| General note |
Chapter 1 gastrointestinal symptoms - Todd R. Tams –<br/>Chapter 2 radiology and sonography of the digestive system - Linda J. Konde, Charles R. Pugh –<br/>Chapter 3 endoscopy and laparoscopy: indications and instrumentation - Todd R. Tans –<br/>Chapter 4 diseases of the esophagus - Todd R. Tams –<br/>Chapter 5 diseases of the stomach - Michael L. Magne, David C. Twedt –<br/>Chapter 6 acute medical diseases of the small intestine - Steven W. Dow –<br/>Chapter 7 chronic disease of the small intestine - Todd R. Tams –<br/>Chapter 8 diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus - Robert G. Sherding –<br/>Chapter 9 diseases of the liver - Keith P. Richter –<br/>Chapter 10 diseases of the pancreas - Dennis A. Zawie –<br/>Chapter 11 enternal nutritional support - Howard B. Seim III –<br/>Chapter 12 rabbit and selected rodent gastrointestinal disorders - Frank W. Lavac, Jr. |
| Summary, etc |
"The practice of gastroenterology has changed dramatically in the last decade. The not uncommon frustration that veterinarians and their clients experienced in the past when dealing with pets afflicted with chronic gastrointestinal disorders has given way to very satisfying results in many cases. This is in large part attributable to major advances that have been made both in our diagnostic capabilities and in the availability of more effective therapeutic agents. Most notably, with the advent of endoscopic instrumentation, it has become possible to directly examine a large portion of the gastrointestinal tract and to procure biopsy samples in a minimally invasive manner. Endos- copy has truly played a major role in enabling clinicians to diagnose many disorders that otherwise might have gone unrecognized until much later in their course. Additionally, advances in imaging techniques (ultrasonography, nuclear scintigraphy) have occurred, and more specific tests of liver function (e.g., bile acids assay) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (e.g., trypsin- like immunoreactivity) are now in routine use. These improvements, as well as others too numerous to list here, have enhanced our ability to approach digestive system problems more accurately and less invasively. In short, in the 1990s we can do a much better job for our patients and their owners.<br/>The goal in preparing this text has been to provide a practical update on small animal clinical gastroenterology. It is clearly recognized in veterinary practices throughout the world that digestive system disorders are among the most common reasons that pet owners seek veterinary consultation. The text is therefore directed particularly toward veterinary students and primary care practitioners. Emphasis is placed on a practical diagnostic approach for and treatment of a majority of the gastrointestinal diseases that are encountered in practice. The importance of directing very careful consideration to the patient's history when presented with animals exhibiting symptoms of a digestive system disorder cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, an entire chapter (Chapter 1) has been devoted to a discussion of important symptoms and differential diagnosis. Chapters 2 and 3 complete the overview of diagnosis of digestive system diseases with information highlighting the clinical utility of four very important diagnostic modalities in gastroenterology: radiology and ultrasonography (Chapter 2) and endoscopy and laparoscopy (Chapter 3). The remaining chapters sequentially address the various anatomic regions of the digestive system individually. Many new drugs are described throughout. Chapter 11 describes tube feeding techniques, and Chapter 12 discusses gastrointestinal diseases of rabbits and rodents.<br/>I am indebted to the authors who contributed to this book. They are highly experienced clinicians with demonstrated expertise in either busy private or academic practices. They all share the common thread of being excellent teachers. I have the greatest respect for their contributions to our profession. <br/>Special thanks go also to Lydia Brauer for her invaluable assistance in manuscript preparation and to my veterinary technical assistant Carreen Schuller for the expertise and compassion that she has provided to many of the patients and clients who helped inspire the preparation of this book. I also acknowledge the excellent assistance of the staff at the W.B. Saunders Company, and in particular my editor, Mr. Raymond Kersey, for his encouragement, advice, and professionalism. <br/>- TODD R. TAMS, D.V.M. |
