An Introductory Guide To Vet Tech Specialties

Experienced veterinary technicians can improve their career prospects by becoming certified in a specialist area. Advanced training allows vet techs to concentrate on the areas of animal care they find most fulfilling. Moreover, due to a shortage of certified specialists, those with advanced skills and qualifications can often choose from a range of job offers. Some of the vet tech specialties with the highest demand are described below.

Vet techs who specialize in dentistry perform a fundamental role. Every dogs and cat that comes into a clinic is a candidate for preventative or therapeutic dental treatment and the majority have some degree of periodontal disease. Dentistry technicians examine animal's teeth and perform routine cleanings. If they recognize signs of tooth or gum problems, they take x-rays or complete lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Emergency and critical care technicians respond to immediate, life threatening conditions. When a poisoned, burned or badly injured pet arrives at the clinic, they diagnose and stabilize the animal. They may stem bleeding, provide respiratory assistance, administer injections, secure broken bones or take blood samples for testing.

Vet techs certified in anesthesia are a vital part of the surgical team in veterinary hospitals and clinics. They are trained in administering anesthetics in the correct doses for different species, taking into account the animal's size, weight and metabolism. They also understand how various therapeutic drugs interact with anesthetic medicines. They sedate animals, monitor them during procedures and provide post-operative care as the anesthetic wears off.

Internal medicine technicians assist veterinarians with the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, immune disorders and digestive problems. They take blood or tissue samples and perform lab work to determine the underlying cause of symptoms. They also help to develop long-term treatment plans and instruct pet owners in home care.

Vet techs may choose to focus on the medical needs of a specific group of creatures. Those with a clinical specialty in exotic companion animals are trained to diagnose and treat small mammals, birds and reptiles. These pets are prone to diseases not found in dogs and cats, have different living requirements and need specialist care.

To qualify for training in veterinary technician specialties, a candidate must have a vet tech degree from an accredited institution and a current license. Most programs also require at least three years of vet tech work experience. As part of the application procedure, the candidate must submit a lengthy patient case log with detailed descriptions of procedures followed.