Picture this: A skilled medical professional performs emergency surgery on a beloved family dog while simultaneously advising farm owners about livestock health and consulting with zoos about exotic animal care.
Think about the last time you took your pet to the animal hospital. The veterinarian who examined your pet wasn’t just looking at immediate symptoms but was drawing upon extensive medical knowledge to understand the full picture of your pet’s health.
Veterinarians are medical professionals who protect both animal and public health, serving as essential healthcare providers for all species of animals. These professionals work across various settings, from private clinics to research facilities, combining medical expertise with compassion for animals and their human companions.
Total employment: 88,200 (2023)
Common Names for Veterinarians
- Companion Animal Practitioner
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Emergency Veterinarian
- Large Animal Veterinarian
- Mixed Animal Veterinarian
- Veterinary Medicine Doctor
- Zoo Veterinarian
What Veterinarians Do
Veterinarians work with a wide range of animals, from pets and livestock to wildlife, ensuring their health and well-being through medical care, surgery, and preventative measures. Their core responsibilities include:
- Medical Examination: Conduct comprehensive physical examinations of animals to assess health status, identify illnesses, and establish baseline health metrics, enabling early detection of potential health issues.
- Diagnosis & Treatment: Diagnose diseases and injuries through observation, laboratory testing, and medical imaging, then develop and implement appropriate treatment plans to restore animal health.
- Surgical Procedures: Perform both routine and emergency surgical procedures, including spaying/neutering, tumor removal, and fracture repair, to address medical issues requiring surgical intervention.
- Preventive Care: Administer vaccinations, prescribe preventive medications, and develop wellness programs to protect animals from common diseases and maintain long-term health.
- Client Communication: Consult with animal owners to explain diagnoses, discuss treatment options, provide care instructions, and offer guidance on proper animal care and nutrition.
- Emergency Response: Provide emergency and critical care services for injured or critically ill animals, making rapid medical decisions to stabilize patients and prevent further complications.
- Medical Documentation: Maintain detailed medical records, document treatments, and track patient histories to ensure continuity of care and meet legal requirements.
- Medication Management: Prescribe and dispense medications, determine appropriate dosages, and monitor animals’ responses to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.
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