Zoological Medicine Is A Specialty Field Unlike Any Other

If you ever dreamed of actually holding a tiger by the tail, zoological medicine might just be the field of veterinary studies and information that you would enjoy studying. Zoological medicine is a fascinating specialty focus in the veterinary world that encompasses the study and application of wildlife healthcare for zoo and wild animals in public zoos and wildlife preserves worldwide.

As we grow in human population, our actions are forcing a decline in the natural resources and animal life on this planet. The veterinary information gathered by the zoological veterinary specialist is intended to prevent any more animals disappearing from our planet.

With the decline of wildlife habitats, the number of animals on the endangered species list continues to rise. As the number of endangered animals increases so does the level of public awareness. The awareness of the general public is increasing and as a direct result, there has been a great increase in worldwide conservation efforts. Zoological medicine is on the incline for specialty studies in the veterinary field. Veterinary information is fundamental to the education of the public in the urgent needs to safe guard our wildlife.

Zoological medicine focuses on many aspects of the wildlife field of study. Included in this specialty field is the study of free-range wildlife, captive zoo animals and those animals living on private or federally owned wildlife preserves. The study of zoological veterinary information provides many different benefits to the society in which we are now living. This field of veterinary study gathers information on the wildlife conservation needs, ecology and how it affects the natural resources

The World Recognizes The Importance of Zoological Medicine

The American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) provides the basis for the requirements of successfully becoming a zoological specialist in veterinary studies. This specialty field of veterinary information and studies was officially recognized in 1983. They establish and regulate the criteria necessary to successfully complete the board certification required to practice zoological veterinary services. In completing the zoological program, it requires extensive research in veterinary information and studies.

If you successfully complete their program requirements, you earn the dignified title of diplomats with this title you can become a zoo veterinarian, zoo manager, wildlife veterinarian and wildlife conservation agent, teacher or research official. This title is competitive to earn and successfully completing the task is an honor to be proud of completing.

What to Expect from a Veterinary Hospital

In the past, taking our pets to see their veterinarian involved going to a simple clinic where vaccinations were given and routine illnesses and injuries were treated. Today, when you walk into a real veterinary hospital you will find a completely modern facility very much resembling a hospital for people.

Veterinary hospitals aren’t the same as clinics. You may still wish to take your pet to a clinic for prevention matters such as vaccinations, but when your pet is seriously injured or desperately ill, a fully-staffed and equipped veterinary hospital is the answer. Here, you will find the most state-of-the-art equipment, including x-ray and MRI machines, surgical areas, infectious disease areas, grooming areas, post-surgical recovery areas, and even intensive care units.

The staff at veterinary hospitals are specially trained to provide emergency support for your pet, including CPR, bleeding control, pain relief, and injury stabilization. These things are just not available in 9-to-5 clinics.

How Will I Know When to Take My Pet to a Veterinary Hospital?

Many animal clinics have 24-hour hospitals that they refer their critical patients to for emergency and extended care. Such hospitals are much like the emergency rooms found in “people” hospitals. If your pet needs immediate stabilization beyond what a clinic can offer, you will be given directions to the nearest veterinary hospital. Clinic staff will call ahead for you to let the triage team at the emergency hospital to let them know that you are on your way, and the reason why you and your pet were advised to seek more extensive and emergent care.

Two veterinary hospitals have set the “gold standard” for emergency care. These are the Tufts Veterinary College and Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, CO, made famous on the Animal Planet TV show Emergency Vets. Tufts is arguably the finest veterinary school in the country; its graduates practice all kinds of veterinary medicine, from large animal practices to becoming staff at a veterinary hospital like Alameda East. Those DVMs who practice emergency care are well versed in initial stabilization of your pet so that diagnostic tests can be immediately performed. Despite your natural sense of panic, your pet and your veterinarian must be calm and take things slowly without endangering the life of your pet.

Veterinary hospitals contain everything your pet needs to asses the nature and extent of its needs, using the most modern techniques and equipment. Certified veterinary technicians and surgical technicians assist the DVMs in preparing your pet for diagnostic testing and, if necessary, emergency surgery. Night or day, weekends and holidays, veterinary hospitals will provide the best possible care for your severely injured or ill beloved pet.