WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND

Veterinary Surgeon

Diagnoses, treats and prevents animal diseases, ailments and injuries.

SKILL LEVEL:

The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification. Registration or licensing is required.

TASKS INCLUDE:

• treats animals medically and surgically, administering and prescribing drugs, analgesics, general or local anaesthetics
• determines the presence and nature of abnormal conditions by physical examination and by using diagnostic techniques including laboratory tests and X-ray examinations
• performs surgery, dresses wounds and sets broken bones
• renders obstetric services to animals
• participates in programs designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of animal diseases
• inoculates animals against, and tests for, infectious diseases and notifies authorities of outbreaks of infectious animal diseases
• performs autopsies to determine cause of death
• advises clients on hygiene, feeding, breeding and care of animals
• may provide professional services to commercial firms producing biological or pharmaceutical products
• may specialise with a particular animal group or in a particular specialty area

Specialisations:

Veterinary Parasitologist

Veterinary Pathologist