Can a dog veterinarian treat a dolphin or an elephant?
There are courses in veterinary school that encompass an overview of different animals. This encludes marine animals and wildlife, but most courses are specific to domestic land animals (both companion pets and farm animals). Birds and reptiles are also researched but to a smaller degree. However, aquatic medicine and wild animal medicine are specialties as you decide what field you want to practice. So even though you have the basic knowledge of their physiology if you are a general practitioner you don’t have the experience, special equipment or specific medicines to treat them. There is also good news if you do want to work with exotic animals. A few years ago there weren’t many opportunities available but there now are a greater number of jobs available in those fields with the advent of zoological/marine parks and the increased awareness of environmental science.
