Animal Veterinarians

A veterinarian (from Latin veterinae, “draught animals”) is an animal doctor, a practitioner of veterinary medicine. Although veterinarians hold doctoral degrees in veterinary medicine, not all veterinarians enter clinical practice. Those that work in clinical settings practice medicine in specific fields, such as companion animal or “pet” medicine, reptile medicine, ratite medicine, livestock medicine, equine medicine (e.g. sports, race track, show, rodeo), or laboratory animal medicine. Other veterinarians research areas of human medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmacology. Research veterinarians were the first to isolate oncoviruses, Salmonella species, Brucella species, and various other pathogenic agents. They also helped conquer malaria and yellow fever; solved the mystery of botulism; produced an anticoagulant used to treat human heart disease; and developed surgical techniques for humans, such as hip-joint replacement, and limb and organ transplants.

Like all physicians, veterinarians must make serious ethical decisions about their patients’ care. There is ongoing debate over the ethics of performing certain controversial procedures, like declawing cats and docking tails, cropping ears, and debarking dogs. In some countries, these procedures are illegal, and therefore their practice is contentious. The Veterinarian’s Oath was adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates July 1969, and amended by the AVMA Executive Board, November 1999. It goes as follows:

“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.”

Some veterinarians work in a field called regulatory medicine, ensuring the nation’s food safety by working with the USDA FSIS, or work by protecting us from imported exotic animal diseases by working for the USDA APHIS. The emerging field of conservation medicine involves veterinarians even more directly with human health care, providing a multidisciplinary approach to medical research that also involves environmental scientists.

More than 3,800 veterinarians in the USA currently work at veterinary schools where they teach student vets what they need to know to graduate, teaching is another career path for a veterinarian.

Veterinary school is a tertiary educational institution, or part of such an institution, which is involved in the education of future veterinary practitioners (veterinarians). The entry criteria, structure, teaching methodology and nature of veterinary programs offered at veterinary schools vary considerably around the world. In the U.S., a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree (D.V.M.) (Or in the Veterinary Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania, a degree of veterinary medical doctor (V.M.D.) is awarded) is a four-year program. The program generally consists of 2.5 to 3 years of mostly traditional classroom coursework followed by the clinical rotations.

Currently, unlike human medical school, a subsequent internship and/or residency are not required, but are optional to those who choose to seek further education and possible accreditation. Unsurprisingly, the number of veterinarians pursuing internships and/or residencies will continue to increase as the understanding of veterinary medicine continues to grow greater. A good veterinarian enjoys working with animals and their owners.

Admission into veterinary medical school is so competitive that in the United States it is far easier to gain acceptance into either a medical school or a top Law School than to meet the GPA requirements for most veterinary schools. This situation occurs mostly because there are far fewer schools, allowing the schools to be much more selective. According to the US Department of Labor, only 1 in 3 applicants were accepted into a veterinary program in 2002.

Prerequisites for admission include the undergraduate studies listed under veterinary medicine and extensive veterinary experience (typically about 500 or more hours) in private practice or other veterinary environment. The average veterinary medical student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 and a GRE score of approximately 1800. US graduates are awarded either a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or the less common Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) degree, depending upon the traditions of the veterinary school.

Public health medicine is another option for veterinarians. Veterinarians in government and private laboratories provide diagnostic and testing services. Some veterinarians serve as state epidemiologists, directors of environmental health, and directors of state or city public health departments. Veterinarians are also employed by the US Agriculture Research Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Library of Medicine, and National Institutes of Health. The military also employs veterinarians in a number of capacities, caring for pets on military bases, caring for military working animals, and controlling various arthropod-borne diseases or other such things.

Veterinary medicine is the application of medical, diagnostic, and therapeutic principles to companion, domestic, exotic, wildlife, and production animals. Veterinary Science is concerned with the scientific basis of animal production, health and disease. It requires the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge in several disciplines and uses technical skills towards the solution of animal production, health, management and welfare problems.

