The Practical Clinical Epidemiology for the Veterinarian places epidemiological concepts within the framework of daily clinical practice. The detailed coverage of the fundamental principles of epidemiology is supported by examples from published articles in scientific journals, showcasing the relevance of the topic to the veterinarian's practice.

The book, predominantly practical, demonstrates the application of epidemiology to real problems encountered in veterinary clinics for both small and large animals. It employs an accessible approach and provides comprehensive and clear information, accompanied by graphs, flowcharts, and tables that illustrate the topics being described. With numerous examples focusing on companion animal medicine, the Practical Clinical Epidemiology for the Veterinarian is a handy resource for professionals and students.

Aurora Villarroel, DVM, MVPM, PhD, DACVPM, served as an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine of the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Oregon. She taught epidemiology for 12 years in the veterinary schools of UC Davis, Colorado State University, and Oregon State University in the U.S., and currently acts as a Consultant at Athyr Vet, LLC, U.S.A.

Contents

Foreword xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Foreword of the Greek edition xv

1. Description of health and disease 1

Definition of an incident 1

Types of counts 6

2. Basic concepts of epidemiology 21

Outcome 21

Risk factor 22

Unit of analysis 24

Variables 25

Control groups 36

Sample size and p-value 37

Error and bias 39

Confidence interval 40

Bias 43

Confounding 45

Interaction 45

3. Evidence-based veterinary practice 48

Research work evaluation 54

Presentation of data in the results chapter 58

Interpretation of results 63

4. Types of studies 68

Retrospective studies 69

Cross-sectional studies 75

Prospective studies 76

Clinical trials 78

Sampling strategies 80

5. Causation versus correlation 84

Hill's criteria for determining causation 85

Measures of association 89

6. Diagnostic tests 102

Quality of the test 103

Test performance 108

Screening 115

7. Investigation of outbreaks 118

Definitions 118

Steps in outbreak investigation 119

Glossary 129

Types 135

Conclusion 138

References 139

Index 144