The University Of California, Davis Book Of Horses: Complete Medic [Hardcover]

Knowledge of equine diseases has exploded in the last few years, and the goal of this book is to provide basic information for horse owners who want to understand how to keep their horses in good health and at peak performance. It was written by 37 experts from the faculty and staff of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.

The book is divided into eight parts. The first two cover selecting and caring for a horse. The next three deal with nutrition, reproduction, and the equine body. Parts 6 and 7 cover infectious diseases, cancer, geriatrics, and home care. The final part consists of appendixes on zoonotic diseases, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, transportation, and a glossary. A detailed index concludes the book. Black-and-white photographs and drawings illustrate entries; there is also an insert of color drawings of horse anatomy.

A good example of the type of information contained in this work can be seen in chapter 7, "Feeding Horses," which covers the nutritional needs of horses in general and specific requirements for pregnant mares, weanlings, performing horses, older horses, and orphan foals. The next chapter covers diseases caused by diet. All the articles are written in simple terms but are detailed enough even for the novice horse owner. For those terms that may require additional explanation, the glossary gives good one-to two-sentence definitions.

The UC Davis Book of Horses is an excellent work with clear guidance on when to call in a professional and when a problem can be treated by an owner. It is a suitable purchase for any public or academic library that serves a population of horse owners.

"An invaluable reference guide for every loving owner, rider, trainer, and groom." -- --Richard H. Brown, Trustee, United States Equestrian Team

"It is hard to imagine a more authoritative reference work...The UC Davis Book of Horses is the equivalent of a staff of top veterinarians on call 24 hours a day." -- The Whole Horse Catalog

"Should be in every tack box!" -- --A. C. Asbury, D.V.M., College of Veterinary Medicine, Universtiy of Florida

Breeders, trainers, owners, racers and veterinarians will find The UC Davis Book of Horses indispensable for helping them better understand equine health and behavior. Backed by the authority and experience of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine -- and featuring the most up-to-date research information available --it is a sophisticated source of medical information readers know they can trust. Chapters include everything on the selection, nutrition, anatomy, disease and emergency care of horses. Helpful appendixes, a glossary of equine and medical terms and an index for quick reference are also included, making this a particularly easy to use, and highly readable guide.

Mordecai Siegal is the author of more than thirty pet books, including the best-selling Cornell Book of Cats, the UC Davis Book of Dogs, and the UC Davis Book of Horses. He has written monthly pet columns for House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, and the CFA Almanac. Mr. Siegal has had a caller-interview radio show, Vets and Pets, on WNYC. He is a founding member of the Cat Writers' Association and president emeritus of the Dog Writers' Association of America. Mr. Siegal resides in New York City.