Veterinary medicine is informally as old as the human/animal bond but in recent years has expanded exponentially because of the availability of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for most species. Animals nowadays often receive advanced medical, dental, and surgical care including insulin injections, root canals, hip replacements, cataract extractions, and pacemakers.

Veterinarians assist in ensuring the quality, quantity, and security of food supplies by working to maintain the health of livestock and inspecting the meat itself. Veterinary scientists are very important in chemical, biological, and pharmacological research.

In many countries, equine veterinary medicine is also a specialized field. Clinical work with horses involves mainly locomotor and orthopaedic problems, digestive tract conditions (including equine colic, which is a major cause of death among domesticated horses), and respiratory tract infections and disorders.

As in the human medical field, veterinary medicine (in practice) requires a diverse group of individuals to meet the need of patients. In addition to veterinarians, many veterinary hospitals utilize a team of veterinary nurses and veterinary assistants to completely care for healing, critical and well animals. Veterinary nurses are generally registered as “veterinary technicians” in most states and are legally qualified to assist veterinarians in many medical procedures. Veterinary assistants, who are not licensed by most states, but can be well-trained at facilities such as The School for Veterinary Assistants, are also becoming increasingly in-demand in the veterinary industry due to a wide range of treatments and services being offered to meet the higher expectations of pet owners in the United States.



By: Josh Stone

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So you’ve moved to a new area or you have a furry family member addition and you need a Veterinarian. You want to choose your Veterinarian like you would a family physician. Call and/or visit a few clinics, ask a lot of questions, get a feel for the place and then make a decision. A great Veterinarian is an exceptional animal doctor and has terrific people skills. You want a Vet who listens to you, is caring, understands your dog’s needs and has extensive animal medical training and knowledge.

To help find a great veterinarian here’s a few tips:

When you see a well cared for dog on a walk, at the beach or at a dog park, ask their human who is the family Vet. Ask friends, neighbors & coworkers. Call your local animal shelter, Humane Society, or PAWS and get the who’s who in your town. These dedicated people see it all.

When you think you’ve found your Vet, visit the facility and ask yourself the following questions:

Is it clean, comfortable and well organized?

Are appointments required?

How many veterinarians are on staff?

Are there veterinary technicians?

Are dog and cat kennels in separate areas?

Is the staff caring, calm, competent, & courteous?

Do the Veterinarians have special interests like geriatrics, nutrition, or behavior?

Do the charges for services fit your budget?

Are discounts for seniors, military or multi-pet households available?

Are X-rays, ultrasound, blood work, EKG, and other diagnostics in-house or sent out?

What emergency services are available?

Do I like the location?

The answers to these questions will determine if this is the Veterinarian for you and your K9 family member. If you’re still not satisfied, visit another clinic and another until you find the place that suits you and your dog’s needs.

Once you’ve chosen your Veterinarian, take your dog in at least once a year for an annual examination. Some dogs really dislike this part of their life, but who enjoys getting poked and prodded? This minimum annual exam is to keep your dog updated on all their vaccines, check their heart, teeth, lungs, and test for worms. Make the appointment and spend the money. Your dog’s worth it.

The typical minimum annual vaccines are the DHLPP and Rabies (some areas allow 2-3 years between Rabies vaccines). This combo annual vaccine includes:

Distemper-This disease affects a wide range of organs.

Hepatitis-This targets the liver.

Leptosporosis-This bad boy causes kidney failure.

Parvovirus-This one goes for the intestines.

Para influenza-This affects the nasal passages, trachea & bronchi.

There are also additional vaccines available for such nasty things as Giardia, Canine cough and Rattlesnake bites. Consult with your Veterinarian to be certain your dog is properly vaccinated based on your dog’s age, health and your geographical area. An annual fecal exam is recommended even if your dog is treated monthly with “Heartgard” and “Advantix” as they can still get other types of parasites.

Dogs rely on their human to care for them in the best possible way by keeping them happy and healthy. Do a good job. The rewards are priceless.



