Gorilla Pathology and Health: With a Catalogue of Preserved Materials consists of two cross-referenced parts. The first, the book itself, is a review of pathological changes and tissue responses in gorillas (Gorilla gorilla and G. beringei), with an emphasis on free-living animals, but also with reference to those in captivity. The comparative aspects are discussed, stressing the relevance of research to both gorillas and humans. What makes the publication truly unique, however, is the second part, a comprehensive descriptive catalogue of the location and nature of gorilla material in museums and scientific institutions throughout the world. This is of great consequence because free-living gorillas are strictly conserved with restricted access, so the location of a wealth of preserved tissues and other material that has been collected over the decades is a great benefit for research and study.
This book can, and should, be used to gain cardinal knowledge regarding the biology and pathology of this genus. The combination of book and catalogue in this extensive compilation makes it an invaluable tool for all those concerned with the health, welfare, and conservation of gorillas, one of our nearest living relatives.
Part I: Gorilla Pathology and Health1. The Genus Gorilla – Morphology, Anatomy and the Path to Pathology2. The Growth of Studies on Primate Pathology3. Infectious Disease and Host Responses4. Noninfectious Disease and Host Responses5. Methods of Investigation – Observation, Clinical Examination and Health Monitoring6. Methods of Investigation – Postmortem Examination7. Methods of Investigation – Sampling and Laboratory Tests8. Nonspecific Pathology9. Skin and Integument10. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems11. Alimentary Tract and Associated Organs12. Lymphoreticular and Haemopoietic Systems and Allergic Conditions13. Urinary and Reproductive Systems14. Musculoskeletal System15. Nervous System and Special Senses16. Endocrinological and Associated Conditions17. Field Studies in Pathology and Health Monitoring18. Legal Considerations19. Pathology, Health and Conservation – The Way Forward Part II: A Catalogue of Preserved Materials20. Introduction to the Catalogue21. Catalogue of Preserved Gorilla Materials
"Professor Cooper has been associated with the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at University of Kent, UK, since its inception and is now an honorary, visiting, member of its staff. He has lived and worked for nearly twenty years in Africa, Arabia and the Caribbean. In 2009 Professor Cooper returned to Britain after almost seven years as Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad. He is primarily involved in teaching, diagnostic pathology, comparative medicine, and the veterinary care of wildlife and ""exotic"" species. With his wife, a lawyer, he teaches at universities in the UK, East Africa and elsewhere overseas and is active in forensic work and consultancies. Professor Cooper is an author/editor of many books and papers. Gordon Hull is an amateur naturalist with a keen interest in primates and certain other mammals. He has specialised in the study of gorillas over many years, during which time he has amassed a great deal of technical and historical information about specimens in zoos, museums, and other institutions throughout the world."
Reviews for Gorilla Pathology and Health: With a Catalogue of Preserved Materials
For veterinarians, and, in particular, veterinary pathologists, it gives an impression about special requirements when working with gorillas under field conditions. As a reference source, the catalogue may be the most-comprehensive data collection on gorilla material in the wild. --Journal of Wildlife Diseases This impressive resource has been compiled by John Cooper and Gordon Hull over the course of many years and not only are specimens listed, their collection and/or acquisition data are also reported...also offered suggestions for use of specimens in collections as well as guidance on the different types of preservation available and how they can be achieved. This only forms part of the book, with the first section more concerned with the health and conservation of these impressive animals. --Natural Sciences Collection Association blog ...a monumental achievement...an absolutely indispensible source for all medical and veterinary practitioners working with gorillas, both in the wild and in zoos. --Gorilla Journal