Page 10 - Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders in Small Animal Practice

Preface

The purpose of the fourth edition is the same as that of pancreatic disease (Chapter 18) and the chapter on liver
previous editions, namely “to bring together in one place disease (Chapter 19). The book now has a strong Brazilian
information about fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base connection with contributions from Felipe Galvao and
physiology and fluid therapy as they apply to small animal Helio De Morais! I also welcome Dr. Cathy Langston of
practice.” I still believe that a good foundation in the Animal Medical Center to edition four with her new
physiology and pathophysiology is an essential part of chapter on fluid and electrolyte disorders in renal failure
veterinary education and enhances the clinician’s (Chapter22).Dr.ShaneBatemanhasexpandedChapter23
approach to the patient. Thoughtful evaluation of labora- on shock to include two additional critical care specialists,
tory results provides valuable insight into the fluid, Drs. Kate Hopper and Deborah Silverstein. Also new to
electrolyte, and acid-base status of the animal and can the fourth edition is the collaboration of Dr. Amanda Boag
only improve the veterinary care provided. with Dr. Dez Hughes in the chapter on macromolecular
The in-depth approach of previous editions has been plasma volume expanders (Chapter 27).
retained in the fourth edition. The book is divided into five As in previous editions, I encourage those who read and
sections:appliedphysiology,electrolytedisorders,acid-base use this book to write or e-mail me (dibartola.1@osu.edu)
disorders, fluid therapy, and special therapy. The first about errors, controversial issues, and suggestions for
sections of the book on fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base improvement. The use of textbooks should be
physiology and disorders have been changed and updated. supplemented by reading the veterinary and human medi-
Chapter3(DisordersofSodiumandWater)hasbeenrevised cal literature. Such an approach allows clinicians to main-
to include information on vasopressin receptor antagonists tain both the historical perspective and a contemporary
(vaptans), a new class of drugs that likely will revolutionize view of medicine. In keeping with this belief, the use of
management of patients with chronic hyponatremia, espe- extensive references has been retained in this edition. Con-
cially those with cardiac and liver disease. With the fourth siderable effort has been expended to ensure the accuracy
edition, I welcome the contributions of Dr. Joao Felipe of information provided here, but drug dosages always
de Brito Galvao in the chapter on gastrointestinal and should be verified.

x