Veterinary medicine is the medical science concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing animal disease and injury. Doctors who practice veterinary medicine are known as veterinarians.
Veterinary medicine also includes aspects of animal husbandry, animal rearing, breeding, nutritional research, and product development.
The scope of veterinary medicine could potentially extend to all species of animals, domesticated and wild, although many veterinarians specialize in one or more species.
Zoologic medicine, which involves the healthcare animals in a zoo or in the wild, is a specialty veterinary specialty. With an emphasis on wildlife conservation in recent years, this has become a significant field.
A significant challenge to veterinary medicine is adequately attending to the diversity of animal species, which is why many veterinarians restrict their practice to one or more species. Some veterinary practices focus solely on one species, such as cats or horses, while a larger number of them address the veterinary needs of companion animals, generally known as pets, which may include cats, dogs, ferrets, and various birds, rodents, and reptiles. Others might specialize in livestock or working animals.
Recognized veterinary specialties include anesthesia, animal welfare, animal behavior, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, oncology, laboratory research, microbiology, nutrition, ophthalmology, pathology, pharmacology, poultry veterinarians, preventative medicine, radiology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, surgery, orthopedics, soft tissue injury, theriogenology, toxicology, veterinary practitioners, and zoology medicine.
Veterinary care is generally led by a veterinary physician, although the work is often augmented by veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, or other paraprofessionals.
As recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the governments of countries throughout the world, there are about four hundred and fifty veterinary degree programs worldwide, and only about one-third of them designate the awarded degree as a doctor's degree. Generally, there are two phases to the veterinary training program. The first phase comprises classroom study and laboratory work in the pre-clinical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, nutrition, microbiology, and public health. The second phase focuses on clinical sciences and includes classroom study of infectious and non-infectious diseases, diagnostic and clinical pathology, obstetrics, radiology, anesthesiology, surgery, and hands-on clinical experience at a veterinary teaching hospital. Internships and residency programs are often available for graduates to gain clinical proficiency in one or more veterinary specialties. Advanced degree programs may also be available.
The English word "veterinarian" was derived from the Latin verb veheri, which means "to draw," as in "pull," since it was first applied to those who cared for any animal that works with a yoke, such as cattle or horses, in ancient Rome.
Although the origins of the word are in ancient Rome, the practice of animal medicine dates back to the time when dogs were first domesticated, around 12,000 BCE.
There is evidence of veterinary practice in ancient China, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India long before it found its way to Greece and Rome, all of which predates its development in Europe.
For a period of time after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, and the rise of Christianity, much of the prior knowledge of veterinary science was lost, as the early Christian Church confiscated and destroyed much of the literature on the subject of veterinary medicine, and no new works were introduced in Europe. The medieval Christian Church held that animals were not worthy of medical treatment because they had no immortal soul.
It wasn't until the late 12th and early 13th centuries that Europeans began to pay attention to the health of animals once again. This interest was largely confined to horses and cattle, as they were used in warfare, transport, food, and agricultural pursuits.
During the Age of Enlightenment (1715-1789), veterinary medicine began to garner serious interest, although new veterinary practitioners had little or no knowledge of the contributions of the Chinese, Sumerians, Indians, or Egyptians, believing that the veterinary practices of the Greeks and Romans were the earliest in the field.
The first veterinary educational institute in Europe was founded in 1762 by Claude Bourgelat, a French veterinary surgeon. On the accomplishments of this school, the French King Louis XV established a Royal School of Veterinary Medicine in 1765. The first in the United States was the Veterinary College of Philadelphia, established in 1852.
