In the United States, veterinarians receive either a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or, if graduating from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Latin Veterinariae Medicinae Doctor (VMD). The vets may go on to do post-graduate work in fields ranging from ophthalmology to oncology to orthopedics, as do physicians treating humans. The overwhelming majority of vets work with companion animals, such as dogs and cats. Other veterinarians practice exclusively with equines, exotic animals or livestock.
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General and Emergency Practitioners
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General veterinary practitioners treats cats and dogs, although a few have solely canine or feline practices. Most practices have regular business hours, but pets get sick or injured around the clock. Emergency 24-hour veterinary hospitals are the place to go with a critically injured or extremely ill dog or cat. Such hospitals have specialists in various fields. While most general practitioners operate out of a veterinary clinic, some have mobile services in which they come to the client. This is helpful for clients who have many pets needing routine vaccinations or check-ups, and for those whose animals are phobic about vet office visits.
Equine Vets
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Equine vets treat mules, too. Equine veterinarians have their own niches. Some practice exclusively on racehorses and work primarily at racetracks, while others concentrate on breeding stock or show horses or operate a general practice. While most general practice equine veterinarians perform dentistry, others specialize in dentistry, as horses should have their teeth filed at least once a year. Most equine vets have a mobile practice, operating out of their vehicles and traveling to their clients' stables. Horses that can't be treated on-site or those requiring surgery are referred to equine veterinary hospitals. Such hospitals may further specialize, including those that treat lameness and orthopedic problems, and others that perform colic surgeries.
Vets for Exotic Pets
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In veterinary lexicon, exotics refer to pets other than the traditional cat and dog. It includes rabbits, birds, reptiles, the "pocket pets" such as hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, mice, rats and less common pets like sugar gliders or chinchillas. Exotics might include pot belly pigs, primates or individual chickens or pigeons kept as pets. Veterinarians treating exotic pets should be board-certified for the treatment of rodents, birds or reptiles.
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