The Contents shows the title of each section of the Manual in alphabetical order.

Each section has its own Table of Contents that lists chapter and subchapter titles in that section.

Cross-references, inserted as links, are found throughout the text to enable the reader to quickly find discussions of related material elsewhere on the site.

A number of abbreviations and symbols used routinely throughout the text are defined in a list under About The Merck Veterinary Manual. Other abbreviations used in the text are defined at their first use.

Generic (nonproprietary) names of drugs are used in most instances.

The first half of the Manual is arranged into anatomic systems, and specific conditions are located in the system that is primarily affected. Conditions that may affect more than one system are covered in the section Generalized Conditions (GEN). The second half of the Manual covers special topics or disciplines.

The authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher have made extensive efforts to ensure that treatments, drugs, dosage regimens, and withdrawal times are accurate and conform to the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, constant changes in information resulting from continuing research and clinical experience, reasonable differences in opinions among authorities, unique aspects of individual clinical situations, and the possibility of human error in preparing such an extensive text require that the reader exercise individual judgment when making a clinical decision and, if necessary, consult and compare information from other sources. In particular, the reader is advised to check the product information currently provided by the manufacturer of each drug before prescribing or administering it, especially if the drug is unfamiliar or is used infrequently. Many of the drug dosages given are considered extra-label usages, which require a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

Last full review/revision May 2012