How Is Zoology Related To Veterinary Science?
In brief, the field of zoology involves the study of animals at all levels, from their evolutionary origins, molecular and cell biology to their physiology, behavior and ecology. Veterinary science refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in animals.
The subject of veterinary science is concerned with the treatment of a range of different animals; these include domestic pets, exotic pets, companion animals, performance animals, farmyard animals, zoo animals and wildlife. It encompasses an array of subjects like anatomy and animal behavior, as well as niche subjects like parasitology and gastroenterology.1
There are some who maintain that the field of zoology is related to veterinary science only in the sense that both involve the study of animals, but that any similarities end there. This is an over-reaching statement, however.
Very Different, but Related
Even though zoology and veterinary science are concerned with the study of animals, the mode of study and the topics involved in the both the subjects are entirely different. Zoologists are specialists who have detailed knowledge about animals and wildlife. These biological scientists do research work on dead animals by dissecting them so as to know their internal structure, histories, habitats, interrelationships with the environment.3
While studying to become a veterinarian involves a great deal of clinical training, it can take approximately as long as acquiring a Ph.D. in zoology. On several levels, however, the study of zoology is more comprehensive. In fact, many of those seeking degrees in veterinary medicine (DVM, Certified Veterinary Technician) or veterinary science often study zoology as an academic prerequisite, or to deepen their knowledge of the animal species with which they will be working.
In general, zoologists are concerned with animals' physiology, histories, habitats and interrelationships with the environment. There are several undergraduate and postgraduate concentrations available in zoology. Aspirants can choose their desired specializations while pursuing the programs in the respective fields.3
Zoologists and wildlife biologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions; a master’s degree is often needed for higher-level investigative or scientific work. A Ph.D. is necessary to lead independent research and for most university research positions. The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $63,420 in May 2018.1
Like veterinarians, zoologists can choose to work in the public or private sector. Some zoologists work in museums, zoos, or in research focused on preservation, inspection and management. Many of the experts featured on popular media offerings (documentaries, television nature programs) that focus on animals are zoologists.
1Zoology in Relation to Medicine and
Veterinary Science Intercalated BSc, University of
Leeds. Link
2Times
Higher Education.3U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).
About NexGen Pharmaceuticals
NexGen Pharmaceuticals is an industry-leading veterinary compounding pharmacy, offering sterile and non-sterile compounding services Nationwide. Unlike other veterinary compounding pharmacies, NexGen focuses on drugs that are difficult to find or are no longer available due to manufacturer discontinuance or have yet to be offered commercially for veterinary applications, but which still serve a critical need for our customers. We also specialize in wildlife pharmaceuticals, including sedatives and their antagonists, offering many unique options to serve a wide array of zoo animal and wildlife immobilization and anesthesia requirements.
Our pharmacists are also encouraged to develop strong working relationships with our veterinarians in order to better care for veterinary patients. Such relationships foster an ever-increasing knowledge base upon which pharmacists and veterinarians can draw, making both significantly more effective in their professional roles.