Veterinary Medicine: Specialties and Diagnosis Colombia
Complete Guide · Silo Veterinaria · Colombia 2026
Veterinary medicine: specialties, imaging diagnostics, and technology in Colombia
What a veterinarian does, the clinical specialties available, how animal imaging diagnostics work, and the technology—ultrasound, X-rays, endoscopy—used by modern veterinary clinics in Colombia
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GSMED Imaging technical team—veterinary imaging diagnostics in Colombia
Based on: ACVR (American College of Veterinary Radiology), VINNO VET catalogs, Colombian veterinary clinical experience, data from the First GSMED Colombia Diploma in Small Animal Ultrasound, and Colombia Veterinary.
Veterinary medicine in Colombia has evolved significantly over the last decade. What was once exclusive to major cities—veterinary ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy—is now available in clinics in mid-sized cities and in the field for cattle and horses. This guide explains what a veterinarian does, the specialties available in Colombia, and the diagnostic technology that makes them possible.
1. What is veterinary medicine and what does a veterinarian do?
Veterinary medicine is the science that studies, prevents, diagnoses, and treats animal diseases. In Colombia, the title of Veterinary Doctor (MV) or Veterinary Doctor and Zootechnician (MVZ) is obtained after 5–6 years of university studies at institutions such as the National University of Colombia, the University of Antioquia, La Salle University, CES University (Medellín), and the University of Caldas, among others.
Colombian veterinarians work in small animal clinics (dogs, cats, exotic animals), in the field with cattle and horses, in the animal-derived food industry, in government agencies (ICA, INVIMA), in diagnostic laboratories, and in scientific research.
20+
Active veterinary medicine faculties in Colombia
5–6
Years required to complete a veterinary medicine degree in Colombia
MVZ
Veterinary Doctor and Zootechnician—the most comprehensive title in Colombia
ICA
Colombian Agricultural Institute—the governing body for animal health in Colombia
2. Veterinary medicine specialties in Colombia
🐕Small animal internal medicine
Diagnosis and treatment of internal diseases in dogs, cats, and exotic animals. This includes veterinary gastroenterology, nephrology, cardiology, endocrinology, and oncology. The main diagnostic tools are abdominal ultrasound, radiography, and clinical laboratory tests.
→ Dogs · Cats · Exotic animals · Internal medicine diagnostics
💉Veterinary surgery
From soft tissue surgeries (splenectomy, enterectomy, cesarean section) to orthopedic surgeries (fracture reduction, patellar luxation correction) and neurosurgery. Veterinary laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) is expanding in Colombia's major cities.
→ Soft tissue · Orthopedics · Neurology · Veterinary laparoscopy
🩻Veterinary imaging
A diagnostic specialty that includes veterinary radiology, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound machine is the most widely used equipment—it evaluates the abdomen, thorax, reproduction, and guides procedures (PAAF, biopsy). GSMED Imaging provides VINNO VET ultrasound machines with species-specific biometrics.
→ Ultrasound · Radiography · Veterinary CT · Veterinary MRI
❤️Veterinary cardiology
Diagnosis and management of animal heart diseases—especially mitral valve endocardiosis in dogs (the most common). Veterinary echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) is the reference diagnostic tool—GSMED conducted the First Diploma in Veterinary Echocardiography in Colombia.
→ Valvular disease · Cardiomyopathy · Pulmonary hypertension
🐄Bovine medicine and reproduction
Pregnancy diagnosis, ovulation synchronization protocols (IATF), embryo transfer, and diagnosis and treatment of reproductive and production diseases in dairy and beef cattle. Rectal ultrasound with a linear probe is the field veterinarian's primary tool in Colombia.
→ Pregnancy diagnosis · IATF · Folliculometry · Reproductive pathology
🐎Equine medicine
Care for sport, working, and companion horses. Performance evaluation, lameness diagnosis, musculoskeletal ultrasound of tendons and ligaments, and equine reproductive medicine. Colombia has a growing industry for Paso Fino, polo, and equestrian horses.
→ Tendons · Equine reproduction · Sports cardiology · Lameness
3. Imaging diagnostic technology in veterinary medicine
| Technology | Veterinary application | Species | Equipment in Colombia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominal ultrasound | Abdomen, pregnancy, masses, free fluid | Dogs, cats, cattle, horses | VINNO VET—official GSMED representative |
| Veterinary echocardiography | Heart diseases, ventricular function, effusions | Dogs, cats, horses | VINNO G55 VET with sector probe |
| Musculoskeletal ultrasound | Tendons, ligaments, muscle injuries | Horses, sports dogs | High-frequency linear transducer |
| Rectal ultrasound (cattle) | Pregnancy, follicles, IATF | Cattle, horses, pigs | VINNO VET linear rectal probe |
| Digital radiography (DR) | Bones, thorax, abdomen, dental | All species | Portable and room-based DR equipment |
| Veterinary CT | Neurology, oncology, complex traumatology | Dogs, cats (anesthesia required) | Available at specialized centers in Colombia |
The First Diploma in Small Animal Ultrasound—GSMED Colombia GSMED Imaging organized the First Diploma in Small Animal Ultrasound in Colombia using VINNO VET equipment. The diploma trained veterinarians from across the country in diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, basic echocardiography, and ultrasound-guided procedures (PAAF, biopsy) in dogs and cats. This continuing education program is part of GSMED's commitment to the development of diagnostic veterinary medicine in Colombia.
4. Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinarian earn in Colombia?
Salaries vary widely depending on the specialty, city, and sector. A newly graduated veterinarian in small animal clinics may earn between $2,000,000 and $3,500,000 COP/month. A veterinary specialist (cardiologist, imaging specialist, surgeon) with postgraduate studies and experience can earn $6,000,000–$12,000,000 COP/month or more at specialized centers in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali. Veterinarians in the industry (animal production, pharmaceutical laboratories, ICA) usually have competitive compensation packages with additional benefits.
How much does a veterinary ultrasound cost in Colombia?
In private small animal clinics, a complete abdominal ultrasound for dogs or cats costs between $80,000 and $200,000 COP in major cities, and between $60,000 and $150,000 in mid-sized cities. A veterinary echocardiogram (more specialized and time-consuming) can cost between $150,000 and $350,000 COP. A reproductive ultrasound for cattle in the field costs between $30,000 and $80,000 COP per animal, depending on volume and location.
Which university has the best veterinary medicine program in Colombia?
The most renowned veterinary medicine faculties in Colombia are the National University of Colombia (Bogotá and Medellín—the most established and academically prestigious), the University of Antioquia (strong in large animals and veterinary public health), La Salle University (Bogotá—recognized for small animals and exotic medicine), CES University (Medellín—strong in small animals and clinical specialties), and the University of Caldas (Manizales—strong in large animals and zootechnics). The choice depends on the specialty of interest, the program format, and the city.
VINNO VET ultrasound machines available in Colombia—official GSMED representative
Portable veterinary ultrasound machines with species-specific biometrics, rectal probes, and veterinary echocardiography—with local technical support.
Diagnostic technology for veterinary clinics in Colombia
VINNO VET ultrasound machines, digital radiography, and veterinary endoscopy—official representatives with local technical support.
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