processes will have for later clinical practice."
"…. The book is extremely well suited as a reference work for clinicians wishing to update and expand their knowledge about physiology."
"…. In my assessment, the publication of this textbook marks a new era in the cohesive presentation of the physiology of domestic animals." (Translated from Norwegian)