Book excerpt: Now in its revised, updated Third Edition, this handy quick-reference guide provides easy and rapid access to the facts needed in daily small-animal practice. The book is written in outline format and organized to help the veterinarian quickly recognize signs and symptoms, formulate a differential diagnosis, select and interpret laboratory tests, choose a therapy, and find additional reference material. Major sections cover clinical signs and client complaints; laboratory abnormalities; principles of fluid, osmotic, and electrolyte balance; systems disturbances; and special topics.New chapters in the Third Edition cover behavioral disturbances, pain and pain management, dental and periodontal disorders, geriatrics, and cancer. Other problems addressed for the first time in this edition include splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, ataxia, polycythemia, and thyroid disorders. All chapters from the previous edition have been thoroughly updated.