A Career in Veterinary Medicine

Emily Hinman

Mr. Alburger

English III Honors, Period 3

22 February 2018
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Emily Hinman

Mr. Alburger

English III Honors, Period 3

10 February 2018

A Career in Veterinary Medicine

Picture this: a normal day at the clinic, with no more than a variation of sneezing puppies

and dizzy kittens. All of a sudden, a concerned animal parent rushes in with an adult female cat,

named Cotton. An urgent “Please help my baby!” bursts out of the woman’s mouth. Before a

panic could ensue, the distrrecaught mother receives an immediate escort into the emergency

room. “What seems to be the problem Miss…?” the veterinary technician inquired. Pointing to

the sick kitty, the woman said shakily, “My name is Clara Osborne, and this is my cat Cotton.

My poor little baby has not been feeling well. For days she has been glued to her water dish,

making a point to avoid food, as well as throwing up multiple times this past week!” In response,

the technician professionally stated, “I am very sorry to hear that Miss Osborne. How many

times has Cotton vomited?” “The vomiting has been inconsistent for the past few days, but my

little muffin has thrown up three times just this morning!” Clara exclaimed fearfully. “Thank

you, we’ll take great care of her,” the Vet and a team of assistants assured.

“The patient looks to be a domestic shorthaired adult female cat, around ten years of age, and has

been spayed. Her symptoms show signs of extreme dehydration, weight loss, and an increased

heart rate,” the Nurse stated (Patient). The mind of the Veterinarian raced from symptom to
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symptom, from disease to condition, to and fro in search of a plan of treatment. First, the

Veterinarian lined up a series of tests to help narrow down areas of concern. Cotton appeared

tachycardic, so the next step included finding out whether or not this patient had a heart issue, or

if the increased heart rate remained solely circumstantial. “We need a Complete Blood Count

(CBC), Serum Chemistry Panel, T​4 concentration

​ measurement, and an abdominal radiographic

examination, stat!” exclaimed the vet, after a few minutes of pondering. Technologies like a

Serum Chemistry Panel have become extremely advanced, and would not exist if not for the

dedication towards the progression of animal sciences. Without these tests, Cotton’s diagnosis

might not come so easily. Over the years, the development of animal medicine and

environmental profession has rapidly increased, leading to revolutionary advances for a better

and brighter future in the animal world.

Since the beginning of time, humans have shown intense curiosity towards the well being

and mind of animals. Mediterranean civilizations have domesticated animals since before 4,000

BC; the development of animal medicine has continued since its’ beginning in 2500 BC. The

Greeks progressed greatly in many fields, including veterinary medicine and mathematics, and

the Greeks made history by recording animal case studies/treatments.

Hippocrates, a Greek physician, expounded upon human and animal likeness in the

medical world. These ideologies created the basis of veterinary education, and still remain

relevant today. The very first veterinary medicine textbook, Hippiatrika, first became known in

1530 (Veterinary Medicine). The author stated that the early discoveries of Hippocrates heavily

influenced his writing and this book has often considered as vital in the early development of

veterinary medicine.
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“In 1863, the American Veterinary Medical Association was founded. At that time, its

purpose was to lead the war against diseases among domestic livestock. The organization has

since expanded its vision and now encompasses the total care for all animals.” (Institute) The

aspect of caring for a domestic animal ties in through many different methods, and as this

appears very enticing to an individual, desire towards a career increases, making that person

want to take the next step and care for animals medically.

In recent years, specifically 1879, Iowa State opened the very first veterinary school. The

abrupt decision appeared as if ISUA had a similar idea to Cornell University, where the

university offered the very first veterinary degree in 1876. Daniel E. Salmon received the first

degree, and due to Salmon’s discoveries within the scientific field of animal medicine, that name

received application to the bacterium Salmonella. Health education later went as far as to reach

22 other colleges. Soon after, the Bureau of Animal Industry established within the US

Department of Agriculture in 1884. The focal point of animal had a very different image back

then however, as opposed to today.

