Boehringer Ingelheim has published new global survey findings revealing the often-overlooked aspects of veterinary care that are essential in protecting animals, people and society.
Drawing on responses from 1,046 qualifying veterinary professionals across 51 countries, the survey identified three of the most important yet under-recognized aspects of veterinary care. Results from North America aligned on the same priorities, with the following identified as the top three:
- Uncovering hidden health problems and pain, identified by veterinary professionals focused on pets (97%) and equine (67%)
- Protecting food-chain safety, identified by 76% of livestock veterinary professionals
- Surveillance programs to limit the spread of disease, identified by 62% of livestock veterinary professionals
The findings underscore the far-reaching role veterinary professionals play in everyday life, from caring for pets in over half of households globallyi to safeguarding the animals and animal-derived products that help feed 97% of the world’s population.
“Veterinary professionals make decisions every day that affect far more than the animals in their care – from the people who love and depend on them to the food and public health systems that keep communities healthy,” said Fabio Barone, Vice President, Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Canada. “The Going Beyond survey puts data behind what the animal health community has long known: some of veterinary medicine’s most essential contributions happen quietly and are often overlooked.”
The expertise behind every quiet veterinary decision
That invisible expertise begins with years of training. Identifying health issues in animals and determining the course of action relies on a depth of knowledge that isn’t always immediately obvious.
Becoming a veterinarian in Canada typically takes about six to eight years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate or college studies and a veterinary degree. Specialist veterinarians may complete three to four additional years of advanced training. This means decisions are informed by more than a decade of education and hands-on clinical experience.
As expectations around animal health and well-being rise among pet owners, veterinary judgment plays an increasingly important role across every stage of care – from prevention and early diagnosis to managing complex conditions. Yet much of this work is invisible to animal owners, with 97% of pet veterinary professionals in North America identifying “spotting hidden health problems” as the most important aspect of their role most likely to be overlooked.
“Diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on the veterinarian’s professional training and experience. This unnoticed layer of expertise ensures animals receive precise, efficient, and life-preserving care,” said Dr. Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. “Helping pet owners understand the full scope of that expertise is key to building trust and partnership with their veterinary teams to support the long-term health of our animals.”
The hidden power of preventative veterinary care
Much of veterinary care is preventive by nature, with timely intervention and careful observation helping to address issues before they escalate and easing long-term emotional and financial strain on animal owners.
Yet when equine veterinary professionals in North America were surveyed, they ranked “detecting hidden pain and subtle early disease signs” (67%) and “using a horse’s environment and clinical history to predict risk” (73%) as the most important but overlooked aspects of their role.
In practice, this includes tailored advice on a horse’s diet, dental and hoof care, vaccination, parasite control, and stable management, helping to reduce the risk of conditions such as colic, laminitis, and respiratory disease.
“Much of an equine veterinarian’s work goes unnoticed precisely because it is effective,” said Dr. Sarah M. Reuss, President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Equine Technical Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Its impact is seen in problems identified early, avoided altogether, or managed before they escalate.”
Do you find yourself forgetting to ask important questions during your horse’s vet appointments? Download this handy horse owner conversation guide courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim to help support more productive vet visits.
~ with files from Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
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