Zoobiquity

What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing

By: Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, Kathryn Bowers

Narrated by: Karen White

In the spring of 2005, cardiologist Barbara Natterson-Horowitz was called to consult on an unusual patient: an Emperor tamarin at the Los Angeles Zoo. While examining the tiny monkey’s sick heart, she learned that wild animals can die of a form of cardiac arrest brought on by extreme emotional stress. It was a syndrome identical to a human condition but one that veterinarians called by a different name—and treated in innovative ways.

This remarkable medical parallel launched Natterson-Horowitz on a journey of discovery that reshaped her entire approach to medicine. She began to search for other connections between the human and animal worlds: Do animals get breast cancer, anxiety-induced fainting spells, sexually transmitted diseases? Do they suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, addiction?

The answers were astonishing. Dinosaurs suffered from brain cancer. Koalas catch chlamydia. Reindeer seek narcotic escape in hallucinogenic mushrooms. Stallions self-mutilate. Gorillas experience clinical depression.

Joining forces with science journalist Kathryn Bowers, Natterson-Horowitz employs fascinating case studies and meticulous scholarship to present a revelatory understanding of what animals can teach us about the human body and mind. “Zoobiquity” is the term the authors have coined to refer to a new, species-spanning approach to health. Delving into evolution, anthropology, sociology, biology, veterinary science, and zoology, they break down the walls between disciplines, redefining the boundaries of medicine.

Zoobiquity explores how animal and human commonality can be used to diagnose, treat, and heal patients of all species. Both authoritative and accessible, offering cutting-edge research through captivating narratives, this provocative book encourages us to see our essential connection to all living beings.

Mind overload- but not for the average person

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, but only a certain kind of friend. One who could handle all the sex talk and who is interessted in what animals and humans have in common.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The little girl with bulimia. I had never before consideded her fear and how it could relate to the fear animals have when they have to do something risky to eat.

Have you listened to any of Karen White’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Any additional comments?

It covers everything from sexy body language comparisons to weight problems. Truly comprehensive and enlightening.

It is overwhelming how much we have to learn from each other. Animal doctors and human doctors. Having worked in a few vet clinics, I knew something was up, but I would have had no idea that they did not communicate more.

There is some odd and disgusting stuff in this book too. I found myself blushing as I was walking around with my headphones on fearing the reaction of those around me if the headphones popped out and they could suddenly hear the odd stuff I was listening to. Listening to it a second time helped me, as I was so distracted the first time, I was shocked at how much I had missed.

excellent listening.

The topic and the delivery were very well done. Such a good book, I wish there was a sequel.

Calling all doctors, nurses, vets and vet techs

If you are a doctor, nurse, pathologist, vet, vet tech, science teacher, parent or lover of animals.... you MUST read this book! It was absolutely mind blowing!

Great read!

Educational, informative, and entertaining. Informative as a text book, but entertaining like a novel. They really did their research.

Spectacular!

I loved the clever and logical way BNH and KB wove the story of two professions that rarely interact with one another. Arrogance, power and ignorance, once again, will not serve survival of creatures on this planet. Grand sense of humor in telling these powerful and compelling tales.