Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose, treat and prevent animal diseases, ailments and injuries. They vaccinate against diseases, medicate animals suffering from infections or illness, treat and dress wounds, set fractures, perform surgical or dental procedures and advise owners about animal feeding, behaviour and breeding. Some conduct clinical research on the spread of animal diseases or inspect livestock to advise on breeding programmes or disease treatment. They can also manage veterinary practice operations, finances and recruit appropriate staff for assistance.

Veterinarians work closely with veterinary nurses and may consult animal behaviourists. They may need to travel to treat food producing animals or advise on an individual wild animal or animal population. They often work long hours and may be called at any time in emergencies.

Skills

Veterinarians need to have a comprehensive knowledge and practical understanding of the physiology, nutrition and behaviour of a variety animals, coupled with:

• Ability to diagnose and address animal health problems
• Experience in performing clinical and surgical procedures
• Methodical and analytical problem-solving skills
• Ability to simply communicate diagnoses with empathy

Tasks

Treat animals medically and surgically and perform autopsies

Determine the presence and nature of abnormal conditions in animals

Test and inoculate animals against infectious diseases

Advise clients on health, nutrition, feeding, hygiene, breeding and care of animals

Studies

B.VSc. at UP

Medical registration of veterinarians is a requirement for practice.

Employers

Private veterinary practices and hospitals.

Government veterinary providers.

NGOs, animal shelters and zoos.

Research institutions.

Medical and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Wildlife rehabilitation centres.

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