When were the first veterinarians or animal doctors starting to practice medicine?

The history of veterinary medicine can be traced back to ancient times. The earliest known evidence of veterinary practice is a Sumerian clay tablet carved around 3500 BC, depicting a priest treating an animal. In ancient India, veterinary medicine was recognised as a separate discipline, and the Arthashastra (2nd century BC) lists four categories of animal doctors: horse doctors, elephant doctors, cattle doctors and bird doctors. In ancient Greece and Rome, veterinarians were responsible for the care of animals used in warfare, agriculture, and transportation. The first known Greek veterinarian was Hippocrates (460-377 BC), who wrote a treatise on veterinary medicine. The Roman veterinarian Columella (1st century AD) wrote a comprehensive book on veterinary medicine and farm management.

During the Middle Ages, the veterinary profession declined due to the prevailing religious beliefs that animals were soulless and therefore not worthy of medical care. However, the art of animal healing was preserved by monastic orders and Islamic scholars. The 13th century Italian monk, Jordanus Ruffus, wrote a book on veterinary medicine that was widely used for centuries.

The modern veterinary profession began to emerge in the 18th century with the establishment of veterinary schools in France, Italy and Sweden. The first veterinary school in the United Kingdom was founded in London in 1791, and the first veterinary school in the United States was established in Philadelphia in 1855.

Today, veterinary medicine is recognised as a vital profession, and veterinarians play an important role in protecting the health and well-being of animals and humans.