A doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) who specializes in equine medicine is known as an equine veterinarian. Equine refers to horses and ponies, but the Equidae family also includes donkeys, mules, and zebras. Most veterinarians specialize in one of two types of animals: small or large. After completing their basic DVM requirements, some veterinarians specialize in equine medicine, while others become equine veterinarians as a result of their location and customer base.
For obtaining your DVM license, most countries have similar programs. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply for the DVM program in the United States. Having a bachelor’s degree in the sciences is advantageous. A candidate can then apply to an accredited school to begin the DVM program. This program takes four years to complete. A graduate admissions test is required for admission to veterinary school. This test may be a Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or Medical College Admission Test, depending on the school’s requirements (MCAT).
The DVM core courses, as well as elective classes related to equine veterinary medicine or the field of specialty you wish to pursue, are covered in the first three years. The pathology of diseases, prevention, alleviation, and clinical therapy are all covered in depth in core classes. Veterinary ethics and law are also covered in this program.
The fourth year of your DVM program is when you decide whether or not to pursue a career as an equine veterinarian. This is the time to concentrate on clinical rotations in equine veterinarian research and clinical practice. Rather than getting more specific at that stage of their education, some candidates will simply pursue large animal specialties that include equine medicine. Others, who are certain of their objectives, will devote all of their future studies to equine medicine. After this phase is completed, you must pass national and state exams to obtain a license in the state where you wish to practice.
Externships, internships, and residencies in equine veterinary medicine are available at equine research colleges, equine veterinary clinics, specialty barns, show circuits, therapeutic equestrian centers, and rescue facilities. For summer fieldwork, these options are also strongly recommended. The majority of facilities are student-friendly.
This rotational opportunity allows the student to observe and apply testing, vaccination, breeding and foaling, diet, stable, and pasture management practices. There are times when euthanizing a horse is also necessary. Preventive care is the main focus of an equine veterinarian. This includes both diseases and injuries. These clinical rotations give students the opportunity to hone their professional and practical skills in preparation for a career as an equine veterinarian.
You can become board certified after you’ve completed all of the requirements to become an equine veterinarian and received your license to practice. There are only a few board-certified equine veterinarians in the country. The American Veterinary Medical Association holds this advanced education training in high regard (AVMA). This recognition is given in the form of a “diplomate,” which is an advanced diploma. They must also complete a three-year residency program in which they must meet specific training and research requirements. Then, in order to earn the title of Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, you must pass a rigorous examination (ACVS).