Veterinarians: Serving All Creatures

Rural veterinarians face unique challenges, treating everything from companion animals to livestock, often in difficult conditions. Dr. Marc Fontaine covers a territory requiring two hours to cross, carrying equipment for any eventuality.

"Monday I might do routine vaccinations for pets," he explains. "Tuesday, emergency surgery on a cow. Wednesday, inspect sheep for export certification. Thursday, treat a horse with colic. You need broad knowledge and physical stamina - wrestling a sick bull isn't for everyone."

Large animal practice barely breaks even, sustained by cross-subsidization from companion animal work. "Farmers operate on thin margins," Dr. Fontaine notes. "They'll pay for economically valuable animals but might neglect others. You balance economic reality with animal welfare, not always successfully."

Young veterinarians increasingly prefer small animal practice in urban settings - better hours, higher income, less physical risk. "Rural practice needs reimagining," Dr. Fontaine suggests. "Perhaps group practices sharing territory, telemedicine for consultations, paraprofessionals handling routine work. But someone must be available when a calving goes wrong at 2 AM."