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A veterinary pharmacologist works with veterinarians and pet owners to determine the most effective treatment for sick animals, conducts drug research, advises on drug therapy, and may perform necropsies. They require a veterinary degree and a special license to practice. Demand has grown due to increased awareness of animal welfare.
A veterinary pharmacologist works with veterinarians and pet owners to determine the most effective treatment for sick animals or animals. He or she is part of the team that decides which medication or treatment option is suitable for certain species and diseases. A veterinary pharmacologist may also conduct drug research to find new drug therapies for animals and teach pharmacology to veterinary students. Staying abreast of advances in veterinary medicine and regulatory law is an important responsibility of a veterinary pharmacologist.
If a veterinary pharmacologist does research, he or she typically studies human drugs and their effectiveness in animals. The pharmacologist examines the side effects of chemical compounds and how the drugs interact with each other to treat the disease. He or she may work in a laboratory, testing blood, body fluids or tissue from sick animals. A veterinary pharmacologist will usually advise a veterinarian on drug therapy, dosage, and treatment options.
These professionals usually monitor the prescribed treatment and remain in contact with the pet’s owner and veterinarian to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. If the animal does not improve, the pharmacologist can make changes to the recommended treatment plan. Customized drug compounds can be created for the size and species of individual animals.
In addition to providing drug treatment, sometimes a veterinary pharmacologist euthanizes animals. After an animal dies, he or she may perform a necropsy, called a human autopsy, to determine the cause of death. The information collected in this exam can help a veterinary pharmacologist in research on disease prevention.
Some people who work in this field of veterinary medicine test and quarantine animals to prevent the spread of disease. They can advise livestock owners on sanitation and how it relates to disease. The inspection of the facilities that house the cattle represents another duty performed by some pharmacologists.
A veterinary pharmacologist earns a veterinary degree before taking advanced courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. In most regions, a special license is required to practice in this field of medicine. He or she often attends conferences and continuing education classes throughout his or her career.
Demand for people working in this field has grown as animal rights groups have called attention to the humane treatment of animals. These activities have raised awareness of the health and well-being of pets and animals, driving people to seek advanced medical care for sick animals. Some veterinary pharmacologists expand their normal duties to include advising pet owners on the care, feeding, and well-being of their pets or livestock.
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