In Print: Veterinary Hematology: Atlas of Common and Non-Domestic Species By Sandra L. Jex November/December 2009
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing released the second edition of Veterinary Hematology: Atlas of Common and Non-Domestic Species by William J. Reagan, Armando R. Irizarry Rovira, and Dennis B. DeNicola in 2008. The first edition, released in 1998 by Iowa State University Press, concentrated on the hematology of domestic animals such as dogs, cats, horses, cows, and llamas. The scope of the second edition now includes frequently used laboratory animals such as Sprague-Dawley rats, CD1 mice, cynomolgus monkeys, ferrets, New Zealand White rabbits, and guinea pigs thus expanding the usefulness of the atlas to additional readers. A CD-ROM of additional hematology images provided by IDEXX Laboratory and Dr. DeNicola is included for Window's use and provides the reader with search features and a self testing mode.
The atlas begins in a logical step-wise fashion by providing an overview of hematopoiesis, the production of blood cells, as a foundation for the rest of the atlas. Diagrams depicting the lineage of blood cells from the pluripotent stem cell to the production of red cells, granulocytes, and lymphocytes are clearly drawn and outline the processes involved. Excellent color photomicrographs are included with the atlas and CDROM throughout. Staining techniques for the slides are standard unless otherwise mentioned and the objectivity of the microscope lens is comparable unless noted. The photomicrographs are well-chosen for clarity of presentation and demonstration of the cells under discussion. Inset photomicrographs with increased resolution accompany many of the photos and allow for additional detail and clarity.
The morphology of normal red and white cells is shown and explained clearly before introducing the concept of variations, pathology, and parasites of these cells. The descriptions accompanying the photomicrographs aid the reader in identification of the species normal morphology and the possible hematologic abnormalities. The canine blood smear is used as the model for many of the blood smear abnormalities in the atlas however species specific findings are noted when appropriate. Reference sources are listed along with a fairly detailed index to assist the reader in locating additional information. Avian and reptilian hematology has their own chapters due to the uniqueness of their hematologic systems and response to staining techniques.
In order to identify hematologic abnormalities the scientist or laboratory student must be able to identify irregularity or deviation from the normal blood smear. The atlas stresses repeatedly that the novice regularly assess blood smears from normal and abnormal species to improve their identification abilities. The CD-ROM allows the reader to search for additional images pertaining to certain morphologic features or pathology in addition to providing self-testing and review. Discussion of healthy and diseased cells in addition to the extraordinary photomicrographs will make Veterinary Hematology: Atlas of Common Domestic and Non-Domestic Species an asset to any beginner in the laboratory.
Sandra L. Jex is a veterinarian and consultant. She can be reached at editors@alnmag.com.
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Wiley-Blackwell Publishing released the second edition of Veterinary Hematology: Atlas of Common and Non-Domestic Species by William J. Reagan, Armando R. Irizarry Rovira, and Dennis B. DeNicola in 2008. The first edition, released in 1998 by Iowa State University Press, concentrated on the hematology of domestic animals such as dogs, cats, horses, cows, and llamas. The scope of the second edition now includes frequently used laboratory animals such as Sprague-Dawley rats, CD1 mice, cynomolgus monkeys, ferrets, New Zealand White rabbits, and guinea pigs thus expanding the usefulness of the atlas to additional readers. A CD-ROM of additional hematology images provided by IDEXX Laboratory and Dr. DeNicola is included for Window's use and provides the reader with search features and a self testing mode. 
