Happy 4th of July

 This Year, we celebrate the 244^th Birthday to our Nation!

As we know veterinary medicine at that time, 244 years ago, was crude.  Bloodletting was commonly used, in both medical practice and in veterinary medical practice.  In December 1799. General George Washington died of this procedure.  

Two excellent references:

Google the story from his grandson:  http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/washington.htm  

and for a more detailed description:

https://www.varsitytutors.com/earlyamerica/early-america-review/volume-9/washingtons-death

It was 45 years later, the medical profession determined that bloodletting was not a beneficial treatment.  In 1845, this practice was discouraged. 

An interesting story was told by veterinarians in the rural Seymour area in 1964, they had an elderly layman, known for years preforming bloodletting.  This man had treated a horse for lameness by bloodletting. He was protected by the “Grandfather’s Clause,” as he had started his work before the Wisconsin Practice Act of 1945 was enacted.  Bloodletting was banned in the practice of veterinary medicine throughout the nation in the early 1900’s.

On this national holiday, be thankful that both human and veterinary medicine have progressed so far as it has done to this day.  Both medical fields have made amazing progress over the past 150 years, in all phases of medicine.

Enjoy the 4^th of July as you have never did before.  Stay safe under this COVID-19 viral pandemic.