Book Review - Concise Guide to Respitory Disease in the Horse

I recently finished reading the Concise Guide to Respiratory Disease in the Horse by David W. Ramey. The description of the book is as follows "This book introduces the reader to the anatomy of the horse's respiratory tract and discusses the diagnostic methods and treatments usually used today. "

 

I didn't see any reviews on the book but I didn't dig. It's a decent book and a handy one to have if you have a horse with a respiratory disease. The first half of the book discussed the general anatomy of the horses airways, etc. It was fascinating how Mr. Ramey initially described the anatomy of the airways (he used the analogy of the reader being a particle traveling through a horse's airways.)

 

The second half of the book focused on major respiratory diseases including strangles, heaves, and bleeding. (I originally purchased the book because we have a mare with heaves and I wanted to learn more.)  The second half of the book was a bit more focused and didn't use any analogies. Much of what was discussed in the second half (focusing on different respiratory diseases) was fairly high-level information. It gave the basics on what it was, symptoms, possible treatment options, etc. but no getting into the nitty-gritty of that particular respiratory disease.

 

I am glad that I have the book in my library although disappointed that the book was as short as it was (only 90 pages). Respiratory diseases could cover much more. The book was written like Mr. Ramey was talking directly to me, no text book terminology to bore you to sleep. He also didn't act as though he was a vet. He provided the facts in an easy to read method.

 



 

Book Reviews

I was planning on having a monthly book review but life got in the way of that idea. I am in the middle of reading one senior horse care book but am lacking time in finishing and providing a review anywhere in the near future.

I did, however, purchase a few additional books to add to my library. I haven't had a chance to read any of the books but thought that it would be a wise purchase.

What did I buy you ask?

Concise Guide to Laminitis in the Horse by David W. Ramey

Concise Guide to Navicular Syndrome in the Horse by David W. Ramey

Concise Guide to Respiratory Diseases in the Horse by David W. Ramey

Concise Guide to Medications, Supplements, and Herbs for the  Horse by David W. Ramey

I'll start reading these four books to see if they are of any worth. Having horses at the Sanctuary with laminitis (and potentially navicular) and respiratory problems, I was intrigued by these books. I am also intrigued by herbs, essential oils, and other home remedies that may or may not work.

I'm hoping I'll be able to get through at least one of the four books and give you an idea as to whether they are worth having in your library.

Senior Equine Care Books

In researching senior equine topics to discuss, I thought I would turn to a few books (I know, I'm old fashioned and start with researching in books instead of the Internet). When I realized my first horse was a "senior" equine, I figured I'd better find a good book. I was disappointed with the book that I finally selected so I haven't turned to those pages in years. I've simply done trial and error and word of mouth suggestions for my seniors.

I did a high-level search on amazon.com to see what senior equine care books are available and one of the first in the list was the one in my horse library. I returned to that book and reading through it this time, it's a helpful tool. Perhaps not helpful in the care of senior horses but it is a helpful tool in deciding illnesses. It's based more towards general prognosis of an illness, which is handy for any horse owner.

I would like to start doing  monthly book reviews and pulling out bits of information from each book to discuss.

So what books do you have in your horse library? I am planning on ordering a number of senior equine care books to review so that you don't have to purchase and decide if it was really worth the money. I'm sure most people turn to the Internet and Facebook, but I still find stock in information in books.