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Veterinary Specialty Boards Reading Lists

ACVIM Small Animal Reading List

This is only a convenience copy of the ACVIM reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries. It does not replace the official ACVIM reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest reading list.

ACVIM - Small Animal 

The list of suggested reference materials below is meant to guide Candidates in preparing for the Specialty Examination. This list of journals and textbooks is not all-inclusive and does not exclude the possible use of additional sources not specifically listed in this reference guide, such as seminal articles published prior to the date range provided in this document. It represents a body of knowledge that a minimally qualified Board-certified veterinary small animal internist is expected to know. While the most up to date publications may not be present on this list, as a best practice residents should have exposure to current literature as an ongoing part of their residency training programs. Specific recommendations for preparation cannot be made beyond the clinical training gained from participation in a residency program.

Note: When more than one edition is available, reference the most current edition, but earlier editions are often current enough with respect to core concepts.

(Source: 2024 ACVIM SAIM Reading List)

Either of the following textbooks in Physiology:

Either of the following two textbooks in Clinical Pathology:

Any of the following three textbooks in Immunology:

Any of the following three textbooks in Neurology:

Any of the following textbooks in Cardiology:

Either of the following textbooks on Infectious Diseases:

Updated 11/07/2022
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVIM reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVIM reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVIM reading list.  

 

"Question material that clearly addresses the diagnosis or management of diseases routinely encountered by small animal internal medicine specialists may be drawn from articles published in the official journals of other specialty colleges, as well as (very occasionally) from the human medical literature. The committee suggests, however, that you limit your review of the human literature to two areas:

  • General concepts in physiology/pathophysiology, and
  • Major review articles found in the New England Journal of Medicine. Material unique to human medicine will not be used."

Articles relevant to small animal internal medicine, July 2018 - June 2023

*The large majority of literature based test items will be drawn from the first 6 journals listed below.

Particularly pertinent and important articles from the following may be used for exam topics:

Updated 03/13/2024