When veterinary medicine first became a priority in the big picture of worldly health, the

field heavily concentrated on the eradication of diseases among domestic farm animals. The

majority of motivation involved improving profit gained from those animals. Because these

diseases thrived for so long, the domestic industry never truly reached its full potential. Due to

the rapid increase in disease treatment development, the majority of such diseases have reached

eventual eradication. The larger issue in today’s society mainly pinpoints to the mistreatment and

neglect of domestic animals.

In comparison to things like commonly transferred infectious diseases, diseases caused

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by neglect seem difficult to recognize and understand. Each disease or condition can stem from

mildly to extremely varying conditions. Obesity became one of the leading causes of death in

domestic pets like cats and dogs as of recent years. “Veterinary estimation in the US puts obese

dogs at 55% of the population, and cats at 40%. There are numerous risk factors that predispose

to obesity, and the resultant effects on health, longevity and quality of life are diverse and

severe,” (Boland). Obesity alone puts an animal in severe danger, but varying diseases and

conditions can develop due to these dangerous conditions. Recently, animal neglect has arose as

one of the leading factors that contribute to domestic pets becoming obese.

Diabetes often appears as an immediate connection that an individual might make to

obesity. The patient can acquire diabetes or have genetics causing diabetes, and this disease

inhibits the body’s ability to produce insulin. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone related

to the endocrine system. Insulin regulates glucose levels, or A1C levels in the blood. Diabetes

can vary from animal to animal and the disease contains many different variations depending on

the type. Type 1 Diabetes rapidly occurs, and the medical specifications include the destruction

of pancreatic cells. Reduction of the body’s ability to regulate glucose levels will affect the

process of respiration or breathing. Acquiring this disease results from autoimmune destruction

of those very important pancreatic cells (Diabetes). Type 1 Diabetes remains the most commonly

diagnosed among humans and animals alike. Along with diabetes, several other health

complications come with animal obesity.

Difficulty with activities and conditions like exercise, breathing, and heart problems

commonly appear in obese animals, and when combined, can cause severe complications. Over

time, things like hypertrophy and liver issues can also enroot, which could lead to death. Hepatic
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Lipidosis, more commonly known as fatty liver, appears most typically in cats.The body heavily

relies on the liver for protein synthesis along with the creation and distribution of chemicals

required for digestion that produce here. Reduction in the ability to do these vital bodily

functions can result in a chronic decrease in health and eventual death. In order to prevent an

animal from dying due to the obesity epidemic, regular exercise and a healthy diet remain

crucial. Avoiding animal neglect, or direct/indirect mistreatment of an animal remains a top

priority, and of utmost importance. The commitment to proper emotional and physical care of an

animal can potentially stretch the limits of what some are capable of.

Animal abuse arises as another delicate subject that has avoided discussion over the

years. Although most don’t recognize these factors, abuse exists in homes with domestic animals

as well as in zoos with wild animals. Animal activist groups such as PETA have battled these

cruelties for years against large-scale companies like SeaWorld and Barnum & Bailey Ringling

Brothers Circus. The majority of society holds an opposition towards groups like PETA, due to

methods of shock advertising and “harsh truth” ad campaigns (Matusitz). Photoshoots feature

humans in the position of an abused animal or group of animals. For example, PETA’s campaign

with a young celebrity named Noah Cyrus featured an image of the teen lying on a surgical table,

photoshopped to look cut open, with faux internal organs on display. (Colley) This campaign in

particular targeted classroom dissections and use of animals for testing products. The image

features the statement “I am not a classroom experiment,” boldly lettered across the bottom. The

controversy sparked by this particular campaign left many targeting PETA for the obscure

method of getting a message across.

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Like PETA, smaller scale organizations rescue abused animals from their unfortunate

home situations and follow through with intense treatment, and often therapy. The neurological

and physical damage that abuse can cause a domestic or wild animal can exist as beyond

imaginable situations (Ascione). One aspect of veterinary medicine includes treating and helping

such animals, and though animal therapy may seem like a dismal option, the rewards can prove

more than worth it. For those animals able to live lives free of abuse, issues like fatal and chronic

diseases remain a steadfast topic of concern in their lives.

