Preface

Understanding veterinary anatomy and physiology is an essential part of animal medicine and welfare. This book contains both literature reviews and recent research into topics ranging from cardiovascular medicine through to conservation of species such as the horse, dog, cow, chicken, and reptiles. As editors we are both practicing anatomy and physiology researchers and teachers and therefore we have strived to ensure that every chapter is accessible to everyone. Whether you are a veterinary professional, student, researcher, animal owner, or simply have an interest in veterinary anatomy and physiology, we hope you will find a number of interesting chapters in this book.

The chapter "Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology" covers a brief history and background of veterinary anatomy and physiology from the past up until the present day. This book is part of IntechOpen's *Women in Science Book Collection*; therefore, there is also an introduction on the roles and present standing of women in veterinary medicine, anatomy, and physiology. The next section covers the hoof and musculoskeletal system and contains chapters on "The Anatomy, Histology and Physiology of the Healthy and Lame Equine Hoof " and "Macroscopic, Radiographic and Histopathologic Changes of Claws with Laminitis-related Disorders in Zero-Grazed Dairy Cows." Both chapters highlight the latest research and techniques used to further understand the hoof and disorders affecting horses and cows, which are of vital importance to animal health.

In the cardiorespiratory and reproductive systems section, three chapters cover "Myocardial Metabolism," "Anatomy, Histology and Physiology of the Canine Prostate Gland," and "Health Limitations and Ethno-veterinary Practices of Small Scale and Backyard Chicken Production in Some Selected Regions of Ethiopia." Much is published about intensive farming and large-scale production, but understanding smaller farming techniques and practices is vital in a world where many rely on this as a food source.

The final section covers exotics, wildlife, and conservation. Two chapters explore "Veterinarian's Role in Conservation Medicine and Animal Welfare," an increasingly important area of research in our changing world, and "Reptilian Skin and Its Special Histological Structures," an area that has fewer publications but is important not only in understanding wildlife but also because the popularity of reptiles as companion animals has increased dramatically over the decades.

The chapter contributors are experts in their field from across the world and have used a number of graphics throughout to illustrate their work. The latest microcomputed

**II**

**Section 4**

Exotics Wildlife and Conservation **117**

**Chapter 7 119**

**Chapter 8 135**

Veterinarian's Role in Conservation Medicine and Animal Welfare *by Diana Raquel Neves Fernandes and Maria de Lurdes Ribeiro Pinto*

Reptilian Skin and Its Special Histological Structures *by Catrin Sian Rutland, Pia Cigler and Valentina Kubale* tomography, histological techniques, X-rays, photographs, and schematics are used to help describe the features discussed.

> **Dr. Catrin Sian Rutland** University of Nottingham, UK

**Dr. Valentina Kubale** University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

**1**

Section 1

Introduction to Veterinary

Anatomy and Physiology