Recommended Resources
ATD is an international registry of certified therapy dog teams. The organization provides testing, certification, registration, support, and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. An overview of its programs for canine and human members, the testing process, fees, and where they work are put forth, and a member portal is included. Policies for membership and to be a tester or observer are included. Brochures may be downloaded.
https://www.therapydogs.com/
American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
Representing colleges and schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada, and internationally, the AAVMC advocates for issues related to veterinary medical education, manages the Veterinary Medical College Application Service, and oversees the accreditation process for veterinary medical schools and colleges, along with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Information on how to become a veterinarian is presented, and a database of veterinary educational content is included.
https://www.aavmc.org/
American Association of Veterinary State Boards
The AAVSB is an association of veterinary regulatory licensing boards in the United States, US territories, and the Canadian provinces that regulate veterinary medicine. The AAVSB provides a range of services to its members, including developing and applying uniform standards for providers and programs of continuing education in veterinary medicine and administering the Veterinary Technician National Examination. CE and exam services, licensure assistance, and public resources are featured.
https://www.aavsb.org/
American Veterinary Medical Association
Founded in 1863, the AVMA is a not-for-profit association of veterinarians in the United States. It provides information, continuing education, publications, and discounts on personal and professional products, programs, and services, and lobbies for animal-friendly legislation. Its Council on Education is the accrediting body for U.S. veterinary schools. The organization publishes the "Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association" and the "American Journal of Veterinary Research."
https://www.avma.org/
This website lets pet owners chat with a veterinarian for personalized pet help. Unlimited chats are available with options to join for only $5 and cancel anytime. Members can connect with a certified vet in minutes 24/7, even on holidays, without waiting for appointments and with no high fees; chats may cover all types of pet problems. Vets can guide members step-by-step through care instructions, discuss diagnosis and treatment options, and suggest natural treatments or home remedies.
https://www.askaveterinarianonline.com/
Australian Veterinary Association
Representing more than seven thousand veterinarians working in private practice, government, industry, and academia, the AVA is a not-for-profit association founded in 1921. The organization provides veterinary news and information, continuing education, publications, public education programs, professional support for its members, and lobbying the government on issues relevant to veterinary practice. The AVA has published the "Australian Veterinary Journal" since 1925.
https://www.ava.com.au/
British Veterinary Association
The national body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom, the BVA is a not-for-profit organization created as the National Veterinary Association in 1882. The organization is responsible for disseminating veterinary information and knowledge rather than professional validation or academic competence. The BVA contracts with Wiley to publish its journals, the "Veterinary Record" and "In Practice." It also publishes "Veterinary Record Open" and "Veterinary Record Case Reports."
https://www.bva.co.uk/
Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys
Reaching more than a million working horses, donkeys, and mules across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, Brooke's staff includes veterinarians, animal welfare experts, and advocacy and development specialists. With headquarters in the Netherlands and the United States, the international charity seeks to protect and improve the lives of these working animals. Its history, strategy, and annual reports and accounts are set forth, and contributions can be made online.
https://www.thebrooke.org/
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Founded in 1878, the CVMA provides leadership on national veterinary issues, advocates for animal welfare, and strives to encourage life balance in veterinary professionals. Veterinary students in Canada are automatically members of the CVMA and are referred to as Students of the CVMA. The organization publishes the "Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research" and the "Canadian Veterinary Journal," both peer-reviewed publications. Its policy, outreach, and educational programs and events are noted.
https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/
Created in 2001 as a site for the author to share his personal story, research, and applied knowledge with clients, friends, and family, it has evolved into a full-time project and home to "The G.A.R.D.," an elimination diet for the treatment of most conditions afflicting man and companion animals, an acronym for The Glutamate & Aspartate Restricted Diet. Topics include food intolerance, alphabetized medical conditions, and several other informational articles. Consultations are available.
https://dogtorj.com/
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated is a US-based pharmaceutical company that produces medicines and vaccinations for pets and livestock. Until 2019, it was a subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. The company provides products and services to prevent and treat disease in pets and farm animals. An overview of the company is provided, along with its products and services, research and development projects, press and media releases, sustainability policies, investor data, and career opportunities.
