A small number of private practice veterinarians work exclusively with large animals, focusing mostly on horses or cows but may also care for various kinds of food animals. These veterinarians usually drive to farms or ranches to provide veterinary services for herds or individual animals. Much of this work involves preventive care to maintain the health of the food animals. These veterinarians test for and vaccinate against diseases and consult with farm or ranch owners and managers on animal production, feeding, and housing issues. They also treat and dress wounds, set fractures, and perform surgery including cesarean sections on birthing animals.
Veterinarians also euthanize animals when necessary.
Other veterinarians care for zoo, aquarium, or laboratory animals. 1 Working Conditions Veterinarians generally work long hours. Those veterinarians who work in group practices take turns being on call for evening, night, or weekend work. Those in solo practices may work extended and weekend hours, responding to emergencies or squeezing in unexpected appointments. Veterinarians in large animal practice also spend time driving between their office and farms or ranches.