In many respects a veterinarian is similar to a paediatrician. Animals cannot talk like human beings, and much of the clinical history is obtained from the owner or client as a paediatrician would obtain the medical history from a child’s parents, therefore excellent people skills, and communication skills are required.
What cannot be obtained from the clinical history is acquired with the fingers, eyes, and smell. The ability to listen with a stethoscope and palpate with the fingers and hands will reveal much of the physical findings. The sense of smell is also important, in detecting the fruity odour of the ketotic cow’s breath, or the urea from the breath of a cat in renal failure.
What cannot be revealed by the history and exam is further supported by diagnostic tests like x-ray, C.T., M.R.I., blood work, urinalysis, and faecal exams. Veterinarians are well trained in laboratory medicine and parasitology. Vets frequently work long hours and with animals that are frightened or in pain, vets risk injury on a daily basis. Veterinary surgeons require good hand and eye coordination, and fine motor skills.
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