Book excerpt: This textbook in the question-and-answer format of The Secrets Series(R) offers concise yet comprehensive coverage of cardiologic disorders affecting small animals. Under the section headings of Cardiovascular Function and Dysfunction, Examination of the Cardiovascular System, Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Management, and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, the authors offer 59 chapters with questions focusing on the key "need to know" areas, also providing the authors keys to diagnosis and management, tips, pearls of practice, and other "secrets." The contributing authors are among the most highly regarded authorities in veterinary cardiology. Extends the popular Secrets approach into cardiology Abbott a highly regarded vet cardiology specialist Contributors are a virtual Whos Who of veterinary cardiology Concentrates on the areas that most often confront the average vet in practice (for example, there is extended coverage of mitral valve disease and heart failure)