By: Miss Debra Rae

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There are many people who abandon their pets once the idea and novelty wear off. There are also many animals that are strays because they were born on the streets. For all of these animals pet shelters is a heaven from their misery. The pet shelters are sometimes privately owned but they give the same loving care to their charges that you can find with national pet shelters.

These various pet shelters try their very best to see that all of the animals that come to their places will eventually find a good home. This however can take some time. While the animals are waiting for a home the shelter will see to their needs as best as they can.

In some cases the animals will have lost their trust in humans. These situations are dealt with calmly and patiently. The various staff at pet shelters will make sure that the animals are kept calm and quiet while the shelter veterinarian takes a look at the condition of the animal.

The various parasites and diseases that the pets may have caught are look at and then treated. Severe illnesses and medical conditions mean that the mistreated, abused or abandoned pets will be carefully cleaned by the vet staff. These sick pets will be kept in the vet center until they are ready to be placed in the regular kennels.

The healthy dogs are examined and any wounds or injuries are seen to. In addition the pets will be washed and groomed. When all of this has been achieved the pets will be given a delicious meal. This meal will have different nutrients and vitamins mixed together so that the dog has a successful chance of being adopted faster.

While the pet shelter waits for prospective families to come and see the animals there are various families who volunteer their time and energy to help these different animals get well. With their help the previously unwanted pets learn that they have the ability to function as a member of a family.

The pet shelters will allow their charges to be placed with families who care for them and who understand the responsibility that is entailed with caring for a pet. With these types of people it is very possible that different pets will be going to the right families who will care for them. For people looking for loving pets to adopt the many pet shelters that can be found all offer many different types of pets just waiting for a family.



By: Muna wa Wanjiru

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Several distance learning veterinarian technician programs are accredited by the AVMA. Veterinary medicine has become very complex and sophisticated in recent years. Veterinarians use skilled veterinary technicians to perform routine clinical and laboratory procedures. The need for veterinary technicians is expected to grow. Veterinary technician training programs throughout the US are accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).

The AVMA accredits veterinarian technicians programs that are conducted in laboratory, or clinical settings, and involve the humane use of live animals. Most of these programs lead to an associate degree, after 2 years of study. Some lead to a baccalaureate degree, after 4 years. Distance learning veterinarian technician programs offer flexibility and convenience.

Working as a Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. They help them by providing nursing care, preparing for surgery, collecting specimens, advising owners of animals, etc. They are not permitted to prescribe, diagnose, perform surgery, or to do anything that is prohibited by the state’s practice act.

This may be the right career for you, if you like animals, are good at decision making and basic mathematics and enjoy working with your hands. The work involves working with people and handling a variety of responsibilities.

New career fields are opening up for veterinary technicians that involve working in fields related to human beings, as well as animals. Some of them are Military Service, Diagnostic Research, Education, Biomedical Research, Drug and Feed Manufacturing Companies, Zoos and Wildlife Facilities, etc.

Distance Learning Programs

Some of the distance learning veterinarian technician programs accredited by AVMA, are mentioned here. Be sure to investigate each one carefully before enrolling to determine if it is the right program for you.

The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine offers an online Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program. This Associate of Science Program is accredited by the AVMA and is meant for students who are employed elsewhere. Students are required to complete a Clinical Mentorship, with a veterinarian.

The Blue Ridge Community College offers a Veterinary Technology associate degree program, accredited by the AVMA. The program starts every 3 years and is conducted via a live 2-way television connection. One of the eligibility requirements is that applicants must be employed by a veterinarian for at least 20 hours a week.

Distance learning veterinarian technician programs are suitable for students who are employed by a veterinarian or who have developed a relationship with one. Look for an accredited program that is nationally recognized.



By: Jim Zorn

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We have all heard of animal shelters where stray, lost, unwanted, abused, and neglected pets can be found. Some of these animals are found on the streets and others are dumped there by their owners who for various reasons no longer seem to want their faithful pets. While some animal shelters have no other choice than to euthanize these innocent animals there are no kill animal shelters.

While these types of no kill animal shelters are in the minority they serve a very valuable to service to the community. Like the regular animal shelters these no kill animal shelters look after homeless animals that have been left behind or turned out by their human families.

