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Letting the Cat Out of the Bag: The Secret Life of a Vet
Trimming a parrot's beak, emptying a dog's anal glands and neutering a cat - then lunch - followed by some tricky horse dentistry, amputating a lamb's leg and calming a distressed client... It's all in a day's work if you're a vet: a delicate balance of managing animal welfare and ethics, educating people in pet ownership and aligning their expectations with real-life outcomes. As a job, it spans everything from managing the heartbreak of euthanasia, to informing owners that under no circumstances should they take their dog's worming pills, even if they're sure they have worms.
During his twenty-five-year career, Welsh vet Siôn Rowlands has experienced almost every animal medical issue imaginable, from rescuing an injured horse from the edge of a cliff to moisturizing a baby elephant. He's also witnessed ridiculous moments, surreal situations and the real toll it can take on a person. Frank, funny and moving in equal measure, Letting the Cat out of the Bag is a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the uniquely pressurised world of being a vet.
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Siôn Rowlands studied Veterinary Science at Liverpool University, graduating in 1997. His career has been varied with roles both in the UK and Australia. He has worked with small and large animals in private practice and has extensive experience working as a government vet, with responsibilities including the delivery of animal health and welfare work across the UK. Siôn is passionate about highlighting the importance of veterinary surgeons and ensuring their voice adds value in the relevant and important conversations of today. He is also passionate about the next generation of vets, supporting them, where he can, to continue their work and their drive to protect and safeguard.
During his twenty-five-year career, Welsh vet Siôn Rowlands has experienced almost every animal medical issue imaginable, from rescuing an injured horse from the edge of a cliff to moisturizing a baby elephant. He's also witnessed ridiculous moments, surreal situations and the real toll it can take on a person. Frank, funny and moving in equal measure, Letting the Cat out of the Bag is a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the uniquely pressurised world of being a vet.
***
Siôn Rowlands studied Veterinary Science at Liverpool University, graduating in 1997. His career has been varied with roles both in the UK and Australia. He has worked with small and large animals in private practice and has extensive experience working as a government vet, with responsibilities including the delivery of animal health and welfare work across the UK. Siôn is passionate about highlighting the importance of veterinary surgeons and ensuring their voice adds value in the relevant and important conversations of today. He is also passionate about the next generation of vets, supporting them, where he can, to continue their work and their drive to protect and safeguard.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2023
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24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 14, 2023
Enjoyed this funny memoir of a vet and stories from his working life
August 18, 2023
I had the privilege of working with Sion
In South Africa when we were in a team dehorning Rhino to prevent them being poached. He told me about the book and it did not disappoint. Thank you Sion. I would reccomended this book to anyone who is remotely interested in animals and our relationship with them. I have now passed this on to my partners 19 year old son.
In South Africa when we were in a team dehorning Rhino to prevent them being poached. He told me about the book and it did not disappoint. Thank you Sion. I would reccomended this book to anyone who is remotely interested in animals and our relationship with them. I have now passed this on to my partners 19 year old son.
March 4, 2025
I really enjoyed Siôn Rowlands' description of his early life in South Wales, studying for a degree in veterinarian medicine at Liverpool University, and his locum experiences both in the UK and in Australia. Rowlands has some fantastic stories to tell; some sad, some hilarious, some grim, and nearly all of them heartwarming.
His adventures abroad are, at times, hair raising! The veterinary faculty where he studied in Liverpool had links to the University of Zimbabwe, and at the end of his fourth year of study, Rowlands and three friends were invited to visit its veterinary faculty in Harare. This meant joining the students for lectures and some practical sessions: the next four weeks would be spent travelling Zimbabwe. Rowlands admits to having been quite naive about what to expect in Africa and his companions only slightly less so; their travels are enlightening and enjoyable, and Rowlands would later return to assist with conservation work. That being said, his account of their camping out in the bush are not for the fainthearted. The same is true of Rowlands' days as a locum in Australia, where encounters with pythons and dangerous snakes and bleeding a racehorse are eye-opening events! But Rowlands clearly loved his time Down Under and seriously conemplated settling there.
