Veterinarians

Veterinarians diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, injuries and dysfunctions of animals. They may provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in the treatment of a particular animal group or in a particular speciality area, or provide professional services to commercial firms producing biological and pharmaceutical products. Tasks include - (a) determining the presence and nature of abnormal conditions by physical examination, laboratory testing and through diagnostic imaging techniques including radiography and ultrasound; (b) treating animals medically and surgically, and administering and prescribing drugs, analgesics, and general and local anaesthetics; (c) performing surgery, dressing wounds and setting broken bones; (d) rendering obstetric and dental services to animals; (e) participating in programmes designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of animal diseases; (f) inoculating animals against, and testing for, infectious diseases and notifying authorities of outbreaks of infectious animal diseases; (g) performing autopsies to determine cause of death; (h) advising clients on health, nutrition and feeding, hygiene, breeding and care of animals; (i) providing euthanasia services for animals. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Animal pathologist - Veterinarian - Veterinary epidemiologist - Veterinary intern - Veterinary surgeon.