In the no kill animal shelters the animals are brought in and given a gentle cleaning to rid them of all of the filth of the streets and unwanted parasites on have decided to make their homes on and in these pets. The veterinarian staff at the no kill animal shelters will treat any of the wounds and injuries that these pets have sustained. In addition any diseases will be cured or the pets will be made as comfortable as possible for the duration of their life.

Once the new tenants to the no kill animal shelters have been groomed and treated by the vet, they are given a new meal and bedded down for a while. These animals at the no kill animal shelters will stay in the shelter while a suitable foster family or adoptive family is found.

The various foster families who work with these unwanted animals will work hard to regain the trust of these animals. In addition the pets will learn to be a part of a family again. They will learn the various commands and obedience commands that are necessary for a household pet. When the animals are ready to be adopted the foster family will bring them back to the no kill animal shelters.

Here the screened and prepared adoptive families will be waiting to see if they are ready to adopt these gentle creatures who are just crying out for some love and caring. These families will be allowed to take their new pets’ home but it will be for a short trial period. During this period the family and the pet will have a chance to bond and grow comfortable with each other.

The adoption process will be allowed by the no kill animal shelters only when they are satisfied with the caring and love that these previously unwanted pets are receiving from their new adoptive families. In many ways no kill animal shelters are the answer for a new life for many pets.



By: Muna wa Wanjiru

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The idea of having a pet is something that many people consider but they rarely take the various needs of their pet into account when they start the process to adopt a pet. These various people will just adopt a pet that they see in pet stores and at the pet shelters. Once they take the animal to their homes they are confronted by the reality of having this animal at home.

For this reason when you decide to adopt a pet you should see what sort of pet you have the ability to take of. There are many different animals that are suitable as pets. These pets can include dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, love birds, parrots and fish.

While these are the main types of pets that people consider adopting there are other people who prefer the exotic variety of pets. These types of pets are snakes, turtles, hawks, and even lion cubs.

Regardless of whether you are thinking of adopting a dog or a lion cub the main fact that needs to be considered is the animal’s emotional state, mental state and the physical condition of the animal once you decide to adopt a pet.

As these various animals have different requirements to ensure their health you should talk with an animal veterinarian or a zoo keeper or pet store employee to find the various facts that are needed in the care of your new pet. You will need information about their daily routines.

The eating likes and dislikes of your new pet will have to be looked into. You should remember that while some of the animals are carnivorous by nature they may need some vegetable or green leaf matter for their health. These types of dietary requirements should be found out before you try and adopt a pet.

To keep your pet’s health and happiness at the optimum point you should ensure that you have the appropriate surroundings and accessories that are needed for your new pet all ready to use. You will have to keep in mind that some types of pets are not allowed to be kept in your home due to various legal laws.

These laws are in place as they deal with the safety of the many animals that should not be kept as pets. To find what types of animals are best left wild and free you can contact your local wildlife authorities or your local animal shelters. These places may be able to help you in this matter.

In addition you can find information on the procedures for caring for any wild animals that are found on or near your property. All of the information that you can find will help you when you want to adopt a pet and make sure that your pet has a good home and family.



By: Muna wa Wanjiru

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Our pets need the best care we can give. Their lives depend on us. Here are some pet care tips you can use with your animal friends.

Since dogs are the most common house pet, let us start with them. When it comes to dog pet care you should consider comfort and amusement. Dogs love to play and they love to run. So before you even decide to buy a dog you should take into consideration the place where you and your dog can play. They are a very social animal that’s why if possible you should provide a place for them to have fun with you and your family. Dogs also like comfort, so as the owner you should provide a comfortable space for them to sleep and relax. When it comes to feeding your dog you have two options. One, is you can buy dog foods available in the market. Most dog foods already include all the daily vitamins that the dog will need. Second option is to feed him real food from your home. Dogs as we all know love to chew on chicken bones, but that shouldn’t be the only thing you give them. You can also add chicken meat, vegetables and boiled rice. You should also ask your veterinarian regarding the vitamins or supplements that your dog needs. Just like humans they also have daily requirements of calcium, and other vitamins. Lastly, for dogs and all other animals vaccination is needed. This is to prevent them to be able to protect them from disease. Better to do this while they are still young. Just like humans they can also get sick. Some of the most common sickness among dogs are the following: Vomiting and diarrhea, blood in urine and itching and scratching due to skin infection. These can all be prevented if they are properly given vaccines.

