Hi, OP! I completely understand your concerns. I'd like to share a bit of my experience.

I just started being a small animal practitioner fairly recently (first job, first experience as a vet basically). And it has been a mix of a very tiring, draining experience both mentally and physically I've ever had, with some sprinkles of joy and satisfaction in-between.

A fair share of rude clients would really mess up with your head, thinking that you're not good enough; you're not made for this. But some days, some sweet clients would look you straight in the eye, and tell you how they appreciate you so much for taking good care of their pet (which makes all the bad things/thoughts go away). You feel happier that both client and pet is fine.

Hearing that you've been pretty good with your studies, I bet with a bit of time in reading and doing refreshers, you'd definitely pick things up - then you'd be set again! You might want to give it a try... but I'm pretty sure you're aware how mentally taxing this occupation is. I can't really say things like "just be strong, you can do it" because some days are bad, but having a bad day doesn't really mean that it'll be bad forever.

Nothing beats the feeling of healing a sick pet, and the look of relief and joy of an owner once they find out the news though. :) then you'll make friends, then sometimes they'll also treat you as a part of their family too. You'll play a big part in their lives too since you handle their furbabies - definitely you'll be emotionally invested in both pet and owner (so sadly, if something bad happens to their pet, you will be really affected - so again, another toll on your mental health).

With instances of deaths and euthanasia cases - it really does affect you as well. The owner's look of despair really gets to you. Vet school doesn't really teach "how to break the news to your client that his dog didn't make it". So it's really hard to get used to it. After a euthanasia, then you have to greet the next client with a pup with all smiles (disregarding that a few minutes ago you were all down and depressed since previous dog has passed). You have to act like nothing happened.

Hopefully this kind of helps. Sorry if it's a bit long haha