Book Review of ER VETS: LIFE IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY ROOM

Bibliography:

Jackson, Donna M. 2005. ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618436634


Summary:

ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room provides readers with a behind-the-scenes view of the field of animal emergency treatment. Donna Jackson uses the staff at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University to reveal the type of work performed by ER vets. Actual cases are shown as well as interviews with ER vets and technicians. In addition, the author provides information on determining a pet emergency, a brief history of vets, dealing with the death of a pet, and how to create a pet first aid kit.


Critical Analysis:

Donna Jackson’s ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room presents a behind the scenes view of an animal hospital. Readers are initially drawn to this book by the title, the cover, and the subject matter. Who doesn’t love a puppy or a kitten? So, the fact that this book is about animal care intrigues them. It doesn’t hurt that the cover features a close-up picture of 2 month-old “Griz”, a Chihuahua with an IV attached to her. The look on this puppy’s face begs you to pick up the book and look at it. And, once you begin reading, you are captured by the author’s simple, informative style of writing; the inclusion of actual cases; and the wonderful assortment of photographs. This combination works to convey the “drama and excitement of life in an animal emergency room” (front flap of book).

ER Vets conveys a wide variety of information to its readers. Not only, do readers learn how animal emergency rooms operate, but they also read a brief history of veterinarians and pets; learn about recent advancements in the treatment of animals; learn how to detect an animal emergency; learn how to deal with the death of a pet; and learn how to create a pet first-aid kit. Jackson presents each topic in simple, conversational style that is easy to understand. Even when she writes about a medical procedure she explains it in terms that anyone can understand. For instance, when relating information about gastric dilatation-volvulus, she writes: “a life-threatening condition . . . more commonly known as GDV or ‘bloat’. Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach swells several times its normal size - usually from swallowed air - and then flips and twists in place up to 360 degrees.” It is easy to visualize what Jackson is describing. Her ability to write about technical medical terms and procedures in a simple manner enables readers to understand the information presented. And, the fact that she includes fascinating facts and stories, increases their interest in the topic. For instance, when discussing the history of pets, she informs readers that “during the Middle Ages, officials arrested some animals and put them on trial for crimes ranging from harassing sheep to murder” (page 31). The inclusion of statements such as this pique reader’s interest and prompts them to continue to read to see what other interesting facts they will uncover.

Another method employed by the author to maintain reader interest is alternating factual information with actual case stories to reinforce the information presented in the book. After describing a typical day in the ER and discussing the roles of vets and technicians, Jackson tells the story of Shelley, a dog who was hit by a car. This story describes the steps taken by the vets and technicians to save Shelley. Through it, readers can “see” the doctors in action, and they are better able to visualize what it would be like to be a vet. The inclusion of pictures documenting Shelley’s treatment and recovery puts a face with the name and allows readers to connect with the patient. Thus, readers empathize with the Chaknova family when they learn that Shelley is at the hospital “in rough shape” (page 46) and cheer when the dog recovers and returns to “chasing rabbits and birds again” (page 54). Jackson allows readers to experience both happy and sad cases in order to mirror the realities of working in an ER. The case of the python Lucy that dies allows the author to reveal the compassion vets must show for pet owners and provides the perfect segue in to the section on grieving the death of a pet. By providing examples of both the highs and lows of being an ER vet, Jackson allows readers a glimpse into the realities of this profession in a compelling and informative manner.

As mentioned previously, pictures play a big role in ER Vets. Jackson has included photographs on just about every page. These pictures depict animals that are visiting the ER for treatment, those that are recovering at the hospital, and those that have returned home. The pictures focus on the animals although several depict vets and technicians doing their work. Each picture is accompanied by a sidebar providing additional information about the animal or what is taking place. The pictures are wonderful, capturing the frailty of a newborn foal; the suffering of a German Shepard who is being treated for bloat; and the look of trust that a Golden Retriever gives the camera as he “holds” his toy. The images tug at your heart and make you cry and laugh. In a fitting tribute to the hard work of the ER staff, the end pages are filled with picture thank you cards from former patients. One in particular reminds you just how important pets are to people. This card states: “cost of x-rays . . . $200.00; cost of IV . . . $300.00; cost of oxygen . . . $125.00/day; cost of care . . . $200.00/day; cost of getting Buster back . . . Priceless!” (end page of book). From cover to cover, the pictures in ER Vets help to portray what it takes to be a veterinarian.

Donna Jackson’s writing style, use of actual cases, and inclusion of attention grabbing photographs combine to bring an animal emergency room to life. The accurate portrayal of the hard work and dedication involved in treating animals is eye-opening. ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room will be enjoyed by animal lovers everywhere. If it doesn’t inspire children to become veterinarians, it will at least provide them with information on how to identify a pet emergency and toxic food for pets and how to prepare a pet first aid kit. Since pets are such a big part of many family’s lives, this is valuable information to know.


Review Excerpts:

NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book Award, 2006

Horn Book Guide (April 2006) - “A bright, colorful design and "aww"-inspiring photos enhance this exploration of the workings of a veterinary emergency room. Profiles of the doctors, vet techs, and grief counselors alternate with case studies of stricken animals, a history of veterinary medicine, and commonsense tips on pet health. Short chapters keep the pace moving; sidebars offer tidbits of additional information.”

School Library Journal (January 2006) - “With plentiful, excellent-quality photographs, this highly visual book offers a behind-the-scenes look at an emergency animal hospital in Colorado. . . Well-researched and well-written, ER Vets is an engaging book on a hot topic.”

Booklist (November 2005) - “A veteran nonfiction author as well as a pet owner, Jackson doesn't sidestep the emotional and physical demands of working in an emergency clinic, but her sensitive, behind-the-scenes look at emergency care also clearly shows the rewards of the profession and the bonds between owner and pet. . . Still, Jackson gives both pets and their caregivers their due, and numerous, excellent photos, including a look at a surgery in progress, make this not only intriguing browsing material but also an honest initiation to a worthwhile career. A list of items for a pet first-aid kit is appended.”


Connections:

Use this book in a unit on careers to introduce the field of veterinary medicine. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of being an ER vet - long hours, stress of making a quick decision, saving pets, losing pets, etc.


Read other books about veterinarians:

Hutchings, Amy. PETS AT THE VET. ISBN 0531168115

Lowenstein, Felicia. WHAT DOES A VETERINARIAN DO? ISBN 0766023222

Minden, Cecilia. VETERINARIANS. ISBN 1592965717

Parks, Peggy J. VETERINARIAN. ISBN 0737720689


Invite a veterinarian to visit the library or classroom to discuss the profession, the education required, etc.


Creative writing assignment - Ask students, “If you could be a pet, what kind of pet would you be?” Then have the students write a story from the pet’s view point. What would be the most frustrating part of being a pet? What would be the most fun?


Math Work - Take a pet survey. Determine what types of pets each student has or has had. Create a chart or graph to display on the wall.