210 P. Kerkhofs et al.
/ The Veterinary Journal 167 (2004) 208–210
Stott, E.J., Taylor, G., 1985. Respiratory syncytial virus. Brief review.
Archives of Virology 84, 1–52.
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tory syncytial virus. Veterinary Science Communications. 1, 179–189.
Wellemans, G., Leunen, 1975. Le virus respiratoire syncytial et les
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119, 359–369.
Book review
Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine: Science and
Tradition. S.G. Wynn and S. Marsden (Eds.), St.Louis,
Mosby, 2003. 740pp. £29.99 (soft) ISBN 0323013546.
In the Introduction to the Manual of Natural Veterinary
Medicine, the authors state that it is written Ôabout a new
fieldÕ called Ôintegrative medicineÕ, where elements of
complimentary medicine are selectively incorporated into
Ôsolidly orthodox methods of diagnosis and treatmentÕ.
This philosophy of integration finds support in the Fore-
ward to the book, which is written by a veterinary clinician
and educator who has had thirty-four years experience in
the profession. In noting the many changes that have taken
place in this period the belief is expressed that the move-
ment will have a very profound effect on the future de-
velopment of veterinary medicine. Certainly, most of us
who entered the profession in the 1960s had little, if any
contact with alternative medicine and would have been
considered eccentric, at least by colleagues, if one had. It
was a subject not mentioned or even mentionable. Thirty
years later the picture has totally changed. Practitioners in
alternative and complimentary medicine now frequently
work alongside clinicians practicing ÔorthodoxÕ medicine
and more appear to be drawn to the subject. It is clear there
is an increasing public interest and demand for alternative
human and veterinary therapies fuelled by greater access
to information through websites and published work.
The book is a well-presented soft back manual of 740
pages and is astutely introduced by the two authors,
both DVMs with extensive qualifications and experience
in alternative medicine disciplines. In the Introduction
they pre-empt a number of questions likely to be asked
by a reader by indicating their parameters of explana-
tion. There are inconsistencies in referencing which the
authors point out and explain the reason is because of
the difficulties in accessing foreign journals and getting
translations, but they are included to remind readers the
Ôbody of knowledgeÕ that is available.
The bookÕs contents are separated into three sections.
First, comes ÔThe fundamentals of Chinese MedicineÕ
doi:10.1016/S1090-0233(03)00050-9
West, K., Ellis, J., 1997. Functional analysis of antibody responses of
feedlot cattle to Brsv following vaccination with mixed vaccines.
Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research 61, 28–33.
Weynants, V., Godfroid, J., Limbourg, B., Saegerman, C., Letesson,
J.J., 1995. Specific bovine brucellosis diagnosis based on in vitro
antigen-specific gamma interferon production. Journal of Clinical
Microbiology 33, 706–712.
covering technical evaluation with an holistic approach
in viewing medical problems in the metaphoric terms of
Chinese medicine models of physiology and pathology.
Next, ÔClinical Strategies by Organ SystemsÕ, which is
approached in two main ways: (a) alternative options
with a conventional basis in which popular alternative
treatments are used and where evidence exists for their
use; (b) paradigmatic options, which refer to treatments
of historical use whether or not there are supportive data.
These options may be homeopathy, acupuncture, dietary
or herbal treatments. The authors conclude each treat-
ment with a paragraph titled ÔAuthorÕs ChoicesÕ and,
when considered necessary, a ÔCautionÕ if side effects or
contra-indications are possible. Eighteen Case Reports
are included of typical problems met in a clinical prac-
tice. The concluding third section is the Appendix, which
reviews diet, herbal dosages and acupuncture points.
This book will stand on its own merits as a Manual (as
titled) to those practicing Ôalternative medicineÕ because it
is a fund of information and an easily accessed source of
reference for those who already have a knowledge of
Chinese medicine and acupuncture. It is possibly too
advanced as a textbook (as described by the authors) for
students, who are finding their way in the subject.
To those who harbour doubts or feel sceptical, I would
still recommend this book as one to read. It gives a good
insight into the philosophy of the protagonists of Ôinte-
grative medicineÕ and the regimes recommended. It would
make a useful addition to the orthodox textbook and
manuals that are on any practitionerÕs library shelves.
P.D. Fry
Fen Drayton
25 Lansdowne Road
Worthing, West Sussex
BN11 4NA, UK
Tel.: +44-1903-210261; fax: +44-1903-201212
E-mail address: Frytrig@aol.com
Accepted 8 February 2003