Cancer has remained a quiet and sneaky death in all animals for many years. Medicine

defines cancer as a new tissue growth with a continuing growth of cells. The genes that control

cell growth will have abnormalities, and can stem from anywhere in the body. Sarcomas can

come from any connective tissue, like cartilage or bone. Lymphoma creation occurs in lymph

nodes and diagnosis of this occurs most commonly in animals. This involves things like

blood-forming tissues, and these tissues as well as the nodes become enlarged. Melanoma stems

from melanin, and the integumentary system. This type of cancer can exist and replicate in any

area of the integumentary system, such as the mouth, nail beds, and skin. (Seltzer) Several types

and variations of cancer make diagnosis and prognosis extremely difficult.

Mrs. Osborne feared the worst for the precious cat. PetMD stated that dehydration and

weight loss could mean unbalanced hormones, or even worse, a tumor. Those growing fears

quickly calmed, however, when the veterinarian returned with Cotton’s test results. Cotton did

not appear to have any growths or other signs of cancer. The tests found that Cotton’s chemistry

panel levels appeared somewhat elevated, indicating that a diffuse functional ileus affected

Cotton’s small or large intestine. This means that Cotton has a partial or complete blockage.
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These findings conclude that Cotton suffers from renal disease and hyperthyroidism. Renal

disease, or kidney failure, can affect animals in several ways.

Cotton’s dehydration, increased heart rate, weight loss, and vomiting are all attributed to

symptoms of kidney failure. Immediate treatment following this discovery includes a day’s

worth of intravenous fluids (IV) for hydration and antiemetic medicine for nausea. Improvement

Cotton’s health largely depends on the hydration of the body. Cotton’s kidneys appeared to have

elevated creatine levels, which led the veterinarian to also diagnose azotemia, a medical

condition where nitrogen compound levels sit at an abnormally high level. The prognosis

following included an oral dosage of 1.5 mg Methimazole twice daily, followed by a renal diet.

A good renal diet for cats includes poultry, rabbit, and other highly digestible foods. This

prognosis and diagnosis took large amounts of education and skill, and further represents the

diversity in veterinary medicine.

The daily life of different kinds of veterinary careers can change and vary greatly. Local

vet clinics need help caring for animals, just like nationwide facilities. The military and the

federal government offer several positions for the average and well educated vet. The federal

government features careers outside of traditional clinical practice, and the organization offers

several benefits, job seeking availability, and opportunities that derive from this diverse path

(Garber “Federal”). Whether the individual searches for an experience out in the “field”,

surrounded by chaos, gunfire, or potentially wounded military animals, rather than a quiet

evening in the office, remains up to them. The U.S. military looks for brave, young and esteemed

vets to care for very important military animals, whereas the federal government brings a much

more diverse aspect of animal medicine to the table (Garber “Military).

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“Zoological veterinary medicine is the practice of all aspects of veterinary medicine on

non-domestic species in both wild and captive situations,” (Hunter). Patient species can span

from mammals to invertebrates, and provide a diverse array of clinical needs. Countless options

even exist within the department of zoological veterinary medicine. Things like pharmacists,

veterinary technicians, and zoo veterinarians all come into play. Pharmaceuticals remain as a

large part of non-domestic animal care. While animal drugs can change the life of one animal,

those drugs can ruin the life of another. Polypharmacy involves the use of multiple drugs

simultaneously to treat only one ailment. Though polypharmacy may seem harmless, the practice

has prevailed as a huge problem in the human medical world for years (Schwabe). The benefits

and risks of this method have not faced discussion often enough in recent years, due to the lack

of evidence presenting adverse effects on non-domestic animals.

Polypharmacy may have a bad reputation due to misdiagnosis in humans, but for animals,

layering certain medications can change their lives for the better. For humans, certain drugs can

exist in up to six or more different classes, and contain very common ingredients (Hunter). For

example, if Advil PM is taken for a headache, it contains the active ingredient of

diphenhydramine citrate (a sleep aid). Advil PM alone causes no issue, but the person also has a

runny nose and sore throat. Decidedly, Benadryl will solve these issues. The problem arises

when noticing that diphenhydramine citrate combines as the active ingredient of Benadryl.

