* Farm animals: Cows, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys, etc.
* Zoo animals: Lions, elephants, giraffes, tigers, etc.
* Exotic animals: Alpacas, llamas, camels, etc.
They have specialized knowledge and skills in:
* Diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries: They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions in large animals, from common ailments to more serious illnesses.
* Surgery: They perform surgeries on large animals, including routine procedures like castrations and more complex surgeries like orthopedic procedures.
* Reproductive medicine: They assist with breeding programs and can perform artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and other reproductive procedures.
* Preventative medicine: They provide vaccinations, deworming, and other preventative care to help keep large animals healthy.
* Nutrition: They advise on proper nutrition for different species and can help with weight management.
Large animal vets often work in a variety of settings, including:
* Private practices: They may run their own practice or work for a larger veterinary clinic.
* Farms: They may provide services to farmers and ranchers, such as preventative care, herd health management, and emergency services.
* Zoos: They work in zoos to care for the health of the animals.
* Government agencies: They may work for state or federal agencies, such as the USDA, to conduct disease surveillance, enforce animal health regulations, and provide educational services.
Becoming a large animal vet requires a significant amount of training and education:
* They must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school.
* They may then pursue a residency or internship to specialize in large animal medicine.
Large animal vets play a vital role in the health and well-being of animals, and they are essential for ensuring the safety and productivity of the agricultural industry.