Animal diseases can be caused by a variety of pathogens, such as
bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. Some bacterial diseases are anthrax,
diphtheria, Lyme disease, salmonellosis and rickettsioses, while fungal
diseases include aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis and
dermatophytosis. Animals are susceptible to genetic diseases, such as
complex vertebral malformation, hyperinsulinism hyperammonemia syndrome,
foal immunodeficiency syndrome and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis,
among others. The field of veterinary medicine is concerned with the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all veterinary diseases. The
diagnosis of disease is possible through an examination of body fluids
and animal tissue. This is under the scope of veterinary pathology. It
may be further divided into anatomical and clinical pathology.
Anatomical pathology deals with the diagnosis of disease based on a
microscopic, molecular and gross examination of organs, tissues and
whole bodies. The diagnosis of disease through a laboratory analysis of
bodily fluids, such as urine, blood or cavitary effusions is under the
scope of clinical pathology. Some common interventions to achieve good
animal health include vaccination against animal diseases, such as
rabies, dental prophylaxis, etc. Specialties in veterinary medicine
include areas like anesthesiology, cardiology, dermatology, dentistry,
etc. This book outlines the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of
veterinary diseases in detail. It will help the readers in keeping pace
with the rapid changes in veterinary science and medicine.
