Definition of Veterinarian
A veterinarian or veterinarian is a medical professional whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and humans. A veterinarian is known to have several duties. Starting from diagnosing and controlling symptoms of animal diseases, treating sick and injured animals, preventing the transmission of zoonotic animal diseases to humans.
Apart from that, veterinary medicine is also known to play a role in advising owners on the proper care of pets and livestock. They ensure a safe food supply by maintaining the health of the food animals. A veterinarian may also be involved in the preservation and conservation of wildlife and the public health of the human population.
Diseases Treated by Veterinarians
Physicians support and optimize the animal’s body’s ability to heal itself. This is done through controlling symptoms of health problems experienced by pets.
For example, if a dog has a bacterial infection, the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. Antibiotics are responsible for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, so that the dog’s immune system can fight infection more optimally.
Medical Actions That Can Be Performed by Veterinarians
The responsibilities of each veterinary https://www.scholfieldveterinary.com/ veterinarian may vary. Because, like human medicine, veterinarian is also divided into their respective specialties. Examples include internists, surgeons, dermatologists, and animal emergencies. Nevertheless, veterinarians are known to have general authority to carry out several medical actions, such as:
Diagnose the condition of sick animals.
Giving vaccines to animals.
Prescribing drugs in animals with health problems.
Perform surgery, if needed as a form of treatment.
Complete diagnostic tests.
Educating pet owners about a few things is important. For example, such as providing food, animal care, to making cages.
Veterinarians can provide pet owners with valuable information to keep their animals healthy. Listening to veterinarian nutrition recommendations is one of the best ways, to combat common problems in animals. For example, such as osteoarthritis, skin allergies, and animal obesity.
When to Visit the Vet?
A person needs to visit a veterinarian if their pet shows signs of health problems. For example, if you have a pet cat, there are several symptoms that can be seen as an indication to immediately have the animal checked by a doctor.
One of the symptoms of health problems in cats is breathing problems. Because, if this pet is having difficulty breathing, this condition could be a sign of a problem with the heart or lungs which causes low oxygen levels.
Preparation Before and After Visiting the Vet
Veterinarians will need some basic information about the animals you keep. Especially if you are bringing it for the first time. Therefore, make notes about:
Names and dosages of all pet medications (if any medications have been prescribed).
The type of food the pet eats.
Eating and drinking habits of pets.
Pet’s pooping habits.
Recent travel or indications of recent tick bites.
Past medical records, including vaccine history.
Veterinarians may also need a stool sample. However, if you have birds or small animals like hamsters, you may not need to bring them. Because small animals usually defecate when they go to the vet.
Please be aware that visits to the veterinarian can be stressful for pets. Therefore, bring some of your pet’s favorite toys and a blanket. Also ask your doctor if your pet can eat before visiting. Because, some health tests require animals to fast first.
However, make sure to ensure that your pet’s water intake is sufficient, so that they are not at risk of becoming dehydrated. If the doctor allows the pet to eat before the visit, try to bring your pet’s favorite food.
During the visit, the veterinarian will make a diagnosis through a physical examination and then follow up with supporting examinations if needed. If the animal’s condition can still be treated with medication, the doctor will prescribe the medication needed. However, if the animal’s condition is deemed to require immediate treatment, the doctor will take the necessary action.