Most veterinarians perform clinical work in private practices. Veterinarians in clinical practice predominately or exclusively treat small animals and diagnose animal health problems, vaccinate against diseases, medicate animals suffering from infections or illnesses, treat and dress wounds, set fractures, perform surgery, and advise owners about animal feeding, behavior, and breeding. A small number of private practice veterinarians work exclusively with large animals. Much of this work involves preventive care to maintain the health of the food animals. They also perform cesarean sections on birthing animals. Veterinarians also euthanize animals when necessary. Other veterinarians care for zoo, aquarium, or laboratory animals.
Veterinarians can contribute to human as well as animal health. A number of veterinarians work with physicians and scientists as they research ways to prevent and treat human health problems, such as cancer, AIDS, and alcohol or drug abuse. Veterinarians who are livestock inspectors check animals for transmissible diseases, examine slaughtering and processing plants, check live animals and carcasses for disease, and enforce government regulations regarding food purity and sanitation.
This health profession description is from the U.S. Department of Labor occupational outlook handbook.