https://www.elanco.com/
Created and maintained by cat owners, this site focuses on feline cancer and covers other feline health and medical subjects. An overview of cancer includes the diagnosis of cancer, types of cancer common in cats, and specific information about some of these, along with treatment options and side effects. Other topics include pain management, blood tests, first aid, caring for handicapped pets, pet hospice care, and euthanasia. Links to other third-party online resources are included.
http://www.zzcat.com/
Created to assist in finding lost dogs, the site allows visitors to search the "Found Dogs" listings for their dog based on the dog's characteristics (breed, color, size, gender, and so on) and the postal code area. If a listed dog appears to be the one you are looking for, the phone number and email of the finder can be found through the "View Contact Info" button. Those who have found a dog can search the "Lost Dogs" listings based on characteristics; otherwise, a found dog can be registered.
https://fidofinder.com/
The flea and tick solutions offered through Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia include Frontline Plus for Dogs, Frontline Original for Dogs, and Frontline Spray. Frontline Original and Frontline Plus are marketed in four strengths, based on the dog's weight to be treated, while Frontline Spray can be used on puppies and kittens from two days of age. Places where the products can be purchased in Australia are featured on a map, and may also be found through a location search.
https://frontlinepetcare.com.au/
Hong Kong Veterinary Association
The HKVA is a voluntary organization of veterinary professionals in Hong Kong, including veterinary surgeons, students, nurses, and assistants. Founded in 1982, it comprises veterinary surgeons from all aspects of veterinary employment, while associate membership is open to veterinary assistants, nurses, and veterinary surgeons not yet registered to practice in Hong Kong. Its chief concern is providing continuing education for its membership. Membership applications and renewals are available.
https://hkva.org/
This is an informational site on common equine diseases, particularly those affecting the horse's foot. Conditions such as common horse hoof diseases or acute laminitis in horses are briefly explained, along with an overview of the anatomy of a horse hoof, and information on specific diseases affecting the horse's hoof, including navicular horse disease, buttress foot, fractures of the bones, sand-crack, false quarter, and anasarca or purpura hemorrhagica.
http://www.horse-diseases.com/
Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association
The IPA is the first non-profit association dedicated to uniting and empowering independent veterinarians to continue shaping the business and practice of animal health care. Membership categories are available for primary practice owners, practice co-owners, non-owner veterinarians, team members, veterinary students, and industry affiliates. A list of member benefits is published on the site, and schedules and announcements of continuing education opportunities are included.
https://www.iveterinarians.org/
Online since 1999, the site features informational resources to allow owners and producers to provide health care for their animals, including animal reference manuals in print form, on CD, and online, covering canine, equine, feline, beef, and dairy animals, written exclusively by veterinarians associated with each animal species, as well as an animal health database, which is completely searchable and hyperlinked, and a Consult-A-Vet feature in which questions may be asked directly.
http://www.infovets.com/
Journal of Veterinary Medical Education
As the official publication of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, JVME is focused on veterinary medicine, publishing peer-reviewed articles on a variety of topics related to animal health and veterinary care issues. Current and past issues may be accessed in full, or the reader may search for articles, browse themes, or browse individual educational topics. Guidelines for authors, subscription information, and editorial contacts are presented.
https://jvme.utpjournals.press/
The book was first published by Merck & Company in 1955 and was based on the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. The reference manual of animal health care contains concise, thorough information on the diagnosis and treatment of disease in a wide variety of species, and is available as a book, published on a non-profit basis. Additionally, the full text can be accessed for free through the website or downloaded in its entirety via a mobile application. Quizzes and calculators are included.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
MFA is a non-profit animal protection organization founded in 1999 to prevent cruelty to farmed animals and to promote compassionate food practices. Over the years, the organization has been involved in several civil actions against meat industries worldwide. On its site, the problem, as viewed by members of the organization, is stated, along with an overview of its activities, volunteer and membership opportunities, and ways to contribute to the organization. An online store is included.
