Emergency veterinarians are animal medicine doctors who specialize in treating life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Although they work primarily in hospitals and emergency clinics, they often consult with internal medicine specialists and surgeons. Emergency vets may choose to narrow their focus to small animals, large animals, equines, and more.
Emergency vets take referrals from general practice veterinarians to provide emergency care for patients in distress. These vets can treat animals suffering from a wide range of ailments such as:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Trauma (such as falling from high places, being struck by a car or external object, etc.)
- Seizures
- Pain and discomfort
- Post-operative complications
- Disorientation
- Trouble breathing
- Paralysis
- Blood in their urine or stool
- Constipation
Emergency vets can diagnose patients, provide a wide range of surgical services, and monitor patients during their stay.
WORKING AS AN EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN
Working as an emergency vet can be an intense yet rewarding experience. Emergency vets treat patients suffering from chronic to life-threatening conditions. They may also be required to work irregular shifts since emergencies can happen at any time throughout the day.
Working as an emergency vet can take an emotional toll. However, treating and nursing patients back to health can provide a sense of personal and professional fulfillment. It takes effective team coordination and cohesion to examine the patient, stabilize the patient, and secure an accurate history from the client, often simultaneously. The vet must remain calm and to accurately determine the course of action, correctly administer medication, if necessary, and track patient milestones, all while watching for any deterioration. The ability to pivot and be flexible is critical.
SKILLS USED BY EMERGENCY VETERINARIANS
Emergency veterinarians have extensive medical, surgical, and procedural knowledge. They are well-versed in pathology, pharmacology, and animal anatomy. Emergency vets are trained in medical imaging techniques and can interpret ultrasounds and X-rays.
Emergency veterinarians must be able to multitask to provide timely and accurate care to multiple patients. A patient’s condition can change abruptly, so an emergency veterinarian must be able to adapt to changing situations quickly. They should also be critical yet agile thinkers who can quickly assess, diagnose, and administer appropriate treatment to their patients.
Although emergency vets treat animals, they often interact with pet owners and other veterinary professionals. They need strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively explain conditions and treatments with pet owners. Emergency vets should also be organized and have strong time management skills.
Emergency vet clinics can be fast-paced, and the stakes are often high. Emergency vets should be able to remain calm under pressure and empathetic toward patients and their families.
The emergency setting is challenging for everyone: the patient, the client, the support staff, and the vet. The environment is often distressing, and clients are often facing unexpected circumstances with uncertain outcomes, and with that comes tremendous worry. It’s very important that the vet can remain calm under the pressure.