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For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for your pet's health needs.
7 specialists

Veterinary Professionals

Veterinarians are licensed doctors of veterinary medicine (DVM or VMD) who diagnose, treat, and prevent disease in animals. Like human medicine, veterinary medicine includes a wide range of specialties — from general practice to surgery, oncology, cardiology, and beyond.

General Practice Veterinarian
Veterinarian

General Practice Veterinarian

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD)

Training: 8 years

The primary care physician for animals. General practice veterinarians provide routine wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, spay/neuter procedures, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries. They are the first point of contact for most pet health concerns and refer to specialists when needed.

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Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinarian

Veterinary Surgeon

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS)

Training: 11–12 years

A board-certified specialist who performs complex surgical procedures on animals. Veterinary surgeons handle orthopedic surgeries (fractures, joint replacements), soft tissue surgeries (tumor removal, organ repair), and neurosurgery. They are typically referred to by a general practice vet.

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Veterinary Internist
Veterinarian

Veterinary Internist

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM)

Training: 10–11 years

A specialist in diagnosing and treating complex internal diseases in animals. Veterinary internists manage conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, endocrine system, respiratory system, and blood. They often handle cases that general practitioners find difficult to diagnose.

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Veterinary Cardiologist
Veterinarian

Veterinary Cardiologist

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Cardiology (DACVIM-Cardiology)

Training: 10–11 years

A specialist in heart and cardiovascular diseases in animals. Veterinary cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions such as congestive heart failure, heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. They perform echocardiograms and other cardiac imaging.

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Veterinary Oncologist
Veterinarian

Veterinary Oncologist

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Oncology (DACVIM-Oncology)

Training: 10–11 years

A specialist in diagnosing and treating cancer in animals. Veterinary oncologists manage chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy for pets with cancer. They work closely with surgeons and other specialists to develop comprehensive cancer treatment plans.

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Veterinary Neurologist
Veterinarian

Veterinary Neurologist

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Neurology (DACVIM-Neurology)

Training: 10–11 years

A specialist in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system in animals. Veterinary neurologists diagnose and treat seizures, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), wobbler syndrome, brain tumors, and peripheral nerve disorders. They perform MRIs, CT scans, and spinal taps.

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Veterinary Dermatologist
Veterinarian

Veterinary Dermatologist

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology (DACVD)

Training: 10–11 years

A specialist in skin, ear, and allergy conditions in animals. Veterinary dermatologists diagnose and treat chronic skin infections, environmental and food allergies, autoimmune skin diseases, and ear disorders. They perform allergy testing and intradermal skin testing.

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Medical Sources

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