Who are they and what do they do? The veterinary surgeon ‘s task is to carry out preventive, surveillance, and medical activity to do with animals, their health and diseases.
What are the activities of the job? Examination of the health of small domestic animals (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, etc.) or of large animals (horses, cattle, pigs) – prescription of the appropriate drugs – operations on animals and setting broken bones – vaccination of animals against diseases – sterilisation of dogs and cats – assist delivery in large animals (calving, foaling, and the like) – putting them down by injections if need be – consultancy activities in the field of animal breeding – activities ensuring the operation of the veterinary surgeon ‘s office (keeping up the administration, ordering the medicines, etc.).
Where is it done and under what conditions? In veterinary surgeries as well as in the field, in stables and factory farms, where the working environment may sometimes be dirty and the presence of animal hair may trigger allergies for some people.
What tools/equipment do they use? Syringes, scissors, stethoscopes, surgical instruments, bandages, medicines, drugs cleaning supplies, etc., a car.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have graduated in veterinary medicine at a university, have a positive attitudes to animals, manual skill, concentration, precision, quick reactions and judgement, the ability to organise your own work, the ability to learn.