The national qualifications for veterinary nurses in Japan do not include farm animals. Therefore, we examined the duties and potential of veterinary nurses regarding farm animal care in Japan based on personal experience.
The study was conducted at two farm animal medical facilities in Hokkaido, and the period of this investigator’s employment in these facilities was analyzed. The study method was based on the scope of veterinary nurses’ work with companion animals, and the techniques for which individual qualifications were established were examined.
It was determined that, even in the case of farm animals, veterinary nurses could contribute in several areas, such as restraint during treatment, assistance during surgery, and performing various examinations. Furthermore, in hospitalization facilities, they play a useful role in managing hospitalized animals. Additional qualifications, such as becoming an artificial insemination technician or cow hoof trimmer, could make significant contributions to the field.
In the field of farm animal treatment, veterinary nurses can play an active role in various tasks, and with, additional qualifications, they can significantly reduce the burden on veterinarians. Although veterinary nurses working on farm animals are not yet nationally qualified, they can contribute significantly to the development of the livestock industry and veterinary medicine in Japan by collaborating with veterinarians.
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