Top 10 Questions for Large Animal Veterinarian Interview

1. What are the most common diseases affecting cattle in your area and what are their clinical signs and treatment options?

• Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD): Clinical signs include coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Treatment options include antibiotics, NSAIDs, and bronchodilators.
• Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): Clinical signs include fever, vesicles on the mouth and feet, and lameness. Treatment options focus on supportive care, as there is no specific cure.
• Johne’s Disease: Clinical signs include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and reduced milk production. Treatment options are limited to management and preventing transmission.

2. Describe the steps involved in performing a lameness exam on a horse.

Observation

• Observe the horse’s stance, gait, and posture.
• Evaluate the symmetry of movement and identify any points of pain.

Palpation

• Palpate the limbs for heat, swelling, or pain.
• Check for joint effusion or crepitus.

Range of motion testing

• Flex and extend the joints to assess mobility and pain.
• Perform flexion tests to localize the source of lameness.

3. Discuss the management and treatment options for a cow with a retained placenta.

• Manual removal: Remove the placenta manually within 12-24 hours of calving if possible.
• Oxytocin therapy: Administer oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions and facilitate placental expulsion.
• Antibiotic therapy: Treat any concurrent uterine infection to prevent complications.
• Anti-inflammatory therapy: Administer NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.

4. What are the diagnostic tests you would perform to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious causes of diarrhea in a calf?

• Fecal examination: Check for parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
• Bloodwork: Evaluate electrolyte balance, dehydration, and inflammatory markers.
• Ultrasound: Visualize the intestinal tract for abnormalities.
• Histopathology: Examine tissue samples to identify inflammatory changes or pathogens.

5. How would you approach the treatment of a horse with a suspected colic?

• Stabilize the patient: Provide pain relief, correct dehydration, and monitor vital parameters.
• Determine the cause: Perform a thorough physical exam and diagnostic tests to identify the underlying etiology.
• Treat the underlying cause: Administer medications, perform surgery, or provide supportive care as necessary.
• Manage pain and discomfort: Administer analgesics and provide a calm and comfortable environment.

6. Describe the surgical techniques you would employ to correct a prolapsed uterus in a cow.

• Episiotomy: Enlarge the vulvar opening to facilitate the reduction of the uterus.
• Uterine repositioning: Gently manipulate the prolapsed uterus back into the abdominal cavity.
• Uterine suspension: Secure the uterus in place using a suture or device to prevent recurrence.

7. Discuss the factors you would consider when choosing a vaccination protocol for a dairy herd.

• Disease prevalence: Determine the common diseases in the area and target vaccination against those.
• Herd history: Consider previous outbreaks and the success of past vaccination programs.
• Age and immune status: Vaccinate calves and adults at appropriate intervals to maintain immunity.
• Cost-benefit analysis: Evaluate the potential benefits of vaccination compared to the costs.

8. How would you manage a herd of cattle with a respiratory disease outbreak?

• Isolation: Separate infected animals from the herd and provide proper ventilation.
• Treatment: Administer antibiotics and other supportive therapies to control the infection.
• Vaccination: Vaccinate the entire herd to prevent further spread.
• Biosecurity: Implement strict sanitation measures to prevent the introduction of new pathogens.

9. What are the ethical considerations involved in performing surgery on a large animal?

• Animal welfare: Prioritize the well-being of the animal and minimize pain and discomfort.
• Informed consent: Obtain consent from the owner or veterinarian responsible for the animal before performing surgery.
• Competency: Ensure that the surgeon has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the surgery safely and effectively.
• End-of-life decisions: Discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with the owner, including euthanasia if the prognosis is poor.

10. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in large animal veterinary medicine?

• Continuing education: Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars.
• Professional journals: Subscribe to and read the latest veterinary journals.
• Veterinary organizations: Join professional organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and stay informed through their publications and meetings.
• Online resources: Utilize reliable online databases and veterinary websites for information on new techniques and treatments.

As a Large Animal Veterinarian, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive medical care to large animals, such as horses, cattle, pigs, and goats. Your duties will include:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment

Examine animals to identify health problems and diseases.

• Perform diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
• Prescribe and administer medication, perform surgeries, and provide other treatments.

2. Preventive Care

Educate clients on animal care and management practices.

• Develop and implement vaccination and deworming programs.
• Provide nutritional counseling and advice on breeding and reproduction.

3. Emergency Services

Respond to emergencies, such as accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

• Provide first aid and stabilize animals before transport to a veterinary hospital.
• Collaborate with other veterinarians and specialists to provide the best possible care.

4. Client Communication

Communicate effectively with clients to explain diagnoses, treatment plans, and preventive care measures.

• Provide written and verbal reports on animal health and progress.
• Maintain accurate medical records and client files.

To ace your interview for a Large Animal Veterinarian position, follow these tips:

1. Research the Company and Position

Learn about the veterinary clinic or hospital where you are interviewing and the specific role you are applying for. This will help you tailor your answers to the interviewer’s questions.

• Visit the clinic’s website and read any available information about their services and team.
• Look up the veterinarian who will be interviewing you on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms.

2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

In your interview, emphasize your skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Be sure to mention any experience you have with large animals, such as working on a farm or volunteering at an animal shelter.

• Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and abilities.
• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

3. Be Prepared to Answer Common Interview Questions

There are some common interview questions that you are likely to be asked, such as “Why are you interested in this position?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”. It is helpful to prepare your answers to these questions in advance so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

• Practice your answers out loud to make sure they are clear and well-organized.
• Tailor your answers to the specific job you are interviewing for.

4. Ask Questions

At the end of the interview, be sure to ask the interviewer any questions you have about the position or the company. This shows that you are interested in the job and that you have taken the time to prepare for the interview.

• Ask about the clinic’s caseload and the types of animals you will be seeing.
• Inquire about the opportunities for professional development and continuing education.