Another common house pet are fishes. Pet care for fishes is very meticulous. Before you even bring home your fish you should be able to prepare the aquarium that the fish will be living in. The water inside the aquarium should be treated. You should put water inside the tank and allow it to settle for a few days then add rocks and you can now run the filter and the air pump. Now that the aquarium is ready you can now put your fish there. Feeding them is another part of pet care. Fish food that can be purchased commercially should be approved by the vet. And you should also carefully read the back label first before you feed it to your fish. Fish shouldn’t be fed just about anything that you think you like. They have a special need that’s why it’s best to consult the vet first.

All in all pet care is a big responsibility because another life is in our hands. But you are not alone. You have your veterinarians that can help you and can give the best answers to your questions.



By: Kritthaphat N.

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Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet and the health of their pet. Still, there are many others who tend to believe in the old wives tales and myths that have been passed around for some time now. I’m sure most of you have heard at least one, and probably more, of the following myths. Veterinarians at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have since enlightened us to many of those tales and to the facts concerning some of the most commonly heard myths.

Myth: Yeast will prevent fleas from feasting on your pet.

Fact: There is still no scientific proof that yeast prevents fleas, though it is a good source of B vitamins.

Myth: Pets (dogs/cats) will get worms if they drink milk.

Fact: This is no more true for your pets than it is for you! Pets do lose their tolerance for milk early, however, around the age of 6 -8 weeks of age due to their loss of lactose(an enzyme essential for the digestion of milk products).

Young animals may have diarrhea if they drink milk due to the above factors. Still, most puppies are infected with worms through maternal milk or during pregnancy which is why treating both mother and litters for worms is so important.

Myth: If a purebred ***** inadvertently becomes pregnant by a mix breed dog, this disallows her ability to have purebred puppies in future litters.

Fact: The only puppies that will be mixed breed are the ones resulting from this breeding. If bred with a purebred mate in the future, those puppies will also be purebred.

Myth:Dogs and cats should be allowed one heat cycle, or one litter of pups, before being spayed.

Fact: A major benefit of being spayed may be lost if this is allowed to happen! Research shows that animals spayed before their first heat have a significantly smaller chance of developing future health problems such as ****** cancer.

Myth: Dogs which scoot their rear ends on the ground have worms.

Fact: Sometimes dogs having tapeworms may exhibit this behavior, though the overwhelming majority of animals doing this have inflamed or overly full **** sacs.

The **** sacs are structures located on either side of the **** which when closed up cause an itching or burning sensation in your pets **** area. As a result the animal scoots its rear on the ground to try and relieve this situation.

Myth: Any dog having a black mouth is a purebred.

Fact: Though some purebred dogs have a blackened color inside their mouth, this is no indication of any other animal being a purebred. Pigmentation is the only reason for this color, caused by a substance called melanin. Indeed, this substance called melanin is responsible for birthmarks in humans and also the lack of, or availability of, such skin tones as a tan. This color alone is not indicative of a purebred dog.

Myth: Puppies need calcium supplements for strong bones and erect ears.

Fact: If you are feeding your animals a diet that is nutritionally complete, then no further supplements are needed. Too much calcium, in fact, can be harmful to your dog.

We hope that by shedding just a little light on these myths that you’ll have a better understanding of exactly what is really “real” concerning dog myths.

Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/ Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - “Your New Best Friend”

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.



By: Debbie Ray

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Basically, when a person thinks of working with animals, the only options that come to mind are veterinary practices or pet grooming. There are many ways in which you can combine your interest in working with animals and make a living out of it. The jobs based on scientific know-how, biology and veterinary medicine. Candidates need to be knowledgeable in organic chemistry, calculus and physics.