https://mercyforanimals.org/
The National Opossum Society was formed for the benefit and improvement in the care of the Didelphis genus, particularly Didelphis virginiana and Didelphis marsupialis, particularly as relating to the care of opossums kept captive for research projects or in other captive environments. General information about opossums includes their diet, natural habitat, and considerations in keeping an opossum as a pet. Information about finding a veterinarian for an opossum is included.
https://www.opossum.org/
New Zealand Veterinary Association
NZVA is the only veterinary membership association in New Zealand, and has operated since 1923. The organization endorses the broad concept of One Health, which recognizes that the health and well-being of animals, people, and the environment are inseparable. Its membership categories, policies, branches, organizational structure, and contacts are stated. NZVA publishes "The New Zealand Veterinary Journal" and "VetScript," and maintains "SciQuest," an indexed and searchable e-library.
https://nzva.org.nz/
Online since 1999 and based in the UK, the website offers informational articles on various veterinary topics, interactive lifetime learning programs, and other resources. The site has separate sections for Veterinarians and Professionals, although they appear to be the same, and another section for pet owners, which includes various health tips. A separate section includes animal health advice for cats, with general information, health tips, pet facts, and breed-specific information.
https://www.provet.co.uk/
TDI is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing, and registering therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers to visit nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions, or wherever therapy dogs are needed. Founded in 1976, TDI registers all breeds of dogs and has volunteer dogs and handlers in all fifty U.S. states and some in Canada. Contact information, an overview of how to get started, information for facilities, a mission statement, and a media kit are included.
https://www.tdi-dog.org/
VCA operates over a thousand animal hospitals in the United States and Canada. Until Mars acquired it in 2017, VCA traded on the NASDAQ. Currently, it operates as an independent unit within Mars Petcare. Its locations may be found through the site as a network of hospitals, including primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, pet cancer care, and boarding care facilities. Press events and information are provided, and an online shopping area includes several pet products.
https://vcahospitals.com/
Veterinary Information Network
The origins of VIN go back to 1990, when Dr. Duncan Ferguson began answering questions on Quantum Computing, a small online Bulletin Board Service (BBS) that became American Online (AOL), where it became known as the Pet Care Forum. Others joined, many of whom remain active with VIN as consultants, representatives, staff, and VINners. VIN is for veterinarians, by veterinarians, and a trial membership is available, along with membership options, including a Friends of VIN option.
https://www.vin.com/
Offering veterinary information relative to cats and dogs, the site includes several articles on pet medical, health, nutrition, and care topics, separated into "Cats" and "Dogs" sections, with categories for information on specific issues. Highlighted and sponsored content is featured at the bottom of the pages, and recent articles are listed on the index page. A disclaimer is posted on the site, essentially warning that information on the site should not be used for diagnosis or treatment.
https://www.vetinfo.com/
Since 2003, VetPrep has been helping veterinary students prepare for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) through what was the first online study program for the NAVLE. Students may view pricing and sign up online. An overview of why and how the program works is presented, along with a list of its features (which includes a mobile application), client testimonials, information about its VetPrep Guarantee, and links to other veterinary resources, such as a career center.
https://www.vetprep.com/
World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Created in 1959 when the International Association of Small Animal Specialists (IASAS) renamed itself as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, WSAVA represents veterinary association members and companion animal veterinarians worldwide and publishes "The Journal of Small Animal Practice." Its history, mission, plan, bylaws, policies, and awards are stated, and membership categories and policies are included. The WSAVA Academy and its veterinary congress are introduced.
https://wsava.org/
Representing more than eighty veterinary medical associations worldwide, the WVA works on behalf of its member organizations, with the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and others, with the objective of promoting animal health and welfare. It publishes policy papers on important global veterinary issues and operates an online education portal. Its mission, vision, and strategies are noted, and contacts are posted.
https://worldvet.org/
