Veterinary Science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the health and welfare of animals. In India, a veterinary degree usually includes training in Animal Husbandry which deals with economic production of livestock and its total management. The Animal Health Industry in India is worth about 950 million USD. Veterinary services are not only provided by doctors alone but the invaluable assistance of veterinary technicians (or nurses) as is known in developed countries like USA, Australia, etc. and laboratory technicians, and also an entire ecosystem of veterinary researchers located in various government and private institutions putting out scientific data which ultimately directs the operation of this field. Veterinarians and support personnel are essential to the progress and quality of life in a given area and ultimately responsible for the development of the nation as a whole. We also contribute to safeguarding the concept of ‘One Health’ in society as controlling disease in animals correspondingly checks health in humans. You will realise that veterinarians (vets), apart from working at veterinary hospitals, serve at important centres such as Milk Production Factories, Food Production and Processing Units, Quarantine Centres, human hospital laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, etc.
In the past, the trend in India has been that the Veterinary Science degree is often a fallback to not getting an MBBS seat. It is also known how the majority of applicants are females. About 55 Indian Veterinary Colleges produce nearly 2000 or more graduates annually but with an estimated animal population of more than 500 million, there is a need for more vets. It is also safe to say India needs world class vets. However, fortunately, veterinary science and its services in the country has really improved in the past few years and with that, many from the newer generation have shown interest in entering the discipline out of genuine love for animals.
In the past decade or so, major cities in India have seen the blossoming of world class veterinary clinics and hospitals. For instance, The Eye Vet chain of ophthalmology specialty clinics founded by Dr. Kasturi Bhadsalve has four branches in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram and Hyderabad. Not only do they treat animals with eye diseases but they offer continuing education programmes to vets from all over the world and also career opportunities for individuals interested in the subject. This perfectly exemplifies how the quality of care has radically changed. Especially with regards to the rise in ownership of exotic breeds of cats and dogs even in our own state of Nagaland, the need for better services has become inevitable.
Just as in human medicine, there are innumerable clinical parallels in particular with dogs. For the Classical Diabetes Mellitus (DM), vets have to equally manage dogs and cats with diabetes; and our patients have to be subject to the same series of tests and consequently come up with therapeutic systems best suited to the case. In my personal experience, I have encountered several cases as such. One Labrador from Gurgaon had to receive three shots of insulin per day, or how an acquaintance’s beloved cat in Chicago after a non- resolving urinary tract infection was diagnosed with DM eventually. It is predictable that the further our own community develops, the life of one’s pets or animals should also improve. To cite an example again, if in human medicine people have access to DNA tests to determine a person’s disease predispositions, today our pets can also be screened with similar tests. “Cool!” is an understatement for many of us to think that Osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) research data from Great Danes (dog breed) can be extrapolated to children, or that veterinary orthopaedic surgeons are using 3D printing to replace missing limbs.
Veterinary Science is a multifaceted field – the avenues of specialisation and research is extensive. In India, students can pursue master’s degree in clinical subjects like Medicine, Surgery or Gynaecology. For those that prefer academia or non-clinical work, there are other interesting subjects – one can specialise in areas like wildlife, exotics (birds, reptiles, etc). Also, in this age, most universities offer the liberty to carry out collaborative research between departments. Overseas, many students can also opt for a shorter Veterinary Technician Degree (Vet Techs, associate degree).
In the past, some of us may have endured the derision of ignorance from society but thankfully, better and hopeful times are here. Therefore, for those who choose to take on the sacred ‘Staff of Aesculapius’, this is a wonderful calling with a rewarding professional life given that you are willing to endure its own set of challenges.
Dr. Along Longkumer
BVSc & AH
Veterinary Hospital, Dimapur