Page 8 - Paws and Hooves - Autumn 2022

My life as an equine vet

ettina Dunkel is a Professor in Equine Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care
B at the Royal Veterinary College. She’s also Head of RVC Equine. With over 20 years of
experience as an equine clinician, she tells us what the job involves…

Why did you want to be an equine vet?

When I was a child, we would take our cat to the
vets and the medical environment immediately
captivated me. I’ve wanted to be a vet ever
since! I find being around horses very calming
- of course, it can also be rather exciting if they
decide to do something they shouldn’t be doing!
What’s it like working with horses?

Working with horses is a great joy and in general, Bettina
they are well-behaved and cooperative. However, Dunkel
this should not lure anybody into a false sense of
security. Being an equine vet can be a dangerous
profession and accidents are not uncommon. Being careful and cognisant of their size and power is
paramount.

When you wake up in the morning, how do you feel about going to work?

I love my work and feel genuinely excited when I get to the hospital, particularly when working in the clinic. I
always say hello to the patients first, usually before anybody else is around, and also have a quick chat with
our night crew. It’s a great start to the day and reminds me why I love my job.

What’s a typical day like?

No single day is the same and my days are never boring. I start very early, answering emails and writing
reports. We have morning rounds at 8.30 a.m. and after that we work with our students, seeing routine and
emergency cases, whatever walks through the door.

What might someone be surprised to learn about being an equine vet?

I think the high medical standard we work to might surprise some people. We offer many of the same
procedures and imaging you would expect to encounter in a human hospital.
What is the best part about your job?

All the people I work with. We’re a cheerful bunch, hardworking and robust, connected by our love for
horses, the veterinary profession, and the desire to do the best for our patients. We’re a great team and this
is probably the single most important reason why I’m still at the RVC after 17 years.

If you could give horse owners one piece of advice, what would it be?

Let horses be horses! Plenty of turn out, grass and the company of other horses is very important. Treat
them with respect and affection and they will repay it in kind.

How does it feel knowing that you’ve achieved your dream?

I am proud of what I have achieved, and I have worked very hard for it. Given the choice again, I would do
exactly the same.

8 Paws & Hooves Autumn 2022