Veterinary medicine is a medical field concerned with the health and welfare of animals. Veterinarians are trained professionals who work to keep animals healthy, provide preventative care, treat diseases and injuries, and educate pet owners. Veterinarians typically have a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and many are also certified to perform certain surgical procedures. The vast majority of veterinarians work in veterinary clinics and hospitals, though some travel to farms or other locations to help with animal care. Veterinarian Clinic also often pursue research careers and have contributed to human medical advancements in areas such as pharmacology, epidemiology, and infectious disease.

Veterinarians usually have a strong background in science and mathematics, as well as extensive knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and other subjects. Depending on the specific job, veterinarians may also need to have special training in a number of areas including ophthalmology, dermatology, and dentistry. Most states require veterinarians to be licensed in order to practice, although some countries have additional regulations. It is illegal to call yourself a veterinarian in most jurisdictions without meeting the proper qualifications and license.

Typical veterinarians specialize in small animal medicine. This includes dogs, cats, and other common household pets such as hamsters and gerbils. They may offer wellness exams, vaccinations, and spaying and neutering services. Vaccinations include vaccines for distemper, rabies, and other common illnesses. Some veterinarians also use prophylactic treatments such as antibiotics or dental prophylaxis to prevent future issues.

In some cases, vets must decide whether or not to euthanize an animal. This is typically done when an illness or injury is terminal and the patient would not have a high quality of life if treated, or in situations where treatment is likely to cause more harm than good. It is generally a very difficult decision for both the veterinarian and the pet owner.

While most pet owners visit a vet clinic for routine appointments, some pets need more extensive care. In these cases, the pet is often taken to a hospital where a larger variety of tests can be performed and where the veterinarian has access to better equipment. An animal hospital can also house sick or injured pets longer than a clinic, and they are generally more equipped to handle emergency surgeries.

Veterinarians often travel to farms and other facilities to help with animal care, especially for large animals such as livestock, horses, and farm-raised reptiles. Some veterinarians also work in laboratory settings, where they are responsible for testing and analyzing animal specimens for various diseases and conditions. They may also help with conservation efforts, as they might be responsible for ensuring that the animal population is at a sustainable level.

Cimarron Animal Hospital offers both a vet clinic and a pet hospital in Wichita. We are able to offer the same typical pet wellness services, but we also have more advanced diagnostic equipment like ultrasounds and a full-service lab to be able to run more comprehensive tests for our patients. We are also able to board pets for overnight stays and offer a wide range of emergency surgeries.