Skills for success in dairy and mixed animal practice

Abstract

The success of veterinarians in dairy practice and mixed ani­mal practice will depend on the initiative of the individual veterinarian to adapt to the ever-changing industry. Technical skills of rectal palpation and displaced abomasum corrective surgery are the mainstays of dairy medicine. Further growth and skills come from engaging the practitioner’s goals and matching them to the producer’s goals for their operation or an­imal species. Physical and emotional health are imperative to the success of a dairy or mixed animal veterinarian. Skills are refined through practice and can be challenged with new goals and education.