Abstract
The authors' stated goal for this book is ‘to provide its readers with a vast collection of high-quality sonographic images and illustrations addressing the normal anatomy and common disorders of most body parts in small animals’, and in this the book succeeds admirably. The contents are laid out in an anatomically sensible fashion, starting at the head and moving (approximately) in a caudal direction to cover all of the major areas of ultrasonographic investigation in small animal practice. The contents page is clearly laid out, enabling the relevant chapters to be easily located. Similarly, the index is easily navigated, both by organ and by disease process. Within the chapters, the text is clearly presented, as are the figure legends. A list of references is present at the end of each chapter.
Each chapter opens with a brief description of sonographic technique for the area under discussion. These sections are accompanied by a mixture of photographs, magnetic resonance imaging images and clear line drawings illustrating correct transducer placement and orientation, which are extremely useful when scanning areas of which you have little experience. In addition, several of the chapters have clear diagrams demonstrating the anatomy of the area under investigation for reference.
The section on technique and anatomy is followed by a section on the normal sonographic appearance of the organs, accompanied by numerous labelled sonographic images. The images are excellently reproduced, and are presented in a suitable size for clarity. Many of the images are annotated to enhance understanding of the area under discussion.
The chapters then move onto the sonographic features of disease. Again, these sections are superbly illustrated, with sonographic images frequently correlated to radiographs from the same cases. Many chapters have tables giving differential diagnoses for various sonographic appearances, allowing quick reference, and these are identified in the index. A brief discussion of interventional procedures forms the concluding part of each chapter (where appropriate). While there is a selection of useful tips and indications provided, there is not a complete discussion of interventional technique.
The chapter on echocardiography discusses the range of measurements and ratios taken with B-, M-mode and Doppler ultrasound, and also concludes with a detailed appendix listing the normal measurement ranges for a wide selection of breeds.
If there are to be any drawbacks to this book, it may be less suitable for someone looking for a complete introduction to diagnostic ultrasound, as there is minimal discussion of ultrasound physics and general ultrasound machine controls and image optimization. In addition, although sonographic artefacts are mentioned throughout the text, there is no guide to causes and recognition of these artefacts. However, these are minor quibbles, and these areas might not be regarded as necessary for what is designed as a sonographic atlas.
In conclusion, this book would be a valuable reference text for any veterinary clinic performing ultrasound examinations in small animals, as well as being of interest to any veterinary surgeon or student hoping to develop experience in veterinary diagnostic ultrasound.
