What does an equine veterinarian do?

What is an Equine Veterinarian?

Equine veterinarians are specialized veterinary professionals dedicated to the health and medical care of horses. Trained in equine medicine, these professionals diagnose and treat various illnesses, perform surgeries, administer vaccinations, and provide overall healthcare for horses in diverse contexts, including agriculture, racing, sports, and leisure. Equine veterinarians collaborate with horse owners, trainers, and industry experts to ensure the wellbeing and optimal performance of horses, often specializing in areas like orthopedics, dentistry, internal medicine, or reproduction to offer tailored and expert care for these large and sometimes unpredictable animals.

What does an Equine Veterinarian do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Equine veterinarians perform a variety of tasks related to the health and wellbeing of horses. Their responsibilities, which call for a combination of clinical expertise and effective communication skills, include:

• Health Examinations – conducting thorough examinations of horses to assess their overall health, identify any existing medical conditions, and recommend appropriate treatments
• Diagnosis and Treatment – diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and other health issues specific to horses; this may involve the use of diagnostic tools, medications, and surgical procedures
• Vaccinations and Preventive Care – administering vaccinations to protect horses from common diseases and providing guidance on preventive care measures, such as deworming and dental care
• Reproductive Health – assisting with breeding programs, conducting fertility evaluations, and providing reproductive health services to ensure successful pregnancies and the health of foals
• Surgery – performing surgical procedures when necessary, such as orthopedic surgeries for lameness issues or soft tissue surgeries to address various conditions
• Dental Care – addressing dental issues in horses, including routine dental examinations, floating teeth (filing or rasping the teeth to reduce sharp edges and make the surface smoother), and treating dental abnormalities
• Emergency Care – responding to emergency situations, such as colic, injuries, or acute illnesses, to provide immediate medical attention and stabilize the horse
• Client Consultations / Education – educating horse owners and trainers on proper horse care, nutrition, and preventative measures to promote the long-term health and wellbeing of their animals
• Collaboration – collaborating with other equine professionals, such as farriers, trainers, and nutritionists, to ensure comprehensive care for the horses
• Administrative Tasks – documenting patient records, updating client files, and maintaining accurate medical histories; handling tasks like billing, scheduling appointments, and ordering supplies

Types of Equine Veterinarians
Now that we have a sense of the scope of equine veterinary medicine, let’s look at some different types of equine vets, whose specialized knowledge and skills are essential for maintaining the health and performance of horses across various disciplines and industries:

• General Equine Veterinarians – These veterinarians provide comprehensive care for horses, addressing a wide range of health issues, conducting routine examinations, and offering preventive care.
• Equine Surgeons – These vets specialize in performing surgical procedures on horses, including orthopedic surgeries, soft tissue surgeries, and emergency surgeries.
• Equine Dentists – These are specialized veterinarians or technicians who focus on dental care for horses.
• Equine Reproductive Veterinarians – Veterinarians with expertise in equine reproduction, provide services such as artificial insemination, pregnancy checks, and assistance during foaling.
• Equine Internal Medicine Specialists – These veterinarians focus on diagnosing and treating internal medical conditions in horses, such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular issues.
• Equine Infectious Disease Specialists – These vets concentrate on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases that affect horses.
• Equine Orthopedic Specialists – These specialists Veterinarians diagnose and treat orthopedic issues, lameness, and musculoskeletal conditions that may affect a horse’s performance.
• Equine Ophthalmologists – These vets diagnose and treat eye conditions specific to horses.
• Equine Acupuncturists and Chiropractors – These professionals use alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic techniques to address musculoskeletal issues and promote overall well-being in horses.
• Equine Sports Medicine Veterinarians – These specialists work closely with performance horses, focusing on optimizing their athletic performance, managing injuries, and implementing rehabilitation programs.
• Equine Nutritionists – Experts in equine nutrition advise on proper feeding and dietary management to support the health and performance of horses.
• Equine Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians – These veterinarians specialize in providing emergency care for horses, often working in emergency clinics or on-call rotations.
• Equine Anesthesiologists – These specialists administer anesthesia for surgical procedures and managing pain during recovery.

What is the workplace of an Equine Veterinarian like?

Equine veterinarians can work for various entities and organizations involved in the care, management, and utilization of horses. These are some of their most common employers:

• Private Veterinary Practices – Many equine veterinarians work in private practices that focus on the health and medical care of horses. These practices may offer general equine veterinary services or specialize in specific areas such as surgery, dentistry, or reproduction. They may offer ambulatory / onsite services, visiting horse farms and stables to provide needed care. The private practice work setting typically has clinic facilities for examinations and surgeries.
• Equine Hospitals and Clinics – Equine hospitals and large clinics provide specialized and comprehensive medical care for horses. They are generally equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities. With access to specialized equipment, vets in these settings may handle more complex cases.
• Academic Institutions – Equine veterinarians working in universities or veterinary colleges engage in teaching future veterinarians, research and development of advancements in equine medicine, and clinical practice. They typically have access to teaching hospitals, laboratories, and an array of educational resources.
• Industry and Agricultural Settings – Some equine veterinarians are employed by industries related to agriculture, such as horse breeding farms, racing stables, or equestrian facilities. Their work environment may include barns, arenas, and other equine facilities.
• Government Agencies – Equine veterinarians may work for government agencies responsible for animal health and welfare. They might be involved in disease control, regulatory compliance, and public health initiatives related to horses. Offices and laboratories are their common work settings.
• Equine Rescue Organizations – Organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating horses may employ equine veterinarians to provide medical care for rescued animals, conduct health assessments, and oversee rehabilitation programs. Equine vets employed in this sector may find themselves in a variety of environments, including rescue facilities, rehabilitation centers, and onsite during rescue operations.
• Equine Industry Associations – Associations related to the equine industry, such as breed registries or racing associations, may employ veterinarians to oversee health and welfare standards, conduct inspections, and address veterinary issues within the industry. These vets generally work in an office, but also frequently find themselves consulting at various equine events and facilities.
• Pharmaceutical Companies – Some equine veterinarians work for pharmaceutical companies that specialize in veterinary medicines. They may be involved in research and development, product testing, or providing technical support to veterinary professionals. Their work environments range from offices to labs to field settings.
• Equine Sports Teams and Events – Veterinarians may be employed by sports teams involved in equestrian events, providing healthcare services to competition horses and managing their overall wellbeing during events. These vets often work in barns or stables at competition venues.
• Equine Insurance Companies – Equine vets are hired by equine insurance companies to assess the health and insurability of horses, especially during pre-purchase exams or when determining coverage for medical conditions. These veterinarians may have office-based roles for insurance policy assessments, but they may also be required to travel to conduct onsite work.