Horse Vet - Chronicles of a Mobile Veterinarian

by Courtney S. Diehl

Gunshot injuries. Breeding disasters. Controlling trainers, nutty horse owners, warm hearted clients and "laugh-out-loud-funny stories that you just can't make up"- Dr. Courtney deals with it all in this lively series of tales about the life of a mobile vet in the Colorado Rockies. In her stories from thirteen years as a mobile horse vet, whether running IV ¬ fluids on top of a mountain or squaring off against an unethical cutting horse owner who calls her "Little Lady," Diehl makes us laugh, cry and smile. It's a journey that brings the reader onto the farms and into the clinic and shows what it's really like to be a mobile veterinarian.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horses, Animals

194 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2014

Reviews

[Cyndie Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as a small animal veterinarian I couldn't help but think, "that's exactly how it is" after finishing this all in one sitting. You give it all you have sometimes it is wonderful and sometimes it takes everything you have just to stay sane. Short, funny, and made me tear up. A must read and a great gift for a vet or want to be veterinarian.

[Holly Housman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Humorous with short stories/chapters. Gives you a good idea of why more vets don't go into large animal veterinary care.

[Anna Catherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A "good enough" read. I enjoy Dr. Diehl's column in Horse Illustrated and decided to check out her book out of curiousity more than anything else. It was fairly good, a little too crass at times for my taste, other times a bit overdescriptive when it comes to medical procedures. It was an interesting look at the modern veterinary profession, though, and offered a few interesting tidbits about horses I hadn't heard of before (most notably, Dr. Platt's interesting thoughts on laminitis)

[Patricia Reidinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't Finish

I know I probably should finish this book in case it gets better, but I just can't do it. It's so negative it is starting to affect my mood. I'd rather not read much a downer. Get work must be difficult without the owners influence good or bad but this is too much!

[Slugpuppy3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Diehl is engaging, honest, and occasionally humorous. Well written, interesting short stories mostly about how badly people (clients) treat the vets who treat their horses. I would have liked a few more cheerful tales.

[Tori Kamosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has an Associates in Equine Science and has worked at multiple vet clinics. This was a refreshing book. I laughed and cried and agreed way too many times. Definitely a good and informative read.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyed the stories of a female horse vet. I had hoped for a little bit more when I went in, but at least a third of the stories were more designed to advise aspiring vets about the crazy types of horse people (and how not to let them drag you down). Definitely needed and important, but not quite what I was hoping for. I really liked how the author included spiritual thoughts though, and there were enough stories that held my interest to keep me reading.

[Thalarctos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The author does mention God at a few points and does warn the reader and apologize. She also doesn't give God the credit for any miraculous horse healing, but credits prayer with helping her work through some personal issues. So don't be put off by the warning. It's still a good book.

[Kim Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read when short on time.

I really liked this book. The stories were funny and relatable. I liked that the book was a series of short stories. I took it with me to read while waiting for doctor, kids in dance class, etc. made the perfect way to pass time.

[Linda K. Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Window of knowledge

Dr. Diehl is the kind of vet that I look for. Compassionate and knowledgeable. An enjoyable read, though I don't have a horse I can see my vet caring for my dog in her descriptions of patients and their owners. Her caring comes through in her words.

[Mwmiyake]

I think this would be a great book to share with anyone interested in becoming a very,especially a large animal vet. Diehl shared her joys and frustrations. I found her preachiness overdone, but that was what helped her.

[Jamie Fenley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!!!

great story! I love horses and hate seeing them in pain so ill be a horse vet sometime soon I hope!

[Outi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny stories and great writing. However, some parts were too preachy for my taste.

[Kimberly Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

No James Herriot for sure. Doesn't seem to like people much...

[Adara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!!!! I love this book and I can't wait to see if she's gonna write another!!! Would love to see a book about Dr. Platt!!!!!!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

First heard about Dr. Diehl in Horse Illustrated and have loved her stories since! This book is great to read in your free time!

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but more about the negatives of the profession than the good parts.