Qualifications

To function as a professional animal trainer, you have to understand animals and their specific behavior. Animal trainers are generally certified and if you want to be successful trainer, you must gain a 2-year local college degree and also have some knowledge in business and psychology. Trainers often set their own fees. A business license is a must for any trainer.

Job Prospects

You can also work with a veterinarian as an assistant or technician, where you may be asked to check animal patients. You may have to clean the cages and examination rooms. If you have a veterinary degree, then you qualify for vaccinating the animals and can assist the veterinarian during surgical procedures.

Another job would be to work in a shelter, where you may have to assist with euthanasia. Sometimes, non-profit shelters offer minimum wage, but city-run shelters offer wages set by the City Council. State or local governing bodies certify all these positions. In some states, there is a set and identified basic difference between veterinary technicians and assistants, so before you select your field of work, you should check with local authorities.

Grooming is also a profession for which you have to acquire some basic training. Some states offer certificate courses for pet grooming. The costs of various training courses vary widely. These programs are usually not eligible for educational loans.

You can also practice as a holistic practitioner for animals. You can heal animals by using traditional methods, aided by the study of biology, nutrition and other sciences. To pursue this career, you should complete a certificate course. Some chiropractic colleges also conduct animal programs. These practitioners are usually self-employed.

To be a professional veterinarian, you have to acquire a degree from a recognized university. It is very difficult to get admission to these colleges. The preliminary requirements can be acquired from any local college and then, you could pursue specialization in a veterinary college.

There is a dearth of veterinarians in the USA and this is not due to lack of students, but fewer colleges. A professional veterinarian earns $90,000 to$225,000 a year.



By: Tony Jacowski

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In homes around the world, the family pet is definitely part of the family and there is simply nothing we wouldn’t do to make sure our pet has a long, happy, and healthy life. And that’s why more and more of us are taking time to learn a little animal first aid.

Knowing even just a little bit of pet first aid, means that you will be able to help your pet should it become injured or ill. Just like kids, animals can be curious and as a result, they can sometimes get themselves into trouble. We are prepared to handle both minor and major emergencies with our children, and although we hope that never happens we are prepared. With animal wound care we can be just as prepared.

A pet kit will hold many of the items that a human first aid kit will hold - Gauze, tape, scissors, antiseptic; alcohol to clean wounds, antibacterial cream for infection, tweezers, and rubber tubing, or a muzzle. You can also buy self-adhesive wrap at the pet store, which can be used for sprains and to hold gauze in place.

When an animal is in pain it may snap and even bite trying to keep you away from the wound. Be careful because no matter how much your pet loves you when in pain they can be unpredictable. The rubber tubing that you put in your animal first aid kit can be used to gently tie your pet’s mouth so that you can safely look at the injury. If your pet is a dog and you have a muzzle in your first aid kit, then of course use it. You don’t need a bite to deal with while trying to administer first aid.

Your animal kit is the first line of treatment should your pet become injured. If the injury is serious your pet should immediately see the vet. Minor cuts and scrapes can be easily handled but should always be disinfected and properly cleaned because they can quickly become infected. When in doubt always see your veterinarian. You should also keep an eye on minor injuries to make sure they don’t fester.

Lifesaving first aid may be beyond the ability of your animal first aid kit; however do the best you can and then transport immediately to your vet. Keep the number of your vet handy, and hopefully someone can phone ahead for your arrival so that the vet’s office is prepared.

To go with your animal first aid kit it’s also a good idea to get some basic wound care skills. Your vet can probably assist you with the basics and there is plenty of help online that can have you ready to handle any pet emergency.

You can either put together your own animal aid kit or you can buy a handy kit that’s already got everything in it, plus a convenient case. Keep it handy in the house and if you take your pet with you in the car you should have an animal first aid kit in your car too.

Your pet is part of your family so make sure you have your animal first aid kit ready for any emergency.



By: Terry Fitzroy

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