Having decided to return to Wales, Siôn starts work at a practice treating both pets and livestock, and here, the meat of the book properly begins. What I liked about it is that Rowlands doesn't sugar-coat anything, and he doesn't shy away from expressing genuine anger at poor animal husbandry and welfare. He's passionate about promoting good, ethical, veterinary practices that benefit domestic and farm animals, and this comes across clearly, as does his belief that vets should have their voices heard much more in many relevant and important discussions than they are at present.
If that makes this book sound 'virtuous', it's more true to say that Rowlands believes passionately that animals of all types deserve far better treatment and respect than many of them get, and this is something we can all get behind. He also feel strongly about the next generation of vets; where and when possible, he strives to support them in continuing their work and desire to protect and safeguard animals.
Finally, a quick word about the stories in this book. As I said earlier, he doesn't describe things in 'fluffy' terms; instead, there's genuine warmth and affection, but he doesn't avoid talking about cases that have angered or frustrated him. Another story about an amorous lady pet owner with a massive crush on him is dealt with very sympathetically. It would've been all too easy to turn it into a big joke, and Rowlands does relate it with some humour. Until, that is, the sad, darker side of the situation is revealed, and suddenly, a lot falls into place. Another warning is that his stories about euthanising animals are genuinely upsetting at times, and one of them made me ugly-cry.
But don't be put off! Siôn Rowlands writes well and with candour, and I thoroughly recommend this book with its pages jam-packed full of (mostly!) likeable owners and their animal companions!
His adventures abroad are, at times, hair raising! The veterinary faculty where he studied in Liverpool had links to the University of Zimbabwe, and at the end of his fourth year of study, Rowlands and three friends were invited to visit its veterinary faculty in Harare. This meant joining the students for lectures and some practical sessions: the next four weeks would be spent travelling Zimbabwe. Rowlands admits to having been quite naive about what to expect in Africa and his companions only slightly less so; their travels are enlightening and enjoyable, and Rowlands would later return to assist with conservation work. That being said, his account of their camping out in the bush are not for the fainthearted. The same is true of Rowlands' days as a locum in Australia, where encounters with pythons and dangerous snakes and bleeding a racehorse are eye-opening events! But Rowlands clearly loved his time Down Under and seriously conemplated settling there.
Having decided to return to Wales, Siôn starts work at a practice treating both pets and livestock, and here, the meat of the book properly begins. What I liked about it is that Rowlands doesn't sugar-coat anything, and he doesn't shy away from expressing genuine anger at poor animal husbandry and welfare. He's passionate about promoting good, ethical, veterinary practices that benefit domestic and farm animals, and this comes across clearly, as does his belief that vets should have their voices heard much more in many relevant and important discussions than they are at present.
If that makes this book sound 'virtuous', it's more true to say that Rowlands believes passionately that animals of all types deserve far better treatment and respect than many of them get, and this is something we can all get behind. He also feel strongly about the next generation of vets; where and when possible, he strives to support them in continuing their work and desire to protect and safeguard animals.
Finally, a quick word about the stories in this book. As I said earlier, he doesn't describe things in 'fluffy' terms; instead, there's genuine warmth and affection, but he doesn't avoid talking about cases that have angered or frustrated him. Another story about an amorous lady pet owner with a massive crush on him is dealt with very sympathetically. It would've been all too easy to turn it into a big joke, and Rowlands does relate it with some humour. Until, that is, the sad, darker side of the situation is revealed, and suddenly, a lot falls into place. Another warning is that his stories about euthanising animals are genuinely upsetting at times, and one of them made me ugly-cry.
But don't be put off! Siôn Rowlands writes well and with candour, and I thoroughly recommend this book with its pages jam-packed full of (mostly!) likeable owners and their animal companions!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
When the fabulous team over at John Murrays asked if I'd be interested in a surprise book for animal lovers, how could I say no?
