The practice of veterinary medicine has been documented for centuries. In 200 BC, a Roman agricultural writer, Cato, recommended using olive oil and good wine for the scab in sheep. Many scholars will agree that veterinary medicine evolved from the treatment of the horse. The farrier has been noted as being the most important animal healer of early times.
Modern veterinary medicine often resembles techniques used in human medicine. During the 18th century, many of the “human” surgeons would identify themselves with veterinary work and some even changing practice from humans to animals.
The first veterinary college was founded in Lyon, France in 1762 and the first horse admitted to the college for treatment arrived in 1793. The Veterinary College of Philadelphia was the first American veterinary college which operated from 1852 until 1866. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, established in 1883, is the oldest veterinary college that is still currently operating in the United States. Texts on veterinary medicine have been documented for centuries. According to Chinese writings, horse “priests” would practice their medicine from as early as 1766 BC.
William Youatt was an influential veterinarian during The American (more…)