Small and Companion Animal Surgery and Medicine: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Designed for students pursuing advanced expertise in veterinary care, this program provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions affecting small and companion animals. Emphasis is placed on both medical and surgical interventions, preparing learners for specialized roles in animal healthcare through rigorous scientific and clinical instruction.

• Avian Medicine: Focuses on the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of birds, including diagnostic techniques, disease prevention, and species-specific treatment protocols.
• Companion Animal Medicine: Explores the diagnosis and management of systemic and organ-specific disorders in common household pets such as dogs and cats.
• Pathophysiology: Examines the functional changes that occur during disease processes, providing a foundational understanding of how illness affects normal biological systems.
• Small Animal Diseases: Covers the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of a broad range of conditions affecting dogs, cats, and other small domesticated animals.
• Small Animal Anesthesiology: Addresses the principles and practices of administering anesthesia safely and effectively in small animal patients, including monitoring and risk assessment.
• Surgical Procedures: Provides hands-on training in both minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques tailored to small animal anatomy and physiology.
• Preoperative and Postoperative Care: Emphasizes patient preparation, surgical planning, and recovery management to optimize outcomes and reduce complications.
• Dentistry: Focuses on oral health assessment, dental surgery, periodontal disease treatment, and preventive care specific to companion animals.
• Ophthalmology: Involves the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders, including surgical interventions and management of vision-related conditions.
• Oncology: Addresses the identification, staging, and multimodal treatment of cancer in small animals, including chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive care.
• Obstetrics/Theriogenology: Concentrates on reproductive health, breeding management, pregnancy monitoring, and the care of newborn animals.
• Orthopedics: Focuses on the diagnosis and surgical correction of musculoskeletal disorders, including fractures, joint diseases, and congenital abnormalities.