Advances in veterinary medicine typically focus on the healing and care of wild animals, but there are many advances that have been made for domesticated animals as well. Vaccines, microchip tracking, and more advanced anesthesia are all types of veterinary medicine that has been developed within the past decade with the goal of keeping pets happier and healthier, all with a longer life and a much brighter future.
Genetic Disorders and Discovery
One advancement that has been particularly useful for veterinary medicine involves the tracking and detailing of genetic disorders among pure breeds of animal. Dogs in particular are vulnerable to certain genetic conditions, some of which may appear at birth and others which appear over time. Different breeds of dog are known to have their own distinct genetic diseases. With time, research, and the proper application of veterinary medicine, these diseases can be identified well before they manifest, and the proper treatment regimen can be put into place that should reduce the occurrence of the disease, or ease the symptoms should they appear.
Leaps Forward in Vaccination
Protecting animals from disease is a prime focus of veterinary medicine. Vaccinations are used with the purpose of ending communicable diseases among animals. While spaying or neutering a pet may reduce their chances of developing diseases as they age, vaccinations act as the best line of defense between certain terminal conditions and domesticated animals. Pets, working animals, and farm laboring animals must all be vaccinated to prevent suffering, death, and loss. The process of discovering and developing a vaccine can take quite some time, but experts in veterinary medicine are continuing to make great strides in new products that could save the lives of animals we depend on and care for.
Healthier Animals, Longer Lives
The ultimate goal of veterinary medicine is the same as it is for the treatment of humans. Doctors want to eliminate or reduce pain, treat the source of disease, and help animals to live longer. The healthcare of an animal that has fallen ill can be quite expensive for some individuals, often making the choice between providing care or euthanasia that much more difficult.
A Look Into the Future
As veterinary medicine continues to advance, life saving techniques and products are becoming more widely available, saving many owners from having to make a tough decision. Pharmaceuticals, biological studies, and surgical techniques all continue to play a vital role in saving animal lives.
