Read more
Gorilla Pathology and Health: With a Catalogue of Preserved Materials consists of two cross-referenced parts. The first, the book itself, is a review of pathological changes and tissue responses in gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla and G. beringei ), with an emphasis on free-living animals, but also with reference to those in captivity. The comparative aspects are discussed, stressing the relevance of research to both gorillas and humans. What makes the publication truly unique, however, is the second part, a comprehensive descriptive catalogue of the location and nature of gorilla material in museums and scientific institutions throughout the world. This is of great consequence because free-living gorillas are strictly conserved with restricted access, so the location of a wealth of preserved tissues and other material that has been collected over the decades is a great benefit for research and study.
This book can, and should, be used to gain cardinal knowledge regarding the biology and pathology of this genus. The combination of book and catalogue in this extensive compilation makes it an invaluable tool for all those concerned with the health, welfare, and conservation of gorillas, one of our nearest living relatives.
Brings together studies, data, and clinical practice from difficult-to-access or obscure journals and NGO reports, in different languages, for all interested parties and practitioners
Provides perspectives on existing research in gorilla pathology, both for those studying conservation practices and those seeking an understanding of comparable diseases in humans
Includes illustrative figures on gross and microscopic pathological changes, museum specimens, photos of field necropsy and techniques, and examples of laboratory tests
Features an extensive list of references and further reading, in different languages
Incorporates a comprehensive, descriptive catalogue of gorilla material from around the world
List of contents
Part I: Gorilla Pathology and Health 1. The Genus Gorilla - Morphology, Anatomy and the Path to Pathology 2. The Growth of Studies on Primate Pathology 3. Infectious Disease and Host Responses 4. Noninfectious Disease and Host Responses 5. Methods of Investigation - Observation, Clinical Examination and Health Monitoring 6. Methods of Investigation - Postmortem Examination 7. Methods of Investigation - Sampling and Laboratory Tests 8. Nonspecific Pathology 9. Skin and Integument 10. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems 11. Alimentary Tract and Associated Organs 12. Lymphoreticular and Haemopoietic Systems and Allergic Conditions 13. Urinary and Reproductive Systems 14. Musculoskeletal System 15. Nervous System and Special Senses 16. Endocrinological and Associated Conditions 17. Field Studies in Pathology and Health Monitoring 18. Legal Considerations 19. Pathology, Health and Conservation - The Way Forward
Part II: A Catalogue of Preserved Materials 20. Introduction to the Catalogue 21. Catalogue of Preserved Gorilla Materials
About the author
Professor Cooper has been associated with the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at University of Kent, UK, since its inception and is now an honorary, visiting, member of its staff. He has lived and worked for nearly twenty years in Africa, Arabia and the Caribbean. In 2009 Professor Cooper returned to Britain after almost seven years as Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad. He is primarily involved in teaching, diagnostic pathology, comparative medicine, and the veterinary care of wildlife and "exotic" species. With his wife, a lawyer, he teaches at universities in the UK, East Africa and elsewhere overseas and is active in forensic work and consultancies. Professor Cooper is an author/editor of many books and papers.Gordon Hull is an amateur naturalist with a keen interest in primates and certain other mammals. He has specialised in the study of gorillas over many years, during which time he has amassed a great deal of technical and historical information about specimens in zoos, museums, and other institutions throughout the world.
Report
"For veterinarians, and, in particular, veterinary pathologists, it gives an impression about special requirements when working with gorillas under field conditions. As a reference source, the catalogue may be the most-comprehensive data collection on gorilla material in the wild." --Journal of Wildlife Diseases
"This impressive resource has been compiled by John Cooper and Gordon Hull over the course of many years and not only are specimens listed, their collection and/or acquisition data are also reported...also offered suggestions for use of specimens in collections as well as guidance on the different types of preservation available and how they can be achieved. This only forms part of the book, with the first section more concerned with the health and conservation of these impressive animals." -- Natural Sciences Collection Association blog
"...a monumental achievement.an absolutely indispensible source for all medical and veterinary practitioners working with gorillas, both in the wild and in zoos." -- Gorilla Journal
