This textbook would also serve as a reference and handbook for veterinary technicians in clinical practice. The total number of licensed practicing veterinary technicians is 60,000. Approximately two-thirds of these technicians are required by their states to take continuing education coursework to maintain their licenses. These technicians usually take their continuing education courses through veterinary technology programs or, less often, at colleges of veterinary medicine, or annual regional and national meetings of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The total number of veterinary technicians taking continuing education coursework, for which this book is likely to be a component in any one year, is more than 32,000. Over a 4.5 year period, the total population of veterinary technicians required to purchase this book would, at a maximum, be 144,000.