In the Preface to the first edition of the Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment, published in 1969, Dr. Kirk and Dr. Bistner described the format of that book as being divided into six sections, “each emphasizing a facet of early examination, clinical methods, or emergency care.” Today, 37 years later, those original objectives remain unchanged. What has changed, however, are the numerous advances in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in companion animal medicine. It’s the volume of new information, combined with the level of expectation of our clientele today, which presents the most demanding challenges in producing the eighth edition of what has become known as.
