Physiology of Domestic Animals 2nd

This textbook is designed for students of veterinary, animal and agricultural sciences. The book is divided into twenty chapters describing physiological systems such as digestion, reproduction, and circulation. Each chapter starts with a brief description of major aspects of the topic covered. The body of each chapter provides the basis for a detailed understanding of the appropriate physiological processes. Each chapter includes a large number of clinical examples selected to illustrate the normal functions of the body, and concludes with a set of control questions. References to articles and books recommended for further reading are also provided.

Physiology of Domestic Animals is a state-of-the-art textbook co-authored by experienced professors and researchers in animal physiology. The book is designed for use by students of veterinary-, animal-, and agricultural sciences. It emphasizes functional aspects of animal- and veterinary science, and is aimed at developing the problem-solving skills needed for careers in veterinary medicine and animal science. Physiology of Domestic Animals also provides an ideal basis for university courses in general mammalian and avian physiology.

The textbook is divided into 21 chapters. Frequent cross-referencing is used to emphasize the manner in which the individual cells and organs of the body collaborate to create a single functional unit.

Following an introductory ingress, a short description of major aspects dealt with in the chapter is given. The body of the chapter provides the basis for a more detailed understanding of the physiological processes. The clinical examples included in the chapters are selected to illustrate the normal functions of the body. Short statements summarizing central points in the text, are given in the margin. These statements will be useful when reviewing the chapters. Inserted questions will reveal whether adequate understanding of important issues has been achieved. Answers to the questions can be found in the associated main text. References to books recommended for further reading are given at the end of each chapter.

A basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry is required to comprehend physiology. The book therefore contains an introductory chapter presenting an overview of some of the most relevant topics of these fields.

There are no logical boundaries between cell biology and physiology, and knowledge of cell biology is a necessary platform for the understanding of animal physiology. Consequently, the book offers an introduction to basic cell biology, and describe how cells interact and contribute to the various functions of tissues and organs (chapters two and three).

In the comprehensive and user-friendly index, bold page numbers direct the reader to main descriptions or definitions, while numbers in italics refer to figures.

Feautures of second edition

In the second edition of Physiology of Domestic Animals, which is comprehensively revised to encompass recent progress in animal physiology, the layout and structure is optimized to facilitate the learning process. The book contains approximately 600 color illustrations, nearly 200 clinical examples, about 2 000 questions, and more than 3 000 short, clarifying statements placed in the margins. The sample pages below explain the intended functions of central, didactic elements.

The clinical examples have been selected to illustrate the normal functions of the body, rather than to provide insights into pathological processes or treatments of diseases. An effective method of demonstrating the importance of a specific physiological mechanism is describing the symptoms that develop when this mechanism malfunctions. We also believe that such examples motivate the students and stimulate their curiosity.

Throughout the book, relevant questions are inserted after description of the various topics. The questions may be used as a tool for ascertaining that the intended insight into the topic has been achieved. Answers to the questions can be found by reading the associated main text. We consider this approach to be a more efficient method of facilitating learning than would be achieved by providing specific answers in a separate section.

Short statements that underscore important points in the text are placed in the margins. These margin statements will be particularly helpful when reviewing the main content of the chapters. We believe that such margin statements improve learning efficiency.

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)