Summary
In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," the hosts delve into the history of veterinary medicine, starting from the first evidence of people caring for animals medically in the Mesopotamian city of Lagash 4,100 years ago. They discuss the evolution of veterinary medicine in various countries, with a focus on the United States and Great Britain, where horse care was the driving force behind the establishment of veterinary medicine as a specialist field. The episode also covers the influential book "Markham's Masterpiece," which contained all knowledge belonging to Smith Farrier or Horse Leech on curing all diseases in horses and was used for over 200 years.
The hosts also discuss the professionalization of veterinary medicine in the US, which lagged behind other countries until the 1870s when a horse epidemic showed the importance of veterinary care for horses. This led to the establishment of the ASPCA and the professionalization of veterinary medicine. The American Veterinary Medical Association was founded in the 1860s, allowing practicing veterinarians and students with at least three years of experience to join after passing an oral exam. The focus of veterinary medicine remains on horses, with some attention given to cows, chickens, and sheep.
The episode also touches on the evolution of veterinary care for pets in the US, with a focus on the increase in pet ownership and the growing number of pets that live indoors. The hosts discuss the rise of specialized veterinary care and the shortage of rural veterinarians who are trained to work on large animals. They also share personal anecdotes about their own pets, including their sleeping habits and visits to the vet.
Throughout the episode, the hosts go off on various tangents, including discussions about Brit pop music, Alfred Hitchcock books, and Chuck's refusal to share a story about rope trauma. The speaker expresses gratitude towards Ian Bowers for completing a stressful assignment and encourages listeners to send in their own emails to the Stuff Podcast email address to be featured on the show. Overall, the episode provides an interesting and informative overview of the history of veterinary medicine.
