Much like human medicine, veterinary medicine has come a long way. Humans have always known that they need treatment when they fall ill, and ailments that were once treated with herbs or home remedies have now been replaced with pharmaceuticals or even surgery.
Our relationship with animals is woven through our history, but the practice of treating domesticated animals and wildlife hasn’t always been as commonplace as it is today, so how has veterinary medicine changed over the years?
The origins of veterinary medicine
Veterinary practice can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia and a man named Urlugaledinna who, in 3000 BC, was renowned as a healer of animals. However, veterinary medicine’s first major milestone was the opening of the veterinary school in Lyon by Claude Bourgelat in 1761.
At the time of this first veterinary school being opened, the focus of treatment was mainly equine, with horses being used in the cavalry regiments of the army. Throughout history, man’s relationship with horses allowed the human race to flourish through travel, trade and transport, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the first vets prioritised keeping horses healthy.
British veterinary practice is documented as far back as 1785, when a meeting of the Odiham Agricultural Society stressed the importance of the study of farriery. Only a few years later, in 1791, the London Veterinary College was established, dedicated to animal medicine and veterinary science.
Following on from the treatment of horses, early veterinary practice focused on the animals that had roles within human society, such as cattle and other livestock, and then to dogs who were used to aid hunting, farming and other duties. Later on, the practice of veterinary medicine came to be about treating companion pets and then, as we know it today, a focus on the wellbeing of all animals.
Modern veterinary medicine
The shift from only treating horses and livestock is perhaps the most significant way that veterinary medicine has changed over the years, but the modern era has put a focus on education and scientific advancement. In 1946, veterinary schools were absorbed into the university system, establishing the profession as one of significance that needed dedicated study. Today, we know veterinary medicine as a highly respected career path that requires tremendous commitment and practical skill, and there are currently 9 universities across England and Scotland that offer veterinary degree courses.
But more than just promoting the study of existing knowledge, the modern era of veterinary medicine has also seen some incredible scientific breakthroughs that have changed not just our knowledge of animal health, but also the way we treat animals.
In the 21st century alone, veterinary science has seen the introduction of canine cancer drugs, early fracture detection and the use of laser surgery and laparoscopies, as well as the use of DNA and genetic testing in animals to determine paternity and look for recessive genes that cause breed-specific diseases and illnesses.
Another significant achievement of veterinary medicine has been the prevention and control of disease in animals, as well as those that can be passed on to humans. Since veterinary science began, a number of animal diseases have been eradicated, such as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, epizootic lymphangitis, farcy, rabies, cattle plague, sheep pox and swine fever. Even more are able to be controlled, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, bovine and avian tuberculosis, as well as bird and swine flu.
The future of veterinary medicine
Veterinary medicine has come a long way since just being the method of treating horses in the army, but what does the future hold for the profession? Whilst we can’t say for sure, the likelihood is that scientific advances and medical breakthroughs will continue to benefit the veterinary industry and we will see more vet practices being created as well as more establishments offering the training required to become a vet.
Some have speculated that we will also see an increase in veterinary specialisations. Much as traditional doctors may choose to specialise in a certain field, such as cardiology or paediatrics, more vets are starting to focus their studies on a particular area of expertise. This kind of specialisation will only lead to further discovery and medical advancements.
It is likely that vets will specialise in certain areas of the animal body or specific diseases, but we could well see vets specialising in certain animals, especially those that are most common as pets, such as cats and dogs.
One of the ways veterinary medicine has changed over the years is how treatment methods have begun to mimic those used for humans. We have already seen animals diagnosed and treated with small incisions and internal cameras, as humans have been for some time, so perhaps vets will one day be employing robotics or even AI to assist with veterinary surgery.
Hopefully, with whatever advancements are made, we will see an increase in the life expectancy and quality of life of pets and animals more generally.
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