The word 'vets' is actually short for veterinary surgeon. The word comes from the Latin 'veterinae', which means 'working animals'. Vets look after the health of all sorts of animals and have to go through many years of training before they qualify to practice veterinary medicine. A degree in veterinary medicine is required (BVS, BVMS or BVSc), and a license to practice. Veterinary nurses also need qualifications in veterinary medicine.
Vets may choose to specialise in certain areas such as pets, farm animals or exotic animals. Some vets choose to specialise in production medicine where they will be helping farmers with the production of beef, dairy cattle, sheep etc. They may also practice equine medicine and help keep race or show horses healthy.
Instead of specialising in treating certain animals, vets can also specialise in certain areas of medicine such dermatology or surgery. Others prefer to carry on in an academic field and research and advance the field of veterinary science.
Not all of the work a practicing vet does is to treat sick animals. Some of it is preventative such as inoculations, and some of it is to help prevent unwanted animals being created - neutering. Unfortunately, some procedures that are asked of vets are more for the benefit of the animal owners than the pet. This is the case for requesting the de-clawing of a cat. Cat claws can do a lot of damage in a house because cats will not always use the scratching posts bought for them and so owners want the claws removed to protect their possessions.
Vets are now commonplace in towns and cities, providing a service to both householders for their pets, and those that work with animals for a living in food production or sport.
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