Chapter:1 The History of the Veterinary Profession

Dr. Anjali Kumari

The roots of the veterinary profession traces back deep into human history, as it is one
of the oldest professions. This indicates the bond existing between animals and humans.
When ancient communities came into existence, there was a need to fulfil their requirement
as a labour, companion and food. Animal fits into all these three criteria. Due to this
veterinary profession flourished side by side. In modern era and scientific advancements,
there has been intensive research regarding the health and welfare of animals, which is result
of modernized veterinary medicine. It has changed due to society’s demands over time and
along with the expansion of knowledge regarding animal care, medicine has also advanced
with time. The focus of this chapter is to provide insight about the profession and the
development on every single milestone of veterinary science.

The development of veterinary practices is dated to the time people actually began to
domesticate animals. The ability to provide caring to the animals is what brought forward the
formation of basic veterinary practices.

1.Mesopotamia (3000 Before Common Era): Mesopotamia, particularly the Sumerian

civilization around 3000 BCE, is credited with some of the earliest documented veterinary
practices. Clay tablets from this period reveal evidence of concern for animal health,
specifically mentioning goats, cattle, and sheep. The Sumerians were also the first to settle in
Mesopotamia and are credited with developing cuneiform writing, which is used on these
clay tablets.

2.As the first documented region, Mesopotamia is also responsible for leaving behind
veterinary practices with the oldest known old clay Sumerian civilization. There are clay
tablets marking the civilization’s mention towards looking after animal diseases along with
specific livestock such as goats, cattle, and sheep.

2. Egypt (c. 2000 BCE): Animal treatment remained primitive but was underpinned by
spiritual rather than empirical motives in achieving better health. Medicine was preventive in
nature with no curative, relying more on the cultural significance of animals.

Descriptions of ailments and the early healing animal remedies are prescribed in papyrus text
like the Kahun Papyrus.

3. India (c. 1500 BCE): There are texts within the Vedas that speak of veterinary care.
Ayurvedic practices had a section on animals known as “Ashwa Ayurveda” for horses and
“Gaja Ayurveda” for elephants.

 Shalihotra (c. 2350 BCE) is thought to have written the Shalihotra Samhita, one of
the first veterinary texts documenting various animals and their anatomy,
physiology, disease, and treatments.
 Kautilya's Arthashastra (4th century BCE) talks about the animals' hospitals and how
the government was involved in hiring veterinary surgeons.
  Ancient Indian architecture also incorporated animal care, such as the Ashokan
inscriptions (3rd century BCE) discussing the building of zoos containing animals
for public ridership.

4. China (c. 1000 BCE): Traditional Chinese medicine practiced on animals primarily
focused on agricultural ones, using herbs, acupuncture, and general surgery.

The Classical Era: Foundations of Veterinary Knowledge

The classical period marks the formal accumulation of information in veterinary medicine
and the emergence of remarkable people who shaped the discipline for centuries to follow.

1. Hippocrates and Aristotle (5th–4th Century BCE): As part of their work on human
medicine, Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote texts concerning anatomy and physiology which
contained information useful to animals.

2. Roman Empire (1st Century CE):

 Columella: Columella authored “De Re Rustica which contained provisions on animal

husbandry as well as animal sickness.
 Vegetius Renatus: He is often regarded as one of the earliest veterinarians and he
wrote “Mulomedicina”, which was a complete book on husbandry of horses and
mules.

The Middle Ages: Preservation and Transmission of Veterinary Knowledge

A variety of ways were used to transmit and preserve veterinarian knowledge during the
middle ages, such as via monasteries as well as Islamic scholars.

1. Islamic Contributions (7th–13th Century): Islamic scholars devoted their time to

translating Greek and Roman works into the Arabic language which expanded in matters
such as veterinary knowledge. Al-Jahiz and Al-Damiri are renowned for writing on the health
and behavior of animals.

2. European Traditions: In medieval Europe, farriers and monks are believed to have done
much of the veterinary work. Horses, which were essential for agricultural and warfare
activities became the focus.

