REVIEW: The Accidental Veterinarian by Philipp Schott
Cats, dogs, people — funny and heartbreaking stories from a pet veterinarian
With insight and humor, Dr. Philipp Schott shares tales from the unlikely path he took into his career of veterinary science and anecdotes from his successful small-animal clinic. Dr. Schott brings to his writing the benefit of many years of expertise. Wisdom he imparts on readers includes the best way to give your cat a pill, how to prevent your very handy dog from opening a fridge, and how to handle your fish when it has half-swallowed another.
Through these and other experiences, Dr. Schott also learned that veterinary medicine is as much, if not more, about the people as it is the animals. And he will have you laughing and crying as you embark on this journey of discovery with him.
Dear Dr. Schott,
By now I’ve read quite a few books written by veterinarians starting years ago with “All My Patients Are Under the Bed
For someone who stumbled into the profession via a process of elimination in a college catalog, I have to say that you seem to have found your calling and niche. I read vet books with an eye to whether or not I’d feel comfortable bringing my four legged children in and I’d definitely be calling your friendly front office staff to make an appointment. I promise that none of my cats bite my vets. It seems to me that being a vet is in some ways similar to being a pediatrician. You not only have your actual patients but also their parents to deal with too.
“Each happy day for an animal is a happy day. It’s that simple> We just want to string together as many of those happy days as we can.”
I like that you not only included how you got into veterinarian medicine but also (practical, no nonsense and honest) entries from your blog on a variety of vet subjects. The breadth of knowledge (even if it’s just an inch deep) that today’s general practice vets have is awe inspiring and my vets have come through for me – or rather my children – in ways I recognize in your book with diagnoses, surgeries – spay and neuter! – ultrasounds (yes), teeth cleaning, and have been there to help my children when old age and illnesses necessitate the “gut punch” decision. And I know that’s just as hard on vets as the owners.
People who can’t get a pill down a cat need to pay close attention to your technique because I can attest to its ease and success rate. Attack bunnies – who knew? The anecdote centered on fertility health in dogs was hilarious. I read the information on “rainbow colors of poo” with one eye closed but admit that it could be useful to know. Keeping in mind the burnout rate and high suicide statistics among vets (and kudos for not shying away from mentioning this tragic situation) and that pet owners can help make a difference, I will solemnly adhere to the ways to be kind to my vets. I’m also going to head to VetRatingz dot com to give them a star review. Then check out Veterinary Partner.vin dot com
The breakdown of why vet bills are so high is appreciated. Unfortunately, excellent medical care does cost but hey, when I come home to four furry beings who are delighted I’m home and who greet me with meows, head rubs and then provide their own soothing medical care to me in the form of reducing my stress with their purrs? Yeah, totally worth every penny. “What price can you put on health and love?” This, totally. And kudos for the call out to vet techs. I love the ones at my vet practice.
Thanks for “pulling the curtain back” and showing a bit of the behind the scenes of a busy vet practice. I really would have loved to hear your take on that lecture about “Hippopotamus Medicine Made Easy.” Perhaps during your next conference they’ll offer it again. But at least I know how to pill an ostrich now.
“…if you have not experienced a deep bond with an animal, then you are missing out on a key human experience, one shared by people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all levels of intellect. It is one of the richest threads we weave.”
Pet owners do judge vets by their compassion and caring and you sir, sound as if you have this in spades. B+
~Jayne
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