Veterinary surgeons (vets) are doctors for animals. They treat and care for sick and injured animals and the work sometimes involves improving the living conditions of animals to prevent sickness. Vets examine animals and may have to do tests to discover what is wrong with the animal.

This often involves taking specimens such as blood samples. When they have made a diagnosis (found out the cause of a problem) they decide how to treat the animal.Treatment may involve giving injections, tablets or other medicines to cure the problem. The vet will inform the owner/s of the diagnosis and give advice about using the medication if it is necessary for the treatment to continue.

Animals sometimes need surgery (an operation). If surgery is required, vets have to use surgical instruments. These are hand held metal tools such as a scalpel for making incisions. A vet also has to learn how to use the technical equipmentwhich is necessary to perform operations. One piece of equipment used is a ventilator which supports the animal's breathing throughout the operation.

Once the animal has been anaesthetised (an injection to make the animal sleep), the vet makes an incision to open up the animal in the area on the body where the problem is. It is then possible to examine internally. During the operation the vet has to ensure that the animal is comfortable by watching monitors and instruments which record any changes in the animal's body. Afterwards the vet sutures (stitches) the animal to close the incision.

Many vets carry out inspection duties. They look at the living conditions of animals in zoos, pet shops or kennels. Some advise on the welfare of animals kept in laboratories. Vets may also chose to work in research to find out more about animals. Some vets become teachers to pass on their knowledge of veterinary medicine to students. Giving general advice to owners about caring for their animal/s is also part of the vet's role.

If vets chose to work with farm animals they may have to test for disease. Another task for a farm vet is to assist with the farmer's breeding programme. Artificial insemination is used to enable the farmer to control the size and quality of the herd (if it is cattle) and when the calves will be born on the farm. The vet artificially inseminates the cow by inserting a syringe containing semen from a bull into the canal under the tail.

Vets who want to work with farm animals and family pets, also work in a practice but they have to travel around to farms to see the larger animals. This may involve a great deal of daily travel. A driving licence is essential. Vets who choose to work in a practice work long hours and must expect to work some evenings and weekends. They may be called out in the night to give emergency treatment to animals. Sometimes vets have to see things which can be upsetting. For instance, animals which are badly injured or beyond help may have to be killed humanely to prevent them suffering excessively.

Vets who choose to work with small animals (family pets) work mainly in a surgery (also called 'a practice') and people bring their animals to the practice.

Vets may also choose to work in laboratories which may be in towns, cities, or rural areas. Vets who choose to become teachers work in universities. Others choose to join the armed forces caring for army horses and other animals. There are also openings for vets to work in veterinary hospitals for animal welfare societies such as the RSPCA. The conditions (such as on farms) may be cold, wet, dirty and smelly.

• interested in animals and concerned for their welfare but not too sentimental about them
• intelligent to be able to study veterinary medicine
• able to do messy tasks and not feel squeamish
• patient and understanding with animals and their owners
• good at communicating with other people and able to work as part of a team
• good at science and be observant to notice symptoms of illness in animals
• good with their hands and have practical skills to handle animals and equipment
• able to run a business if the vet wants to own a practice and be self-employed

A vet has to study for at least five years at a university and the course is demanding on the students. Students have to be hardworking and pass difficult examinations. There is stiff competition for places on courses. Only six universities run courses for vets (at January 1998) which offer around 400 places to new students each year. The universities ask that students get three top A'level passes (three A's). Chemistry is always needed, Biology and Maths or Physics may also be asked for as well. There is usually a rigorous interview to attend before students are accepted. This will be in the form of an oral examination.

If you want to become a vet ask your local vet's practice if they will allow you to spend some time with a vet. This will give you a good insight into what is involved. Universities ask students to get some experience by helping in a vet's practice before they enter university.

For further information please contact your local careers service.