Small Animal Veterinarian

2141 Words5 Pages

Notes and Sources: Small Animal Veterinary Science Small Animal Veterinarian Duties Small animal veterinarians are licensed animal health professionals that are qualified to diagnose and treat a variety of companion species. Small animal practitioners commonly treat dogs, cats, other small mammals, birds, and reptiles. A small animal vet can work in a variety of environments, but will generally have routine interactions with both patients and their owners by appointment in the clinic’s exam room. The typical routine for a small animal vet includes performing wellness exams, giving routine vaccinations, drawing blood, prescribing medications, evaluating and suturing wounds, performing surgeries (such as spay/neuter procedures), performing post-surgical …show more content…

They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. Companion animal veterinarians treat pets and generally work in private clinics and hospitals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 75 percent of veterinarians who work in private clinical practice treat pets. They most often care for cats and dogs, but also treat other pets, such as birds, ferrets, and rabbits. These veterinarians diagnose and provide treatment for animal health problems, consult with owners of animals about preventative health care, and carry out medical and surgical procedures, such as vaccinations, dental work, and setting fractures. INJURIES AND ILLNESSES When working with animals that are frightened or in pain, veterinarians risk being bitten, kicked, and scratched. In addition, veterinarians working with diseased animals risk being infected by the disease. IMPORTANT QUALITIES Compassion. Veterinarians must be compassionate when working with animals and their owners. They must treat animals with kindness and respect, and must be sensitive when dealing with the owners of sick …show more content…

Abscesses are typically described anatomically by where they are located- for instance, a tooth root abscess occurs at the tip of a tooth root, and a subcutaneous abscess occurs under the skin. Typically, an abscess appears suddenly as a painful swelling (if it is not located inside a body cavity or deep within tissue) that may be either firm to the touch, or fluctuant like a water balloon. The abscess may be large or small, will often cause redness if it is under the skin, and may cause local tissue destruction. Some abscesses will rupture, discharging a foul-smelling

More about Small Animal Veterinarian

Open Document