Study Suggestions

Suggested Study Materials

Books: Recommended Reading List

  •  Adams, R. (ed): Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 8th edition, 2001, Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA.
  •  Burrows, G.E., and Tyrl, R.J.: Toxic Plants of North America, 2001, Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA.
  •  Cheeke, P.R.: Natural Toxicants in Feeds, Forages, and Poisonous Plants, 1998, Interstate Publishers Inc., Danville, IL.
  •  Ford, M., Delaney, K., Ling, L. and Erickson, T. (eds): Clinical Toxicology, 2001, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA.
  •  Gupta, R. (ed): Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles, 2007, Academic Press (Elsevier), New York, NY.
  •  Hardman, J.G., Limbird, L.E. (eds in chief), Perry B. Molinoff, P.B., Ruddon, R.W. (eds), and Goodman A.G. (consulting ed): Goodman &  Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 11th edition, 2005, McGraw-Hill, Health Professions Division, New York, NY.
  •  Hayes, A.W. (ed): Principles and Methods of Toxicology, 5th edition, 2007, Informa Healthcare, New York, NY.
  •  Howard, J.L. (ed): Current Veterinary Therapy: Food Animal Practice, 4th edition, 1999, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA.
  •  Kirk, R.W. and/or Bonagura, J.D. (eds): Current Veterinary Therapy IX (1986), X (1989), XI (1992), XII (1995) and XIII (2000): Small  Animal Practice, W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA.
  •  Klaassen, C.D., Amdur, M.O., and Doull J.: Casarett & Doull's Toxicology - The Basic Science of Poisons, 7th edition, 2007, McGraw-Hill,  New York, NY.
  •  Knight, A.P. and Walter, R.G.: A Guide to Plant Poisoning of Animals in North America, 2002, Teton New Media, Jackson, WY.
  •  Lloyd, W.E. (ed): Safety Evaluation of Drugs and Chemicals, 1985, Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, Washington, New York, London.
  •  Murphy, M.: A Field Guide to Common Animal Poisons, 1996, Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA.
  •  Osweiler, G.D.: Toxicology, 1995, Williams and Wilkins, Media, PA.
  •  Peterson, M.E. and Talcott, P.A. (eds): Small Animal Toxicology, 2nd edition, 2005, W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA.
  •  Plumlee, Konnie H. Clinical Veterinary Toxicology, 1st ed., 2003. Elsevier Science Health Science Division. ISBN 0-323-01125-X
  •  Robinson, N.E. (ed): Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 5th edition, 2002, W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA.
  •  21 CFR 58, US Environmental Protection Agency or Food and Drug administration, Washington DC. (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_07/21cfr58_07.html)
  •  40 CFR 160, US Environmental Protection Agency or Food and Drug administration, Washington DC. (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/40cfr160_02.html)

Books: Additional Reading

  •  Krieger, R. (ed): Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology, Volumes 1 and 2, 2nd edition, 2001, Academic Press Inc., San Diego, CA.
  •  Osweiler, G.D., Carson, T.L., Buck, W.B. and VanGelder, G.A.: Clinical and Diagnostic Veterinary Toxicology, 3rd edition, 1985,  Kendall/Hunt, Dubuque, IA. [Book is no longer available for purchase and can only be found in the library.]

Journals: Last six years, except where specific volumes are noted

  •  American Journal of Veterinary Research
  •  Compendium of Continuing Education
  •  Journal of Analytical Toxicology
  •  Journal of Animal Science
  •  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
  •  Journal of AOAC International (Association of Official Analytical Chemists)
  •  Clinical Toxicology (formerly Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology)
  •  Journal of Medical Toxicology  
  •  Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health
  •  Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
  •  Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
  •  Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice - Toxicology, 2001, 17(3).
  •  Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice - Chemical Food Borne Hazards and Their Control, 1999, 15(1).
  •  Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice - Toxicology, 2000, 16(3).
  •  Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice - Toxicology, 2002, 32(2).
  •  Veterinary and Human Toxicology
  •  Veterinary Medicine
  •  Veterinary Pathology
  •  Veterinary Record

Suggested Study Methods

A planned, structured study regime is strongly recommended. Of course, study methods must be individualized to each candidates specific needs. An approach to studies for this examination might include:

Invest sufficient time and thought in developing an effective and realistic study plan. Formulate a written, master study plan, include a timetable with dates; chronologically indicate the beginning and conclusion of each area of study.

The period of preparation for the examination depends on the educational background, experience and, to a certain degree, the occupation of the candidate. Each candidate must make his/her own determination in this matter. Time should be set aside each and every day for some aspect of the study. Most find studying with other candidates advantageous.  Candidates are encouraged to contact ABVT Diplomates on any aspects of study. Listed below are some study suggestions; you will think of others:

  1. Review notes from course work. Even notes from courses which do not seem pertinent to toxicology may help with clinical signs, test methods, differential diagnosis, etc.
  2. Read journals. This is a formidable but not impossible task. Systematically review journal articles and critically read those which are pertinent. Place greater emphasis on refereed journals.
  3. Attend seminars/lectures. Toxicology sessions are included in most major conventions and topics related to toxicology can be found in several related fields.
  4. Give lectures and seminars. To teach is to learn. Many local groups might be interested in having you lecture.
  5. Publish. Most of us see at least one noteworthy case or research finding per year. This is a good learning tool.
  6. Join study groups. This system of interactive learning works well for some.
  7. Identify weak areas. Concentrate on areas of deficiency, seek help on study materials, and plan your method of review.
  8. Texts. Many excellent texts are available. Besides reference sources, they may be helpful in the organization of information.
  9. File system. Information filing systems are a necessity for us all and are highly individualized. Papers and journal articles can be filed by subject matter or filed numerically with reference to another number file box. The method simply depends on whether one wants to save time during the filing or retrieving of the information.
  10. Black book, flash cards, etc. Many find it helpful to develop a small note system for hard-core, difficult-to-remember information (such as: plant scientific names, common names, toxic principle, etc.; metabolic pathways; definitions; etc.) . Entries should be succinct. This may help with the repetition usually required to master this type of information.