5 Common Veterinary Specialties

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 proficiency:

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 specialists are comparable to primary care doctors who work with people. Aside from caring for animals needing homes, they can practice shelter medicine, including euthanizing animals nearing their end. Visit this website to navigate a facility with excellent track records.

Exotic Pet Veterinarians

An exotic pet veterinarian examines the medical history of the animal, its nutrition, and any distinctive characteristics. They might also do a physical examination and laboratory tests. It is vital for veterinarians to regularly 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 treating exotic animals. Check out this trustworthy exotic animal vet in Huntersville.

Veterinary Surgeons

While general practice veterinarians can carry out routine surgeries like spaying, neutering, and dental cleanings, many intricate surgical procedures need to be performed by a specialist. Veterinary surgeons have the resources and technology to carry out even one of the most complex treatments, and they can specialize in either small or large animals. Click here to learn about the different types of veterinary surgeries.

Internal Medicine Specialists

Veterinarians with diplomas from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine have received extensive training to manage rare or complex conditions. When a situation is complicated or an animal needs a highly specialized procedure, pet owners are frequently referred to these specialists by their regular veterinarians. 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 assistance when they suffer injury or suddenly develop a health concern threatening their lives. For these kinds of high-stress circumstances, veterinary professionals in emergency and critical care are trained. 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 most effective surgical and medical treatment possible. Specialists take extensive training in a topic and pass tests evaluating their proficiency. Most specialty organizations require that veterinary specialists complete four years of veterinary college, an additional year of internship, and two to three years of residency training before sitting for the final exams that allow them to become what is referred to as “board certified” likewise known as a Diplomate.