I hope I can make it.

I have my worries about getting accepted into vet school...in fact it's been on my mind for quite some time...

Do I have the stamina to survive vet school if accepted?


Yesterday in my Beef Production Lab, we were required to attend a lecture on Ruminant Kinematics and observe multiple techniques for Bovine castration.

I am familiar with all of the techniques used today and I am well aware that out of any other species (besides chickens and pigs), Cattle do not receive any form of pain management, anesthetic, or numbing agent such as Lidocaine. Having worked at a Vet clinic for the past 3 years, I find it very morally constricting, thus I have refused to participate each time I've been given the opportunity.


I know I can't deny castrating livestock animals, I can't back out of "processing" piglets because I am required to learn both Large animal and small animal veterinary treatment. I disagree with many of the mindsets behind large animal medicine (WHY ARE HORSES ON A PEDESTAL WHILE COWS, PIGS, SHEEP, AND CHICKENS ONLY GET LOW COST TREATMENT) and I'm not sure how to cope with it. In addition, there are a few aspects of other veterinary learning techniques that I may have to do despite my disagreement--such as performing a surgery on an animal I know will not 'wake' up afterwards, despite 100% accuracy (note: not all programs require this).

I know I'm not the only Vet student with these opinions... I can't be. I know that as a Veterinarian, I am going to take an Oath that will state that I, in every circumstance, will try to alleviate pain and suffering of animals. How can I do so under these conditions? We have the ability to make life a little nicer for both companion animals and non companion animals, so why not?

I am aware that there is one product on the market that is a non-steroidal medication with a 0 withdraw period; this means it is safe to distribute to the animal and will not affect us if we consume the animal. Yet, instead of investing in this product to alleviate pain of the animal, we decline as both producers and consumers because we are too cheap to fund such products.

Now, I know this is one of the minor issues I have when it comes to factory farming as well as large animal veterinary medicine--but it seriously irks me.

The conditions that many of these operations are performed under, are unsanitary to say the least. It's all about saving time and money.  I know in today's society, saving money is essential to survive the economy--but seriously, why do others have to suffer?

I don't care if you eat meat, I don't care if you don't eat meat--I care about the quality of care provided for living creatures though. I hate the living conditions of most livestock animals, I hate how it seems so unnatural, and I hate how many of those in the profession fail to care whether the animal suffers or not.

We, as humans, are irresponsible and inconsiderate. This goes both locally and globally. We care about furthering ourselves and often times overlook those who help us along the way (be it animal or another human). I mean, think about it--it's not just livestock.  I mean think about it--it's not just livestock, it's our companion animals as well. We have places like puppy mills and shelters filled to the brim with cats and dogs that need to be cared for, yet we make them suffer. People over-breed, under-treat, and harm animals because we are either uneducated or selfish. Our society has become money hungry and those beneath us suffer. I digress, but there is a point to all of this-- can I make it through Vet school with these opinions?

Too many times have I held my tongue when an ignorant client comes into my work. Too many times I've had to sit back while a agriculture professor questions vegan/vegetarianism (because of body requirements--note third world countries lacking proper protein intake, results in emaciation), yet promotes producing the most at little cost and at consequence of the animal. The fail to realize that often times, as welfare promoters, many are not out to shut down the business as whole, we are not trying to send thousands of people out of business--rather, we're trying to provide a better life for the animal. As stated before, to me, it's not about whether you eat meat or not, it's a matter of what did that 'meat' go through to get to your mouth? Did it ever get to see the light of day? Has it ever seen or felt grass?


This was not supposed to turn into a rant about factory farming--it's greater than that. It's about out ability to empathize with other living creatures. It's not about whether or not they have the level of 'awareness' as humans do, it's not about sending 'farmer Joe' into poverty, it's not about imprisoning those who don't spay/neuter their pets--it's about recognizing that these creatures feel pain, just as we do and wouldn't you want a little more respect than they get? Especially since THEY provide us with LOVE or PROFIT. You'd think something as valuable as they are would be higher on our priority list.

I know my opinions are strong and they may be difficult to maintain in vet school, but the second I take that oath, I'm sticking to it. I'm here on this earth to minimize suffering. I want to help others. Big and small. Human and animal. I'm not here to pave shortcuts and make a fast buck. I'm here for the real deal.