Perhaps not a lot of people know this, but not all veterinarians are pet doctors. Veterinary medicine is in fact broad and there are several types of veterinarians that fall under different specialisations and subspecialties. In addition, while many of us mostly encounter private vet practitioners that focus on dogs and cat, there are also other pet doctors in Singapore (https://drpawsvetcare.com/) that can treat other types of animal needs. Find out more about the interesting world of vet medicine in this article.
What is a veterinarian?
A veterinarian is a medical professional that provides care for the health of animals. To be considered one, an individual must complete a degree in a relevant course, then proceed to obtain a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine and become board-certified. Since animals cannot speak, veterinarians are educated and trained to have a good understanding of animal behaviour. They are also knowledgeable in the anatomy and biology of animals. After achieving a board-certification, many proceed to become general veterinary practitioners. There are also others who continue to receive additional education in order to become specialists in a particular area of veterinary medicine. Veterinarians can work in private animal clinics, hospitals, research facilities, and even universities.
Various types of veterinarians
1 Anaesthesiologists
All veterinarians undergo training in anaesthesia and pain relief. However, further studies can be acquired by those who wish to be experts in this area. Veterinary anaesthesiologists are animal or pet doctors that have more and advanced knowledge and techniques in the application of anaesthesia and analgesics to animals.
2 Behaviourists
If your pet has behaviour concerns, the best doctor you can go to for consultation is a veterinary behaviourist. Veterinary behaviourists are more meticulous as they delve deeply into their patient’s behavioural issues. Rather than just providing basic obedience or house training,
they consider other factors that may contribute to a pet’s problem by looking into the animal’s medical history. Vet behaviourists also incorporate medications and adaptation techniques in creating treatment plans.
3 Critical Care
Critical or intensive care is a branch of veterinary medicine that provides services and procedures for animals that are undergoing a severe medical condition that can most likely be nursed. Pet doctors who specialise in critical care have received proper training in treating, stabilising, and monitoring animals that are critically ill to give them the best chance of survival.
4 Dentists
Oral health in animals is just as important as with humans. The oral cavity and teeth of our pets are not exempt from certain conditions and disorders. If your pet has periodontal disease, which is very common among animals, or any abnormalities that affect their mouth and teeth, a veterinary dentist can surely help treat their case. This type of animal or pet doctor can treat ailments or conditions like cancer occuring in the oral cavity, fractures in the jaw, malocclusions, periodontal disease, and other disorders concerning the oral cavity and maxillofacial region of animals. Vet dentists provide services in various areas such as endodontics, oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial radiology and surgery, pedodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics.
5 Microbiology
Veterinary microbiologists play a great role in keeping the health of both animals and humans. They are specialists in dealing with diseases that affect domesticated animals, such as companion animals, livestock, poultry, and fur-bearing animals, that may be caused by bacteria or virus and passed on to humans.
6 Nutritionists
Vet nutritionists are experts in animal nutrition. They are equipped with further studies to understand the animal physiology in relation to nutrition. This includes knowledge on specific nutrient requirements needed to treat certain conditions or in each life stage of an animal. They provide diet plans customised according to the need of a pet depending on influencing factors like age, over all body and health condition, as well as dietary restrictions. If you are thinking of adapting a certain diet for your pet such as raw diet, you definitely would want to consult with a vet nutritionist, so you can ensure that your pet receives balanced and complete nutrition. Likewise, nutritionists can help provide treatment plans through diet for animals who have been diagnosed with chronic conditions.
7 Poultry
Poultry medicine covers the industry of food production. Veterinarians that specialises in this branch of medicine are trained to diagnose, manage, prevent, research, and treat conditions, disorders, and illnesses that affect various fowl species like chicken, duck, and turkey. Aside from providing medical services to animals, poultry veterinarians also conduct inspections, evaluate eggs or meats for safe consumption, as well as make recommendations concerning animal management and nutrition.
8 Surgery
While all veterinarians are taught and trained to do regular surgical procedures like dental cleanings, neutering and spaying as part of their general practice, some operations can be more complex and will need the attention of an expert. Vet surgeons are considered specialists in veterinary surgery once they have completed additional education and training following vet school. In addition, pet doctors specialising in surgery have access to specialty equipment and tools. They also work together with other vet specialists like anaesthesiologists, internal medicine specialists, and radiologists among others in order to provide the best care for your pet.
9 Toxicology
Our pets may come in contact with toxic substances or poison in the environment and will need the intervention of medicine for them to get well. This is where the expertise of vet toxicologists are needed. These doctors have the knowledge and skillset to treat animals that have been exposed to poison and toxins.
10 Zoo Medicine
Veterinarians specialising in zoo medicine deal with a diverse range of species. They diagnose, manage, prevent, and treat conditions, diseases, and disorders that affect exotic animals. Some consider this type of practice as more complex compared other veterinary specialisations as zoo vets have to learn constantly and grow in their practice. Dealing with a variety of species means that they have continuously learn and be familiar with the health of each animal they normally encounter in the zoo.
Conclusion
Veterinarians hold various roles and responsibilities. They assess animals, diagnose conditions, provide medical intervention as well as preventative measures to ensure their health and overall well-being.
Dr Paws Vet Care
77 Lucky Heights, Lucky Court (next to Patisserie Cle),
Singapore 467626
https://drpawsvetcare.com/
+62434668
