Defining Veterinary Pharmacology
Veterinary pharmacology is the field of science concerned with drugs and their influences on the biological functions of animals. It is essential knowledge and forms the basis of any medical therapy and intervention.
10 of The Best Amazon Best Seller Books on Veterinary Pharmacology
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 10th Edition
This book is a revised 10th edition of the well-received predecessor. It offers a comprehensive introduction of pharmacology (pharmacokinetics, mechanism of drugs, pharmacodynamics, principles of pharmaceutics), and evidence-based pharmacological information, and clinical application of currently available veterinary drugs.
Drug information includes extensive pharmacokinetic data, product details, dosage, and indications/contraindications, and multiple references for each drug. In addition, the drug monograph sections are organized by type of drug classes and specific therapeutic use.
The new edition includes additional topics on pharmaceutics, ophthalmic pharmacology, food animal pharmacology, aquatic animal pharmacology, and access to an online learning platform called the Companion website.
The book is available in Kindle version for purchase or hardcover version for renting.
The contents and the online learning resource make this book ideal for current students to learn and veterinary professionals who wish to review the subject or use it as a reference in clinical settings.
Pros
- Extensive pharmacological information
- Up-to-date information includes currently-used drugs only
- Various animals are covered in the book’s contents
- A large number of references are cited in the book
Cons
- Lack of colorful diagrams/drawings
- Regulations and considerations are primarily applicable for the USA only
Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians, 6e 6th Edition
Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians, 6e 6th Edition is a book dedicated to assisting readers in enhancing their pharmacological knowledge and associated clinical skills to confidently perform related tasks in clinical scenarios.
The book covers the principle of pharmacology (concepts, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of drugs), a step-by-step guide of drug administration, drug calculations, and drug monographs.
Each chapter is packed full of helpful features:
- Chapter outline, objectives, and key terminology at the beginning.
- Case studies, technician tips, and procedure boxes throughout the chapter.
- Review questions at the end of each chapter.
The book also offers access to the online learning platform, Companion, enriched with learning materials such as animations of pharmacologic processes, practice calculations, narrated video guides of drug administration techniques, etc.
Numerous appendices will contain tabulated information for weight and measures, antidotes, dosage, list of drugs according to function and therapeutic classification, and other helpful information.
Since the previous edition, drug monographs have been updated to ensure to keep readers abreast of the latest information and studies. This also applies to the newly added Emergency Drug chapter.
The book is available in paperback for purchase (new or used) and ebook (purchase or rent).
Pros
- Full-colored diagrams
- The latest drug information
- Useful appendices
- Chapter features
- Online learning resources
- Step-by-step guides
Con
- Mentions USA regulations only
Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians (MindTap Course List) 3rd Edition
This book covers aspects of veterinary pharmacology that are essential for veterinary technicians. Principles of pharmacology, regulations and legal requirements, pharmacy management, drug calculation, monographs of drugs, and roles of veterinary technicians.
Well-descriptive/explanatory texts, an online learning platform, and numerous appendices guide the readers to a deeper understanding which enhances the applied knowledge and skill set.
The book is equipped with an extensive list of appendices, including an alphabetically ordered drug list, a list of drugs for pregnant animals, step-by-step instructions on drug preparation and administration, euthanasia procedures, etc.
Practical questions previously listed in the chapters are moved to the MindTap platform. Therefore the readers would need online access if they wish to test/review their learned knowledge.
The book is available in paperback version for purchase (new or used) or renting purposes.
Practical Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians
Practical Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians (2nd edition) is a textbook written by experienced veterinary technician educators Jennifer Serling (CVT, BVSc) and Kate Arnold (AAS, BS, CVT).
The book covers principles of pharmacology, drug monographs, drug calculations, and practical applications. The contents comply with AVMA accreditation standards, making the book a valuable preparation tool for VTNE.
The book is available in a spiral-bound version for purchase (new or used).
Pros
- Full-colored quality images
- Tips for Techs in each chapter
- Online learning resources
Con
- This is not the latest edition
Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs: Small and Large Animal (Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Saunders)) 4th Edition
This book is one of the top 10 best-selling veterinary pharmacology books on Amazon, and its popularity continues to resonate amongst veterinary professionals.
The book is designed to provide accurate and essential information quickly and conveniently possible for busy vets, vet techs, and veterinary nurses.
It provides evidence-based concise monographs of 550 currently-available companion animal drugs and livestock drugs in alphabetical order. Each monograph includes drug names, pharmacology, indications, instructions, monitoring, formulations, stability, and storage, dosage, regulation, and highlighted extensive notes about adverse effects and contraindications.
The new edition has 25 added drugs and removed discontinued drugs from the monographs.
But not to worry, the reference list of discontinued drugs is still available in the appendices section for those who need the information. The list even provides suggested alternatives for each of the drugs.
