Veterinary Immunology: An Introduction (Veterinary Immunology)

• Clearly explains the general principles of immunology and applied immunology.
• Includes information on the most significant immunological diseases and immunological responses seen in domestic animals.
• Presents coverage of domestic mammal species in phylogenetic order: horse-cattle-sheep-pig-dog-cat-mouse-human.
• Provides clinical examples that demonstrate key immunologic principles.
• Offers expanded and updated references for all key sources in the literature.

• Features a new appendix that provides at-a-glance access to a comprehensive list of cytokines.
• Offers expanded coverage of complement and its critical importance to innate immunity.
• Discusses the latest information on the receptors of NK cells.
• Provides additional content on antibacterial peptides and their importance in inflammation and innate immunity.
• Includes coverage of newly identified cytokines, CD molecules, and IgA receptors.
• Examines new data on the functions of T cells, the effects of nematodes on eosinophils, and the latest DNA vaccines against West Nile virus and canine melanoma.
• Offers complete information on emerging diseases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hemophagocytic syndrome, and autoimmune sarcolemmal disease in dogs, as well as common variable immunodeficiencies and immune mediated polysynovitis in horses.

Unlike standard texts, which only teach mouse and primate immunology, Tizzard's book introduces the reader to the differences found in the immune systems of various species. This makes the book valuable not only for veterinary students but for non-veterinary immunology students, who all too often get the impression that all immune systems look and work like the mouse and human systems.

While it is impossible to provide exhaustive coverage of all topics in a limited scope, Tizzard does a fine job of selecting and highlighting the most important findings and concepts in each area. Numerous illustrations aid in making difficult concepts clear and easy to grasp. He also provides bibliographies for each chapter which allow the reader to pursue more in depth studies.

As with his earlier books Tizzard has again made a worthy contribution to the teaching of immunology. It is certainly to be hoped that this textbook will be widely used not only to teach immunology but also to give students an awareness and appreciation of the many ways in which different species have evolved and specialized their immune systems.


Good introduction to immunology   March 31, 2000
R.Powell (Texas)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Tizard does a good job of explaining the immune system for vet students and producers. If you need to begin learning about this subject, this is a good place to start.