The Birth of Modern Veterinary Medicine

The formalization of veterinary medicine began in the 18th century. With the birth of the
Enlightenment and its focus on science, veterinary medicine was given more attention.

1. Founding of Veterinary Schools:

In 1791, the first veterinary school was opened in Lyon, France by Claude Bourgelat. Its
focus was on combating livestock diseases, especially rinderpest. A number of schools
opened later in Alfort, France, and in London, England, expanding the network of Schools for
Fostering Animal Husbandry.
2. Advances in Veterinary Science:

The introduction of vaccines for various livestock diseases, including anthrax and rabies,
marked a turning point in veterinary medicine due to pioneering research in microbiology by
19th century figures like Louis Pasteur. The development of anesthesia, antisepsis, and
surgical procedures broadened the scope of veterinary practice.

Veterinary Medicine in India:

History shows that India has a vast heritage associated with animal care that extends into the
modern period, witnessing significant changes during the colonial and post-independence
eras.

1. Colonial Era: The British colonial government set up the initial veterinary colleges to cater
to the healthcare and surgical treatment needs of military and agricultural animals. Bengal
Veterinary College, started in 1893 at Kolkata, was a pioneer in veterinary education in India.
Rural veterinary clinics and clinics on wheels were established in mobile units to cater to the
needs of the rural population.

2. Post-Independence Developments: In 1947, once sovereign, India made considerable

strides in veterinary education and research. The establishment of veterinary universities and
colleges in India, including the nation’s first, increased exponentially. The Indian Veterinary
Research Institute (IVRI), set up in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, emerged as premier institutions
for advanced animal health and production research. Efforts have been taken to modernize
veterinary science while cognizant of traditional veterinary practices. In rural settings,
Ayurvedic forms of medicine are still employed in the management of livestock. The
Government of India has developed new schemes to improve veterinary services under the
umbrella of the National Livestock Mission and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which also
focus on the health and breeding of livestock. The policies concerning zoonotic diseases such
as rabies and avian influenza highlighted the role that vets play in public healthcare.

The 20th Century: Beginning of Contemporary Veterinary Medicine

The 20th century was notable for the development and further specialization of the veterinary
profession.

1. Zoonoses and Public Health:

The public health role of veterinarians escalated with the control of zoonoses like
tuberculosis and brucellosis.

2. Education and Specialization:

The curriculum of veterinary education included as a result of specialization, small animal

medicine, equine medicine, and wildlife management.

3. International Bodies:

The formation of World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA) created opportunities for cooperation and standardization.
Contemporary Veterinary Practice Opportunities and Challenges:

In the following domains, veterinarians play a major role.

1. One Health Initiative: The relationship between humans, animals, and environment
underscores the need of veterinarians to address global health issues.

2. Advances in Technology: The changes in veterinary practices are due to innovations in

diagnostic instruments, genetics, and telemedicine.

3. Societal Considerations: With increasing concern for animal welfare, veterinarians have to
deal with ethical issues regarding the care and treatment of animals.

Conclusion

The development of the veterinary profession illustrates an aspect of changing human attitude
and relationship to animals and the environment. Whether ancient or modern, veterinarians
have provided invaluable services to society by safeguarding the wellbeing of animals. With
the continuous development in this field, it will always be crucial in meeting the needs of the
ever-evolving world.

References

1. Smith, A. (2015). A History of Veterinary Medicine. Cambridge University Press.

2. Gilbey, W. (1904). Early Veterinary Medicine in Ancient Egypt. London: Gresham
Press.
3. Magner, L. N. (2002). A History of the Life Sciences, Revised and Expanded. Marcel
Dekker, Inc.
4. Pastoret, P. P., & Brochier, B. (1999). "The Development of Veterinary Medicine in
Europe." Revue Scientifique et Technique, 18(2), 422-432.
5. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). (2023). "History of Veterinary
Medicine." Retrieved from www.oie.int.
6. Trautmann, T. R. (2015). Elephants and Kings: An Environmental History. University
of Chicago Press.
7. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). (2022). "Veterinary Science in
India: Progress and Prospects."