Additionally, the book offers access to the online resource called Companion, a website containing over 150 customizable client handouts.
It is available in Kindle version for purchase or renting and the hardcover version for purchase (new or used).
Pros
- Concise monographs of 550 drugs
- Extensive precautionary notes about adverse effects and contraindications
- Alphabetical order for quick search
- The reference list of discontinued drugs
- Over 150 client handouts
Cons
- Kindle version: Hard to navigate or search (defeats the purpose of the book)
- Limited to two types of companion animals (dogs and cats)
Handbook of Veterinary Pharmacology 1st Edition
The Handbook of Veterinary Pharmacology offers concise and updated information on pharmacology concepts and monographs of commonly used veterinary drugs. Its contents are basic yet clinically relevant to facilitate students to enhance their learning experience.
Students would likely appreciate the additional features such as a list of suggested readings, study questions, and corresponding answers (explanations) found in each chapter.
Also, the author has used numerous bullet points throughout the texts to make contents easily scannable and retrievable, which in theory is beneficial if the readers want to get a quick reference on drug information.
The book is available in Kindle version and paperback (new or used) for purchase.
Pros
- Useful appendices (withdrawal times in livestock animals, drug dosages in companion animals)
- Extensive index (facilitates quick searching)
- Suggested readings
- Study questions + answers
Cons
- Greyscale images
- Lengthy bold texts
- Difficult to read due to a narrow space between bold texts and bullet points
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook: Pocket 9th Edition
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook is the 6th best-selling book in the veterinary pharmacology category on Amazon.
This handy reference book offers the readers comprehensive monographs of both licensed (veterinary) and non-licensed (human) drugs commonly used in veterinary practice. Monographs include dosages for dogs, cats, exotic animals, and farm animals.
The book has been revised since its predecessor; therefore, you would notice updates on classic veterinary drugs and 16 new drugs added to the list.
Also, the new edition includes useful appendices such as blood products, the veterinary feed directive (VFD), extra-label drug use, and instructions for legal drug importation (for the USA).
The book comes in two sizes (5 x 8-inch pocket size or 8 ½ x 11-inch desk size) and is available in a hardcover version for purchase (new or used) or renting.
Pros
- Comprehensive monographs
- It covers a wide range of species
- Useful appendices
- Each drug information includes international labels, not only USA labels.
Con
- The information on legal drug importation and the veterinary feed directive applies only to the USA.
Small Animal Clinical Pharmacology 2nd Edition
This book covers pharmacological principles, pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions, and monographs of commonly used drugs organized based on their therapeutic uses.
The second edition added new information on drugs for cardiac conditions that were not mentioned in the predecessor.
The book is available in a hardcover version for purchase (used only).
Pros
- More colored images
- Informative
Con
- Some commonly used drugs are not covered
Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: A Complete Guide 1st ed. 2021 Edition
The potential therapeutic properties of cannabis have been the subject of research for years. Recent studies have shown promising effects that can benefit the medical management of veterinary patients.
This book offers 13 chapters that are devoted to the topic of‘ medicinal use of cannabis. It covers an overview and the principles of cannabis pharmacology, its clinical applications as veterinary medicine, types of products, recommended therapeutic dosages, and considerations supporting evidence-based studies (both animal and human studies).
All the information is based on animal and human studies, which are discussed and supported with references in each chapter.
The book is available in hardcover version or Kindle version for purchase or renting.
Pros
- Evidence-based information
- References
- Dosages available for cats, dogs, and equines
Cons
- Cannabis is generally prohibited and require an exemption to use
- Unorthodox topic
Calculations for the Veterinary Professional, Revised Edition 1st Edition
Calculations for the Veterinary Professional is a textbook-workbook combined math book for veterinary professionals and students.
This handy reference book covers the following topics with detailed texts, step-by-step computations, and related practice problems at the end of each section:
- Math principles including fractions, scientific notation, logarithm, ratios/proportions, temp, units, volume, physical chemistry, drug dose, dropper calibration, density, dilution, etc
- Compounding
- Nutrition support
- Toxicology
Appendices feature materials such as drug equations, the unit systems of measure, and conversion tables significantly helpful in everyday clinical settings.
The book is available in a paperback version for purchase (new or used).
Pros
- Focuses solely on math-related veterinary topics
- Useful appendices
- Practice questions and answers
Con
- Available only in paperback
Summing it All up!
Veterinary pharmacology is one type of knowledge that is ever-changing through the continuous advancement of veterinary medicine, which means that you will never stop learning something new regardless of your experience. Therefore, we believe any of the books mentioned above can surprise you and help you in one way or another at any given time.
Our pick is Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook: Pocket 9th Edition. We appreciate the size options of the book, the range of species it covers, and the inclusion of off-labeled (or non-veterinary) drugs. Also, it has non-USA label instructions for each drug which is very helpful for veterinary professionals that practice overseas.
