General

Question 1

Why do you want to be a veterinarian?

Answer 1

*My interest was first sparked when a veterinarian speaker came in y10 and shared their journey. Listening about the dynamic nature of the field and a life dedicated to the welfare of animals fascinated me

• I had always believed I wasn’t destined for a life stuck behind a desk, and my time spent
• Moment onwards
  -searched for any opportunity possible to immerse myself in the world.
  -each experience from reading books, sitting in consultations and working in farms has made me fall in love with it more
  -amalgamation led me to realise it is a vocation-a lifestyle rather than a job

Question 2

Most surprising thing about veterinary medicine

Answer 2

There are a couple of elements I was taken aback by

The job opportunities- not just limited to domestic animals. There are obviously larger-animal oriented vets, such as dairy and equine. But what really interested me were the government consultants for animal testing institutions, animal legislation and perhaps food industry. Also specialised zoo vets as well as conservationist vets.

second point- that veterinarians have such a fundamental role in society- a domino effect on the theory of one health if you will.
-interconnectedness of animals, humans and environment

-They act as a bridge between animal and owner, providing physical treatment to one and mental to the latter. Additionally, on a larger scale

-manage livestock, and so uphold the agricultural industry and food supply

• prevent zoonotic diseases, so public health doesn’t deteriorate
• conservation of wildlife and biodiversity- charities, treating exotic endangered animals

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Question 3

ethics

Answer 3

five freedoms of animal welfare to take into account

Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition.
Freedom from discomfort and exposure.
Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
Freedom from fear and distress.
Freedom to express normal behaviour.

Question 4

rcvs code of conduct

Answer 4

royal college of veterinary surgeons

Question 5

biggest problem in veterinary medicine

Answer 5

Rate of suicide in vets is 4 times more than general public

mental toll to shoulder emotional burden

Question 6

brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

Answer 6

deliberate breeding to create a certain looking animal with a shorter and wider skulls causes progressive and lifelong breathing issues

pugs, french bulldog, certain rabbit breeds, persian cats
-narrowed nostrils
-elongated and softened thick palate which causes airway obstruction
-enlarged tongues
-small windpipe

-increased effort during breathing
-Noise during breathing (snoring sounds)
-Coughing
-Shortness of breath
-Sleep apnoea or sleeping problems
-Stress and exercise intolerance)
-Gastrointestinal disorders which are associated with vomiting, gagging, excessive salivation, regurgitation, and reflex
-Sensitivity to heat including being prone to heat stroke; and
-Sudden collapse

Question 7

Scandal

Answer 7

I read about Dr Tamara Bronckaers in Northern Island, a former vet that whistle- blew on animal welfare and failures in the traceability in the meat supply chain after records were destroyed. She said there was serious breaches of the animal welfare legislation and resigned was given 1.25 mill settlement from department of agriculture and environment after resigning. She said there was evidence of overcrowding, animal cruelty, and over 20,000 animal moves deleted out of livestock markets every year.