Small Animal MRI by Patrick R. Gavin

The book fell apart the first time I opened it. Every time I open or turn a page more pages just fall out. Treated very gingerly and opened on table lightly, but pages are just very lightly attached; horrible binding. The content may be good, but doesn't matter; it is not useful as a functional reference on a daily or weekly basis as the pages just keep falling out. Do not spend money on this unless/until the binding issue is resolved.

Practical Small Animals MRI is the seminal reference for clinicians using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary patients. Although MRI is used most frequently in the diagnosis of neurologic disorders, it also has significant application to other body systems. This book covers normal anatomy and specific clinical conditions of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, abdomen, thorax, and head and neck. It also contains several chapters on disease of the brain and spine, including inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and vascular diseases, alongside congenital and degenerative disorders.

“The two authors, a radiologist and a neurologist, supported by two other contributors, each have over 20 years’ experience in MRI contrast agent, and this is borne out by the huge amount of information and images presented.” (Veterinary Record, May 2010)

“A fascinating insight into the field; the text is well-written and extremely detailed…. invaluable as an introduction to principles of the physics of MRI and the challenges of producing diagnostic images without artifacts, and as a reference for use in clinical situations.” (Veterinary Practice, April 2010)

“The extensive experience of the authors combined with a comprehensive review of the literature published on small animal MRI imaging make this the most comprehensive text on this subject…. the image quality is excellent.” (VCOT, 2009)
Practical Small Animal MRI is the seminal reference for clinicians using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary patients. Although MRI is used most frequently in the diagnosis of neurologic disorders, it also has significant application to other body systems. This book covers normal anatomy and specific clinical conditions of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, abdomen, thorax, and head and neck.

Practical Small Animal MRI provides extensive coverage of the nervous system, with several chapters on diseases of the brain and spine, including inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, and vascular diseases, alongside congenital and degenerative disorders. Specific chapters also cover orthopedic conditions and other diseases of the head and neck, including nasal cavity and optic region, as well as abdominal and thoracic examinations. Introductory chapters provide basic information on the physics of magnetic resonance imaging and equipment selection. With more than 1,000 images, Practical Small Animal MRI is a must-have resource for veterinary radiologists, neurologists, surgeons, oncologists, internists, and all veterinarians using MR imaging in small animals.

First specialist reference devoted solely to the practical use of MRI
Coverage of normal anatomy and specific clinical conditions of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, abdomen, thorax, and head and neck
Introductory chapters provide basic information on the physics of magnetic resonance imaging and equipment selection
More than 1,000 images

I purchased the book for my boyfriend as a gift. He’s an MRI tech/Vet tech for a veterinary neurology practice. He really enjoys the book and says that it is exactly what he needed. He thinks the content is well written and has helped him with MRI scanning. His only complaint is that in three months the book is falling apart. This isn’t a book that gets throw around or misused. Half of the neurology chapter has fallen out of the book along with some other pages. Considering the cost of the book this is very surprising. At this rate this book may not last a year. Not sure if it’s just his copy or if others have had the same experience. Unfortunately, because of this experience I can not recommend getting the hardcover version of this book.