With the advent of automated haematology and serum biochemistry analysers, most clinics now do their own laboratory work in house. Clinical pathology, and specifically haematology, are achieving prominence in general practice. Most practitioners now want to ‘get extra miles out of their analysers’, in addition to evaluating the patient, blood and bone marrow smears, and additional diagnostics. The basic principles of haematology remain at the core of the second edition, but these have been updated to discuss new diagnostic procedures and laboratory equipment, as well as new treatment strategies.  There are new chapters on the anaemia of inflammation and neoplasia, on non-regenerative anaemia and on vascular thrombosis.

In the years since publication of the first edition, the arthropod-transmitted infectious diseases of companion animals have become increasingly significant as they have extended their traditional endemic areas or have become important differential diagnoses in travelling pets.  Most of these infectious diseases have fundamental effects on the haemopoietic system, and haematological analysis is part of the first-line of diagnosis.  These diseases are covered in detailed chapters. 

Another area in which there have been significant advances is feline haemoplasmosis, and a completely revised chapter provides the latest information on these infectious agents. The section on transfusion medicine has been reorganised and expanded in the second edition. Canine and feline blood groups are now discussed separately, together with the newly available in-practice diagnostic techniques for their identification.  Canine and feline blood transfusion practice is also now considered in separate chapters and there is a new chapter on the use of blood substitutes.

The information is presented in a way that is easily applied to the clinical case the practitioner is reading about. Substantial background information is provided for those who want to learn more about that particular topic.  This second edition will provide a ready source of practical information for veterinary surgeons in general practice and will also be useful for undergraduate veterinary students, veterinary nurses and veterinary graduates embarking on further qualifications in small animal medicine.

BSAVA Members attending Congress are able to benefit from a £5 discount on this Manual using the member voucher in the Exhibition Vouchers booklet.

“…This Manual provides a wealth of clinically relevant information for the practitioner. It is very well organised, is easy to read, has excellent illustrations and tables, and it is written by world-renowned clinicians and clinical pathologists. In brief, a book anybody interested in haematology should have.…”  C. Guillermo Couto, Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center (from the foreword)