A Pet Owner’s Guide to Veterinary Specialists
Contrary to common belief, there are many more career options accessible in various settings for those in the veterinary field. There are 22 veterinary specializations acknowledged by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), including theriogenology, radiography, surgery, animal welfare, poultry veterinary medicine, and emergency and critical care.
These specializations include the types of veterinarians and medical specialties that most people are familiar with, from human medicine and others specific to the veterinary field, such as animal welfare, exotic animal veterinary medicine, laboratory animal medicine, and theriogenology. Here are a few of the veterinary specialists with their corresponding expertise:
Companion Animal Veterinarians
In private practice, 75% of veterinarians deal primarily or only with companion animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). They tend to wounds, identify infections, do surgery, provide immunizations, and write medicine prescriptions.
These professionals are comparable to primary care doctors who work with people. Aside from caring for animals needing homes, other vet services include practicing shelter medicine, including euthanizing animals nearing their end.
Exotic Pet Veterinarians
An exotic pet veterinarian evaluates the medical history of the animal, its nutrition, and any distinctive characteristics. They might also do a physical examination and laboratory tests. It is crucial for veterinarians to routinely monitor these temperatures because some exotic species, including chinchillas, can be sensitive to temperature variations. Small mammals, reptiles, avians, aquatic pets, and more can all be treated by a veterinarian who has received special training in dealing with exotic pets. Visit this page for more topics on exotic animals.
Veterinary Surgeons
While general practice veterinarians can carry out routine surgeries like spaying, neutering, and dental cleanings, many complex surgical procedures need to be performed by a specialist. Veterinary surgeons have the resources and technology to perform even the most complex treatments, and they can specialize in either small or large animals. Visit pages like https://www.huntersville.carolinavet.com/site/specialties/surgery to know more about surgical procedures.
Internal Medicine Specialists
Veterinarians with diplomas from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine have received extensive training to manage rare or challenging conditions. When a situation is complicated or an animal needs a highly specialized procedure, pet owners are often referred to these specialists by their regular vets. Veterinarians that focus on internal medicine may also choose to specialize in the following:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Small animal internal medicine
- Large animal internal medicine
Emergency & Critical Care Veterinarians
Animals require immediate medical support when they suffer injury or suddenly develop a health problem threatening their lives. Veterinary professionals in emergency and critical care are trained for these high-stress scenarios. They are prepared to respond quickly in emergencies and ensure the animal receives the necessary care immediately.
Key Takeaway
Specialists work with your primary care veterinarian to give your pet the best surgical and medical treatment possible. Specialists take extensive training in a topic and pass tests assessing their competence. Most specialty organizations require that veterinary specialists complete four years of veterinary school, an additional year of internship, and two to three years of residency training before sitting for the final examinations that allow them to become what is referred to as “board certified” likewise known as a Diplomate.
