ER VETS: Life in an animal emergency room, by Donna M. Jackson

Bibliographic Data
Jackson, Donna M. 2005. ER Vets: Life in an animal emergency room. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618436634

Summary
Donna Jackson’s ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room gives readers a chance to see the careers, equipment, and procedures that make up this exciting and worthwhile profession.

Critical Analysis
The book opens with a crisis: owners rushing their severely ill German Shepherd to the emergency room in the hopes his life can be saved. Jackson follows the dog’s treatment, from triage, to stabilizing the patient, to surgery and aftercare. It’s obvious right away that there’s a lot that goes into running an ER for animals.

This book is very thorough, though quite readable. Younger elementary students may have some trouble understanding all of the book, or staying focused with some of the more technical information (such as signs that urgent care is needed), but most older students will be fine, especially those who are interested in the subject. Jackson is careful to balance technical information, job descriptions and veterinary history with stories about real-life cases, as well as many pictures of animals in the stages of care. The photos are not disturbing.

One of the real-life cases concerns Lucy, a much-loved pet snake that develops hypothermia. Her owner brought her to the ER, but after almost two hours, Lucy is pronounced dead. With this non-cuddly pet, the author has gently introduced the subject of death, and goes on to discuss ways that pet owners grieve, and giving tips to get through the difficult time. She also discusses euthanasia, including a quote from grief counselor Bobbie Beach, who reminds patients, “we’re not killing the animal – the injury or disease is killing him. We’re helping him die so he doesn’t suffer” (p.66). While this is an important topic and given several pages in the book, it is not overdone, and is followed by a story of miraculous recovery that lightens the mood again.

The book concludes with resources for readers who want to learn more, a glossary, and even more photos, including a somewhat amusing picture of a mouse being anesthetized.

Reviews
From School Library Journal:
“Well-researched and well-written, ER Vets is an engaging book on a hot topic.” –Anne Chapman Callaghan, Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

From BookList:
“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. … [This is] not only intriguing browsing material but also an honest initiation to a worthwhile career.” – Stephanie Zvirin, November 1, 2005, Copyright American Library Association.


Connections
This book would fit in many units – those on professions, community helpers, or St. Francis, for those teaching in parochial schools. Science teachers might like to have this one on hand during biology lessons, to inspire students.

Keep in mind that sensitive children may have difficulty with the subject matter.

*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/