There are not many texts that can be described as having saved both the life of patient and practitioner! However I can without reservation say this little textbook has done both. Small enough to squirrel away in the glove box of the car, yet detailed enough to get you through the majority of routine bovine surgery you will be faced with in large animal practice. I used this text to study for my veterinary finals; it explains surgical approach, technique and post-operative management in a clear, concise and sensible manner and it has been a useful companion throughout my early days in large animal practice.