Medicines like Advil typically use the maximum amount of the active ingredient per dose, and

taking two doses of that active ingredient could quickly lead to overdose. Whereas something

like anesthesia produces unconsciousness through the use of multiple drugs. Animal and human

anesthesiologists require heavy amounts of education, and the individual may not always
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recognize the levels of commitment.

Veterinary education often begins with an early interest in high school, and taking

courses similar to what a pre-vet student might take in college can boost your college

application. A typical high school might offer basic anatomy, advanced placement environmental

science, chemistry, and natural sciences. Opportunities may arise throughout high school to give

students an insight into the life of an average vet. Opportunities such as shadowing at a

veterinary hospital, medical summer camps, and summer courses often provide a better

understanding for aspiring vets. Volunteering or working with a veterinarian can help expose a

person to the career, whereas volunteering at rescues provide experience with handling and

caring for displaced animals. Varied experience aids the individual, helping them to stand out

from other candidates. Spending time in these areas can also further assist an individual in

gaining a recommendation. Leadership experience can also increase qualifications exponentially,

and make the individual look confident in their abilities. Public speaking increases social and

technical skills for the future of an applicant.

More advanced opportunities have become available for the typical high school student.

For example, Tufts University offers a program called “The Adventures in Veterinary

Medicine.” Students have a choice between daily and residential camps for up to two weeks.

Those attending have opportunities to study domestic up close and learn how to behave around

larger farm domestics. This program offers classes like large animal handling and veterinary

ethics to showcase the humane side of animal medicine (University). The camp focuses on the

little things that make a great vet, such as psychomotor skills, problem solving, animal

management, and basic first aid education. These skills would help a student feel much more
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prepared when advancing towards college and vet school.

Once in college, scientific courses like upper-level anatomy and physiology, zoology, or

microbiology can increase qualifications for veterinary medical school. Most vet schools do not

necessarily require pre-vet, just an elevated bachelor’s science degree of some sort (Veterinary

Medical). Basic admission into veterinary medical school requires some sort of collegiate level

education as well as high school.

The ability to multitask and retain quite a bit of information prove to help out heavily

when following a veterinary career. When in vet school, whether or not someone’s plan on only

caring for smaller domestic animals, the individual must learn to care for all species. The ability

to multitask, time manage, and learn quickly make an exponential difference when one follows

through with an education in veterinary medicine (Finkes). Any student should expect to keep an

open mind to diverse animals and different species.

In order to become a practicing veterinarian, the individual must complete a Doctor of

Veterinary Medicine degree. Obtaining this degree can take up to four years and the education

process includes hands on experience as well as classroom experience. Finding work

immediately after graduation most often does not occur, as some require further education. Legal

recognition by the American Veterinary Medical association requires for the individual to

acquire certification through a state exam, and have a license (Carlson).

The average veterinarian can have a salary in between $88,770 and $161,070 (Bureau).

Most veterinarians will work full time, and will respond to certain emergencies outside of the

typical work hours. Depending on whether or not someone chooses to work on large animals,

small animals, or both will determine the type of jobs that someone receives. Typically, a
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veterinarian who works on larger domestic animals will make more house calls to farms, barns,

and ranches. Whereas small domestic veterinarians usually stay in the office.

In conclusion, working in veterinary medicine can contain extremely difficult jobs that

vary, but the payoff often proves more than worth it. The individual who loves caring for animals

and changing the lives of that animal’s family would find passion within this path. Veterinary

medicine exists as a reliable choice for those looking for a well-paying job, but the educational

process can take up the majority of an individual’s time. The fields within animal medicine

provide variety, diversity and options for everyone. Caring for animals and saving lives changes

the world for the better. Without the dedication towards the progression of animal health,

veterinary medicine would not have reach the levels of advancement it has today.
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