Veterinary Science: A Very Short Introduction

Every year billions of animals, from housecats to racehorses to pythons, are treated by veterinarians. The use of veterinary science to treat the health of animals has a long history; for the past five centuries it has developed as our understanding of animals' fundamental biology, pathology, and pharmacology has grown. Rapid global changes expected in the twenty-first century will require the profession to respond proactively, embracing new challenges and opportunities.

James Yeates, Chief Veterinary Officer of the RSPCA, introduces the field of veterinary science, covering the history of its scientific and clinical aspects from early practices to recent challenges such as the outbreak of BSE and antibiotic resistance, and considering the differences between human medicine and veterinary medicine. Analyzing the key roles played by diagnosis, treatment, and prevention with regard to the health of farm animals and pets, he relates this to wider aspects concerning public health, such as zoonoses (diseases that jump from animals to humans). Yeates also covers recent "One Health" approaches involving the health of both humans and animals, seen as synergistic, and discusses the challenges for the future of veterinary medicine, including the ethical dilemmas in balancing the interests of owners and animals when they do not coincide.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Author: James Yeates
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 04/22/2018
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 7.00h x 4.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780198790969

About the Author

Dr James Yeates is Chief Veterinary Officer of the RSPCA. He is a practicing member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and Official Veterinarian. He has served on the Council of the British Veterinary Association, the Council of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons; Scientific Committee of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association; and UK Equine Disease Coalition. He is the author of Animal Welfare in Veterinary Practice (Wiley Blackwell, 2013).