Who is a vet?
Veterinarian is a medical professional who is an expert in the treatment of illnesses in animals.
Is being a
veterinarian an interesting job?
Of course, yes!!
You see..animals cannot speak, unlike humans. Unless you are Harry Potter who
can speak Parseltongue, it takes a lot of compassion, a great understanding of
animal behavior, and love towards animals to provide efficient treatment. This
is what makes the job of a veterinarian admirable and interesting. Also, you
get to be friends with lots of cute animals! (well, they might also end up
hating you for giving them injections..but it’s alright).
- Based on the symptoms observed by the animal-owner as well as physical, clinical, behavioral examination of the animal, the doctor confirms the diagnosis and provides required medicine to the animal. Sometimes, a diagnostic lab test may be required in confirming the diagnosis.
- They provide required medication for infections, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, dermatological problems of animals based on clinical examination.
- They play a vital role in rural areas because most of the rural population is dependent on livestock such as cows, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, hens, etc. for income.
- Veterinary doctors educate the farmers about common diseases seen in animals and about the preventive methods to eradicate several viral, fungal, bacterial diseases in animals.
- They educate the farmers about diseases, infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, the harmful effects of different chemicals on animals.
- Veterinarians provide vaccinations to animals to prevent the incidence of several diseases.
- They educate the farmers about the proper health care of the animals so as to improve productivity as well as the health standards of animals. Vets also provide information about the ways to improve the quality of animal products like milk, meat, and also various methods of breeding.
- Veterinarians provide treatment to wounds in animals and also perform simple to complex surgeries on animals. In cases of fracture of bones, complicated delivery, necessary removal of foreign material swallowed by the animal, removal of stones from the urinary bladder, and other complications, surgeries are performed by vets.
- If required, vets can also perform radiological and laboratory diagnostic tests for the confirmation, clear analysis, and further treatment of an illness.
- In urban areas, veterinarians mostly deal with pet animals like different breeds of dogs, cats, etc. Pets are brought to veterinary clinics for regular check-ups, sterilization operations, vaccinations, food poisoning cases, wounds, dermatological problems, etc.
After 10+2 (Intermediate Bi.P.C), one should pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.) degree, which is a 5½year undergraduate course.
JOB TYPES:
- Veterinary
Doctor: The
responsibilities of a veterinary doctor have already been discussed above. The veterinary doctor is just another term for veterinarian/veterinary surgeon.
They can work in government hospitals, private hospitals, or can even start
their own clinic.
- Veterinary
Officer: The job of a
veterinary officer is the same as a veterinary doctor. They too provide medical
and surgical care to animals. In addition to this, they act as public workers
and make sure that policies and regulations are strictly followed, and help prevent
exploitation of animals.
- Livestock
development officer: Their main job is to improve the health standards,
nutritional status, breeding methods, disease prevention methods. They help
improve the product quality as well as productivity of livestock like cattle
and poultry animals.
- Food safety and
Inspect veterinarian: Their main job is to conduct tests to verify the animal
products to ensure the safety of consumers. They have to make sure that the
policies, rules, regulations are followed strictly.
- Veterinary
doctor at the zoo: Veterinary doctors can apply for vet jobs at zoos and
National parks. A Postgraduate degree after BVSc can improve the chances of
grabbing this job.
QUALITIES TO BECOME A VET:
- Compassion towards animals
- Great clinical knowledge
- Good skill
- Good knowledge of animal behavior
- Precise and accurate diagnostic skill
- Patience
AREAS OF
EMPLOYMENT:
- Government veterinary hospitals
- Private clinics
- Food inspection (Meat and Milk)
- Veterinary colleges
- Zoos and National Parks
- Pet care centers
- Private practice
SALARIES OF A
VET:
The starting salary of a vet ranges from Rs.15,000-Rs.30,000 per month. With experience, one
can earn up to Rs.1,00,000-Rs.1,50,000 per month.