What Is a Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon?

By an eHow Contributor

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In most cases, animals with injuries and medical problems require the same quality of specialized treatment as humans. Veterinary orthopedic surgeons carry a high level of responsibility. They are competent individuals who possess the necessary background and skills to perform highly specialized surgical tasks. These experts conduct surgical procedures with exceptional dexterity, patience, composure and knowledge.

Job Description

1. Orthopedic surgery corrects problems in skeleton attachments, ligaments, tendons and some nervous system complications. A veterinary orthopedic surgeon`s main task is to conduct these specialized procedures on animals, primarily dogs and cats. The most common procedures involve repairing a broken bone, joint and associated tissue damage. They also hold consultations with pet owners regarding preoperative issues such as additional testing, prior diagnosis and length of surgery. The veterinary surgeon also plays a key role in managing the recovery and rehabilitation stage of your pet after surgery. Veterinary orthopedic surgery is broken down to further class specializations, such as small animals, large animals, marine, dogs and cats.

Equipment

2. Veterinary orthopedic surgeons perform complex surgical procedures using very expensive equipment. Before the surgery takes place, your pet may be diagnosed using an x-ray machine, ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. These devices effectively help the surgeon see any existing problems. When the surgery begins, veterinary orthopedic surgeons use knives, scalpels and other sharp tools to enter the affected area. In many cases, they also use tiny video cameras to visualize the areas that they are exploring. Special antibacterial solutions help to minimize infection before, during and after surgery.

Requirements

3. Becoming a veterinary orthopedic surgeon entails tremendous commitment and intrinsic motivation. You start by becoming a certified veterinarian. This is accomplished by finishing a veterinary course, passing a national board exam and a state specified licensure exam. You then attend a surgery specialization school. Depending on the school, specializing in orthopedics usually takes up to four years. The trend for most veterinary colleges is to offer a one year internship followed by a three year residency. You then must complete a rigorous accreditation test to become board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Expectations

4. As a veterinary orthopedic surgeon, you are expected to participate in continued education. This ensures that you are update-to-date with new surgery techniques, approaches and diseases. You are also encouraged to subscribe to prominent veterinary medicine journals and join active veterinary associations. You are expected to carry out the professional, medical ethics and values required of a medical practitioner. You should do your share of helping the veterinary surgery community by providing education seminars, writing texts and conducting research related to your area.

Alternatives

5. If you`re a veterinary orthopedic surgeon, you may have the choice of concentrating on other related endeavors aside from performing surgery. You can be an instructor to veterinary students, including interns and residents. You may provide practical clinical training in hospitals or become a college

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