BOOK REVIEW
ISSN 0372-5480
Printed in Croatia
BRAUN, UELI (Ed.): Atlas and handbook of ultrasound diagnostic in cattle. With 300 illustrations and 75 tables (German language). Original title: Braun, Ueli (Hrsg.): Atlas und Lehrbuch der Ultraschalldiagnostik beim Rind. Mit 300 Abbildungen und 75 Tabellen. Parey Buchverlag. Berlin, 1997. 279 pages. 21 × 28 cm. Hard cover. ISBN 3-8263-3092-7. Prices: DEM 248.00/ ÖS 1810.00/ SFr 228.50.
In recent years ultrasonic diagnostic techniques have been applied in humans and animals with a great deal of success. Up until a few years ago sonographic examination in cattle was mainly restricted to ovaries and uterus. Methods and findings of those examinations have been described in numerous publications and books. Of late, ultrasonic diagnostics in bovines has been extended to internal diseases, to analysis of soft parts of extremities and to diseases of the umbilical cord. These areas have also been dealt with in a number of papers. However, until now no book has been published which provided a comprehensive coverage of all available experience with regard to sonography in bovines. Such were the main reasons which prompted the author to produce a book encompassing the overall experience on the diagnostic application of ultrasonography in cattle acquired to date. The author first presents normal findings for every organ and organ system, in order that the veterinary practitioner may become acquainted, from a diagnostic aspect, with a normal sonographic anatomy as a basis on which pathological conditions can be studied. The ultrasonic examination procedure is described in particular detail. Described alongside normal sonographic findings for each organ are certain pathomorphological changes. For reasons of objectivity this book does not contain all the possibly identifiable characteristics of the typical findings to be observed on sonographic images.
For all those who are willing to accept the challenge, but also the advantages, of the ultrasonic diagnostic technique, this book provides the opportunity of improving the quality of their examination as well as interpretation of findings with regard to the numerous, difficult to diagnose, diseases which affect cattle today. The book also gives a visual presentation of sonographic examples of peritonitis, abdominal cavity abscess, focal points of liver changes, obstructions in the bile duct system, pleural exudates, and other diseases, all of which suggest that this newly emerged diagnostic method, i.e., ultrasonic diagnostics for internal diseases in cattle, offers considerable scope for further research.
The book comprises 12 chapters, the first of which describes the basics of ultrasonic diagnostic procedures, commencing with the physical properties of ultrasound, continuing with the correct choice of probes and places of contact, the creation of an image, presence of foreign bodies, as well as every possibility for erroneous interpretation - which are extremely common in the interpretation of findings related to the bovine abdomen. The second chapter deals with sonographic examination of the reticulum, demonstrating that the non-invasive sonographic method is able to replace the X-ray method of examination, which until now has been the only reliable diagnostic method of locating a foreign body, as well as all the side-effects of traumatic reticulitis, reticuloperitonitis and reticulopericarditis. The third chapter, dealing with sonographic examination of liver in cattle reveals the great possibilities of diagnostically different, although very common, diseases of the liver and bile duct system. The fourth chapter presents an excellent image of rennet obtained through sonographic examination, together with a description of the relevant procedure, anatomic interpretations, discovery of pathological change, and the possibility of the ultrasonic monitoring of a biopsy. No other method currently available has been able to produce so many results of examinations of the small and large intestines in cattle as does sonography. In comparison with X-rays, this non-invasive method possesses a whole range of diagnostic advantages. Remaining chapters deal with other organs and systems in an equally interesting and informative manner, in that they present sonographic images of the anatomy of the pleura, lungs, mediastinum, uropoietic system, udder and teats, the abdominal wall, uterus, fetus and ovaries, the umbilicus and locomotion system. Sonographic images are accompanied by descriptions of various pathomorphological changes in organs and systems. Each chapter also provides an extensive list of relevant literature sources.
In summary, this book brings together the latest discoveries in the area of sonographic examination applied in cattle. As such, it is to be wholly recommended to specialists in sonography, to clinicians working with larger animals, and to graduate students undergoing post-graduate studies.
Mensur Sehic