Clinical atlas of small animal cytology and hematology (2nd ed.) by AGBurton (Ed.), Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley‐Blackwell. 2024. <scp>ISBN</scp>: 978‐1119985624. $114

The second edition of Clinical Atlas of Small Animal Cytology and Hematology by Andrew G. Burton, published 6 years after the first edition, is an exceptional collection of photomicrographs meticulously gathered by the author over many years of diagnostic work and accompanied by insightful explanatory text. The textbook is intended for veterinarians of varying expertise, though not beginners, from general practitioners and residents to clinical pathologists who routinely examine cytological samples under the microscope and seek a valuable visual aid. The textbook is divided into 20 chapters, each focusing on a specific organ or system. For the first time, it includes a hematology section, which represents a major upgrade from the first edition. Adequate coverage is provided for all areas, with particular emphasis on cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, which constitute the most extensive chapter with over 80 photomicrographs and have significantly increased compared with the previous edition. Unlike other publications available on the market, this book also features a brief section dedicated to bone marrow cytology. The book provides extensive coverage of most pathologic entities, though the oral cavity is notably underrepresented. While cytologic samples from this area can often be unrewarding and hypocellular/hemodiluted, including conditions such as oral amelanotic melanomas, odontogenic tumors, and lingual tumors would have added significant value. Additionally, while common histiocytic diseases like cutaneous histiocytoma and histiocytic sarcoma are well-covered, some less common forms, such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis, feline progressive histiocytosis, and feline pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, are not addressed. Each chapter is organized in a highly schematic manner, covering the normal cytologic findings, and inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. For each of these, cytologic features, clinical considerations, and prognosis sections are presented. The text is concise, as expected for an atlas, and frequently employs bullet points, making it a useful reference book and facilitating its use during diagnostic work. A section on differential diagnoses is inconsistently included throughout the textbook; extending this feature to cover all lesions would be highly beneficial and enhance the book's utility. Photomicrographs are undoubtedly the strongest feature of this book. Their quality is exceptional, with no current rivals in the market, giving the impression that the cells have been delicately placed on the white pages, offering a visual delight for any enthusiastic clinical pathologist. There is also space for a few images of special stains. This aspect could be further enhanced by including additional pictures and providing brief information to guide the reader in making accurate choices and interpretations. As mentioned above, the primary difference between this edition and the first is the inclusion of a dedicated hematology section. This section is quite extensive, spanning approximately 100 pages across five chapters (16–20). It provides a detailed yet concise and comprehensive description of major morphologic changes affecting red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, and other elements, particularly focusing on infectious agents. Notably, the section on the approach to blood smear evaluation and the information on ancillary hematologic procedures—such as the saline agglutination test, buffy coat analysis, and manual reticulocyte count—are particularly appreciated. While the textbook offers limited interpretation of hematologic changes (e.g., anemia and thrombocytopenia), this is not its primary focus. The cytology chapters (1–15) have been updated with additional cytology images and new cytologic entities (eg, clitoral adenocarcinoma and feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia), but these updates are relatively limited. Overall, this textbook is an excellent atlas that will greatly aid diagnostic work. It is particularly recommended for those who have not yet acquired the first edition or who seek a comprehensive visual resource encompassing both cytology and the microscopic aspects of hematology.