Julian Norton sees World Vet Day as a chance to reflect on the work done by vets in the charity sector, like Brooke (credit: ITV).
The Yorkshire Vet Star And Charity Vet Discuss What World Vet Day Means To Them
2 weeks ago 
200 views
This World Vet Day (26 April 2025), The Yorkshire Vet star Julian Norton and a vet from working animal charity Brooke in Pakistan, Dr Javaid Khan, reflect on the challenges and triumphs in their roles as vets in the UK and overseas.
What does a typical day look like for you as a vet?
Julian Norton: I’ve been working as a vet for almost 30 years and, even in my first few months, I realised that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day!
Some of the work we do is routine (vaccinations or preventative health), but a large part is coping with emergencies. This is often especially the case when working with farm animals, especially around lambing time, and horses. There aren’t many days when an emergency colic appears on the list!
Dr Javaid Khan: As a vet at Brooke, my typical day would involve working with horses, donkeys, mules and people who depend on them for their livelihoods.
Following our busy schedule in the early morning, we visit communities, working with owners and handlers to educate them on equine care and welfare.
My role as a vet is both rewarding and challenging, requiring a strong commitment to equine welfare and a willingness to work in demanding conditions.
What are the biggest health challenges you see in animals, and how do you overcome them?
Julian Norton: Nowadays, I mainly do small animal work so the problems I experience are limited to dogs and cats. In these species, many health issues are connected with poor breeding, hereditary joint disease and airway problems, as well as rehoming issues.
Dr Javaid Khan: The injuries in the horses, donkeys and mules we work with are often work-related: wounds, harness and saddle galls, lameness or poor body condition.
We provide treatment, cleaning and dressing of wounds, with follow-up visits allowing animals time to recover and rehabilitate. We also promote compassionate handling and improved welfare practices, so owners understand how to prevent injury.
What is one memorable moment you’ve had in your profession, and working with other vets?
Julian Norton: I’ve been fortunate to have had a very interesting veterinary life so far, particularly in the last ten years when I’ve had the chance to share some of my vet cases with viewers of The Yorkshire Vet.
This opportunity has brought some of the most memorable moments. One of the best was an impossibly difficult delivery of an alpaca, which was a breech birth. Genuine drama and a very happy outcome!
Dr Javaid Khan: Hands on training with mentoring and positive feedback is the best part of my job. There is always such strong support, collaboration and guidance from vets across the Brooke team!
As a supporter of Brooke, what does World Vet Day mean to you?
Julian Norton: As vets, we are privileged to work with animals every day. For me, World Vet Day is a chance to reflect on the extra special work done by those vets involved in the charity sector, like Brooke, where their work is also pivotal in aiding the people and the communities which rely on those animals.
Dr Javaid Khan: As a member of Brooke, World Vet Day highlights the crucial role vets play in improving animal welfare, particularly for working animals. It's a celebration of their dedication, expertise, compassion and fostering partnership amongst animal health organisations worldwide.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys is a U.K. based, global animal health and welfare charity that gives working horses, donkeys and mules a life worth living.
Over 100 million of these animals pull carts, carry goods and work the land, earning an income that around 600 million people rely on to put food on their tables, earn a living and send their children to school. Sadly, many of them are suffering, so Brooke works with owners, communities, service providers, governments and international organisations to make long lasting welfare improvements.
Brooke was founded in 1934 when Dorothy Brooke, a British woman, sought out war horses that had been left in Cairo after the First World War. With support from an appeal letter in the Morning Post newspaper, she set up the Old War Horse Memorial, which became Brooke, and expanded across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Website: www.thebrooke.org
Facebook: thebrookecharity
Twitter: @thebrooke
Instagram @thebrookecharity
More from Brooke
- This Morning star Dr Scott Miller announced as ambassador for working donkey charity Brooke
- UCL and Brooke explore role of working animals for women in disasters
- First treaty to recognise animal and environment in pandemic prevention passed
- Working animal charity Brooke highlights work of women’s group in protecting Kenya’s donkeys
- The power of compassionate animal handling