I cannot recall a time when I was without a pet, from rabbits, hamsters, gerbils (one of which turned out to be a rat, but that's another tale), plus various breeds of cats and dogs, but, alas, I never did have the much desired horse. A few pet photos included!
The surprise parcel came addressed to me, Buster and Dillon, but they weren't much interested in the reading; the Lilly’s Kitchen treats; well, that's a different story!
So, the book: Letting the Cat Out of the Bag is a delightful read.
During his twenty five year career, Welsh vet Siôn Rowlands has experienced almost every animal medical issue imaginable, from rescuing an injured horse from the edge of a cliff to moisturising a baby elephant. He's also witnessed ridiculous moments, surreal situations and the real toll they can take on a person.
I have to confess I found the first couple of chapters a little lacklustre. I wanted less of Siôn’s school days and more veterinary insight, but once we got into the action, I couldn't put the book down. There was much hilarity, but a few tears shed too. Beware, there are a few grisly medical descriptions which, despite working in A&E, made me shudder - I can deal with humans just fine, but a poorly animal, no chance would I be able for that!
Fair play to Siôn Rowlands and all the other amazing veterinary staff out there. I certainly couldn't do the job; sure, I’d be an emotional wreck.
If you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at how these wonderful people look after our animals, this is the book for you! 4⭐ (thank you to the publisher for this gifted copy in return for an honest review)
I cannot recall a time when I was without a pet, from rabbits, hamsters, gerbils (one of which turned out to be a rat, but that's another tale), plus various breeds of cats and dogs, but, alas, I never did have the much desired horse. A few pet photos included!
The surprise parcel came addressed to me, Buster and Dillon, but they weren't much interested in the reading; the Lilly’s Kitchen treats; well, that's a different story!
So, the book: Letting the Cat Out of the Bag is a delightful read.
During his twenty five year career, Welsh vet Siôn Rowlands has experienced almost every animal medical issue imaginable, from rescuing an injured horse from the edge of a cliff to moisturising a baby elephant. He's also witnessed ridiculous moments, surreal situations and the real toll they can take on a person.
I have to confess I found the first couple of chapters a little lacklustre. I wanted less of Siôn’s school days and more veterinary insight, but once we got into the action, I couldn't put the book down. There was much hilarity, but a few tears shed too. Beware, there are a few grisly medical descriptions which, despite working in A&E, made me shudder - I can deal with humans just fine, but a poorly animal, no chance would I be able for that!
Fair play to Siôn Rowlands and all the other amazing veterinary staff out there. I certainly couldn't do the job; sure, I’d be an emotional wreck.
If you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at how these wonderful people look after our animals, this is the book for you! 4⭐ (thank you to the publisher for this gifted copy in return for an honest review)
April 28, 2023
I love a biography by a Vet and I really enjoyed this.
This was Sion's story of how he began his career as a Vet and featured many stories from his time over his career.
Very easy to read, it was funny in places and emotional in others. I really enjoyed reading this and hearing about all the cases he has dealt with, the places he has been and the things he has had to face. I enjoyed that he included snippets of his personal life as well in there, it makes a nice story. Anybody who enjoys biographies will enjoy this, or if they are training to be a vet this will be helpful! Some serious cases included but very sensitively written. Great read.
This was Sion's story of how he began his career as a Vet and featured many stories from his time over his career.
Very easy to read, it was funny in places and emotional in others. I really enjoyed reading this and hearing about all the cases he has dealt with, the places he has been and the things he has had to face. I enjoyed that he included snippets of his personal life as well in there, it makes a nice story. Anybody who enjoys biographies will enjoy this, or if they are training to be a vet this will be helpful! Some serious cases included but very sensitively written. Great read.
December 21, 2023
Full of hilarious stories.
March 30, 2024
Didnt think i would but i actually really enjoyed it.
Allowed me to get a good idea of the life of a Vet and it makes me excited to pursue this career.
Allowed me to get a good idea of the life of a Vet and it makes me excited to pursue this career.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews