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Veterinary Surgeon

Do you want to become a Veterinary Surgeon? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Veterinary surgeons diagnose and treat animals, medically and surgically, to prevent disease, cure sickness and injury, and improve their state of health. The work also involves prescribing medicines, acting as an anaesthetist and radiographer, as well as a surgeon.

The work may involve:

• carrying out diagnostic tests such as x-rays, laboratory work and ultra-sound
• immunising animals against different forms of disease
• euthanasia of old, sick or terminally ill animals
• caring for in-patient animals
• inserting microchips into animals
• consulting and counselling owners.

Much of the work is carried out in the surgery in consultations with owners and their animals. The work environment can vary from a clean, pleasant surgery, to owners' homes or outdoors, often in adverse conditions.

Newly-qualified vets start on around £19,000, sometimes with additional allowances for accommodation, a car, professional fees and continuing professional development costs. Many experienced vets earn up to £45,000.

A veterinary surgeon should:

• be interested in and concerned for animals
• be patient, sensitive and sympathetic
• be able to make difficult decisions and deal with distressing situations
• be good with their hands, and able to handle large animals
• have the management and business skills to run a veterinary practice
• be prepared to train for a long time and be able to drive.

To work in the UK, vets must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Newly-qualified veterinary surgeons normally work as assistants for some time, before becoming partners in an established practice. This involves increased responsibility, business and management skills and probably a financial investment.

It is possible to pursue a research and/or teaching career within universities or research bodies.

Opportunities are also available to work for different types of employers, such as animal welfare societies and government services.

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