Description
Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal injuries, diseases and disorders, and advise on preventative action. They may work in practices, specialising according to their location in either a rural or urban area, or in the public sector or associated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production or drug regulation.
Tasks
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Examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests
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Inoculates animals against communicable diseases
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Administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery
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Investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care
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Euthanases old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals
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Performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products
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Performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations
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Carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students
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Maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation.
Educational Requirements
Entrants will require a university degree in veterinary science and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Pre-entry experience in a veterinary practice may be required for entry to a university veterinary school.