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Veterinary Surgeon
A love of animals, whether household pets, animals kept in a zoo, farm animals or other, is what is required to enjoy a career as a Veterinary surgeons. In general practice, they are responsible for the prevention of disease and for the medical and surgical treatment of animal.
They combine their knowledge of animal physiology, nutrition and medicine with practical surgical skills to diagnose and treat animals, prescribe medicines, manage anaesthesia and radiography, as well as carry out minor and major surgery.
Most general practice work is undertaken either in the surgery in consultations with owners and their animals, or in animals' living environments, for example in farms, stables or owners' homes.
Typical work activities include:
- handling, examining and treating all species of animals, primarily pets, companion animals, farm livestock and horses;
- meeting and consulting with owners;
- carrying out diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood samples and ultra-sound;
- giving advice to farmers on issues such as breeding, nutrition and herd health;
- undertaking routine visits to farms to check the health of livestock;
- immunising animals against different forms of disease;
- euthanasing old, sick or terminally ill or unwanted animals;
- performing surgery, including anaesthesia;
- caring for in-patient animals, including examining and advising on treatment;
- dealing with out-of-hours emergencies when on call;
- providing suitable paperwork for animals travelling abroad;
- inserting identification microchips into animals;
- maintaining records, raising and forwarding reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation;
- liaising with and referring to other professionals.
Vets are also employed in other sectors, such as in research and teaching, government agencies, animal charities and pharmaceutical companies.
Useful Information
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Career Snapshot Veterinary Surgeon |
In Demand
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Qualification Required |
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Work Outdoors |
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Maths Required |
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Science Required |
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This is a general guide - it is important to check admission requirements with the various training institutions first because entry requirements may vary.
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