Equine Veterinarian Job Description
Becoming an equine veterinarian takes a lot of hard work; more so than becoming a regular vet, as horses are different in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and husbandry than cats or dogs. Most vet students who choose to pursue equine medicine specialize in the subject after qualification, so lots of time and training is devoted the field.
Responsibilities
Equine veterinarians are responsible for all aspects of horse health, including nutrition, disease treatment, diagnosing and treating diseases and lameness and administering vaccinations. If necessary, equine veterinarians may perform surgeries or euthanize old or ill horses. Some equine veterinarians specialize in certain areas, such as breeding or race horses. They are often required to work side by side farriers or equine chiropractors, and must be able to communicate well with horse owners.
Requirements
To become an equine veterinarian, a four-year veterinary medicine program with an emphasis on equine medicine must be completed and additional schooling after may be necessary. For a successful medical program, candidates must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have had a successful undergraduate experience taking classes in biology, chemistry, physiology and animal science. Experience with horses and volunteering with or job shadowing equine veterinarians is also highly recommended.
Working Conditions
Most equine veterinarians spend a lot of time outdoors in barns, stables and at farms. Because it is easier to transport a person than a horse, most equine vets spend a lot of time traveling and have to transport their own equipment and medications. Larger horse operations such as race tracks or breeding farms hire a full time equine veterinarian so less traveling is involved for these vets.
Outlook
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the starting average salary for an equine vet is around $41,000. Because there are few vet schools and they are extremely competitive, there are many opportunities for successful graduates.