When it comes to using books to study we would advise you to have a look at the books in the library and maybe loan it from the library first. Textbooks can be expensive, so you want to make sure you are going to use it before you spend a lot of money!
Anatomy Books/aids:
Guide to the Dissection of the Dog: By Howard E. Evans and Alexander de La Hunter.
This book will be invaluable to you when learning your anatomy in first and second year. There are usually copies available in the library but due to popular demand and ongoing need for this book it is advised to purchase your own copy. It has very clear diagrams and works through the body systems in a sensible manner. This book is particularly useful when learning bone and muscle anatomy.
Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy: By Keith M. Dyce.
This anatomy textbook proves useful when looking at other species as well as the dog. It has chapters for all the core species.
Veterinary Anatomy Flash Cards: By Saunders.
These flashcards are an excellent revision tool to use alongside other anatomy books. The latest edition also includes anatomy of exotic species. This will be very useful when you cover exotic species in second year.
Veterinary Anatomy Colouring Book: By Saunders.
This book has all the images from ‘dissection of the dog’ and many more to colour in and help to learn your anatomy. This may not be for everyone, but if visual aids help your learning, this might be worth looking at.
Histology Books:
Colour Atlas of Veterinary Histology: By William J. Bacha Jr and Linda M. Bacha.
Some students find histology textbooks more useful than others. It really depends on what works for you. This book works through histology in systems and can be a useful guide alongside your lecture and practical notes.
Wheater’s Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas: By Barbara Young.
This is a human histology book but a lot of the principles are transferable to veterinary medicine. As well as colour images, there are diagrams which are clearly labelled.
Physiology Books:
Cunningham’s Textbook of Veterinary Physiology: By Bradley G. Klein.
This book covers all the body systems in detail and can be a useful addition to lecture materials. This book would be relevant through all your studies, but especially helpful in first and second year.
Parasitology books:
Veterinary Parasitology: by James Armour and J. L. Duncan.
This book is readily available in the library and is very helpful when looking for a concise overview of a particular parasite. It clearly depicts life cycles with diagrams making them easier to understand.
Animal Husbandry:
Animal Nutrition: By Peter McDonald and J.F.D Greenhalgh.
This book can be very useful for reinforcing your knowledge of animal nutrition. It covers all aspects of feeding livestock and is an excellent resource to be used alongside lecture notes.
It is worth noting that even if you can’t find these books in the library you may be able to reserve a copy for when someone else returns it or if the library doesn’t have a specific book your looking for, speak to the library staff and they may be able to order a copy.
This list isn’t exhaustive! There are plenty of textbooks out there. Everyone prefers different textbooks and some don’t get on with them at all. Our advice is try before you buy!
Informative Websites
When using the internet to study ensure your source is reliable. Forums and opinion based articles are often not as reliable as information published by Journals or institutions.
Wikivet - has been created by the veterinary profession with the aim of assisting students with their learning. You will need to register to be able to use this website, however this is free!
International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) – once again you must register to be able to access this site, this is free for vet students. It is the largest veterinary library on the internet with over 1,673 book chapters available!
IVALA Learn- A 3D interactive veterinary anatomy tool, which allows you to explore the diagrams, select different muscles/nerves/bones and hide certain ones too. It is great to use alongside DIVA, which shows you pictures of the real thing. You will need to register with the VIN (Veterinary Information Network) and login but access is free for veterinary students.
Self-test websites and resources A great way of revising and studying is by using a variety of resources and methods! You may have to try a few different methods before you find one that works well for you. Everyone is different when it comes to learning!
Wikivet - Not only is Wikivet a brilliant website for accessing reliable information it also has quizzes, flashcards, podcasts and videos which can be brilliant tools for studying.
Peerwise – This resource is fantastic for practicing multiple choice questions. You can create your own questions and share them with fellow students using the site and practice others that have already been created. The questions are sorted into categories and topics so whatever you feel you need to brush up on is easy to find. Details on how to log on to this site can be found on your Vital page.
Aperio – this resource is an excellent histology aid. Here almost all the slides you will have studied in practical histology classes are stored digitally for you to access in your own time. This proves extremely helpful when you wish you revise alongside practical handouts. You can look at the slides in all the different magnifications. Details to login to Aperio can be found on Vital with relevant information for your year group.
DIVA Guides– These can be found through the Things You Might Find Useful (TYMFU) vet page. You will need to use a login which once again can be found on Vital. These guides go hand in hand with the dissections you will complete throughout your time at vet school. They are interactive and an extremely helpful revision tool!
Quizlet – This isn’t specifically a vet based website but is free to sign up. Here you can turn your notes into revision activities, including flashcards, games and quizzes.