Decline in Large Animal Veterinary Practice

| Print | By | August 12, 2008 3:56 PM

With the growing popularity of both equine sports and recreational horse activities, the eyes of horse lovers around the world naturally are turned to watching the Summer Olympic Equestrian Games.

According to a study made by the Barents Group of Washington, D.C., the horse industry contributes to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product more than the motion picture services, furniture and fixture sales and tobacco sales. Employment in the horse industry provides more jobs than television and radio broadcasting, railroad work, petroleum and coal product manufacturing as well as tobacco product manufacturing. With over 6.9 million horses in the United States, which includes both recreational and commercial enterprises, over 7.1 million people are participating in both professional and recreational equine involvement. Apparently, the horse industry is one, which is very alive.

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Therefore, the CNN broadcast yesterday morning featuring a story about the dramatic decline in the numbers of veterinarians around the country practicing large animal medicine bodes of a major growing concern, which piqued my interest to learn more about why large animal practices are dwindling.

According to an article featured in TheHorse.com from data supplied by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States may face a shortage of as many as 4,000 veterinarians in the next six years. Moreover, while current statistics show that veterinary medicine is the ninth fastest growing occupation in the U.S., Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University researchers found that veterinary schools would only graduate about 31,600 veterinarians, which falls short of the 24,000 new veterinarians needed. While no statistics are presently available, large animal owners will feel the greatest loss of care. With 56% of food- animal veterinarians in New England are now over the age of 50, (compared to 43% of all veterinarians) more than 25% working in a large animal specialty plan to retire by 2014.

Apparently, more applicants to Veterinary Schools are interested in treating small companion animals than "food supply" animals. The potential for higher earnings rests with a small animal practice. Not only does working with large animals require more work hours, being on call for emergencies more frequently and more travel time, large animal practice presents greater physical risk, while treating small animals may present less danger to practitioners.

Yet another reason may be that urban areas are more populated than rural areas, with greater potential for clients, and fewer applicants to veterinary schools are from rural areas. Some veterinarians feel treating small companion animals resonates more closely with their love for animals, whereas employment in the "food animal" industry is somewhat paradoxical.

I was saddened by the CNN broadcast. I will always remember the wonderful hours I shared with of my equine-only veterinarian years ago, accompanying him on rounds acting as his assistant.. It was not only fascinating to be involved in treating them but watching the skillful and compassionate care he provided inspired me greatly. It worries me that there are fewer future veterinarians interested in going into large animal practice. I do hope a solution is found that will initiate more interest in the field. Perhaps financial incentives can be put in place which will be inviting to the small animal practioner to consider a mixed practice and be a draw to future veterinary students.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Please leave a comment and share.

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Comments (7)

kiana wentz August 13, 2008 7:25 AM

ooohhhhhh.........

Kathy Kvarda August 13, 2008 8:20 AM

Due to multiple medical issues with my various small pets, I've gotten to know my vets. I was shocked to learn how little they actually earn in comparison to doctors that treat humans, even though their medical training is just as rigorous as that of human docs.
I am originally from Illinois and went to school at the U of I in Champaign/Urbana where the university has a fabulous vet school/hospital. They focus on livestock issues, supporting the lively hood of most of the people who live in central Illinois. These vets, who specialize in large animals, provide such an important service to everyone, not just to people who own horses.
I wish them well and I wish all vets could be honored and esteemed at the same level as human doctors.

Sandy August 13, 2008 9:00 AM

Money plays a part, and many would rather stay in a nice temperature controlled clinic than working in a hot or freezing or rain drenched farmyard or even a relatively dry barn.
I know a vet who liked large animals, but early in his career he was outside in freezing rain up to his armpit in a young heifer that was locked in a squeeze chute. As he tried to move her very large calf he decided there must be a better way to make a living than this. He stuck with horses, but as a race horse trainer. He's a good one, and successful, and manages to stay out of freezing rain most of the time.

J. A. Morrison August 13, 2008 9:20 AM

I very much agree with this information. We just lost the last large animal vet that will treat goats and sheep. We had to take the animals on a one and a half hour drive to get to the vet office because they didn't travel into our area. There is one large animals vet locally but he is not trustworthy. Now we are faced with no vet care for our animals. Poor vet care is sure not an option. Now we will ave to search for another vet and the travel time will be even higher.
I did contact the vet college here in our state and told them to let the students know there is a big need in our area. I hope that will help. It sure cannot hurt to give the colleges a head up.
There just seems to be to many specialty vets. Most vets in our area are either companion animal or horse vets.
On with the search.

Rosi M August 13, 2008 9:31 AM

One of the reasons for the decline in actual individual numbers of large animal veterinary practices declining is that a LOT of the vets at least in 3 California Counties I've lived in within the past decade is that they tend to go to work for the larger clinics in the area. That way they aren't the only ones paying for skilled clerical to support the office staff and not the only ones on 24 hour call.

Vicki August 13, 2008 9:50 AM

I must be very lucky to live where I do. My vet practices both large and small animals. Recently one of my horses foundered, and became very ill from the bute they gave him for pain. They recommended the Tennessee Equine Hospital for him. The vets there were very concerned and provided excellent care. I will be forever grateful to them.

lj August 13, 2008 7:41 PM

Hi Jo,

Just wanted to say that your continued interest, involvement, and dedication to the horses is absolutely inspiring to me! Too bad there aren't many more out there like you!!

The continual information you've shared with all of us is greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work!

lj (jock4hire)

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