Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Traditional systems for preventing and treating animal diseases in Sri Lanka.
- Journal:
- Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics)
- Year:
- 1994
- Authors:
- Piyadasa, H D
- Affiliation:
- Department of Animal Production and Health Western Province
- Species:
- reptile
Plain-English summary
In Sri Lanka, people have been using traditional methods to prevent and treat animal diseases for a very long time, even before modern veterinary medicine was developed. These practices mainly focus on ruminants, like cows and goats, but also include trained elephants. Historical records show that the first documented treatment was for an elephant named 'Kadol Etha' back in the 2nd century BC, and there are accounts of a king who performed surgery on a snake in the 4th century AD. Knowledge about these treatments has often been passed down through generations in secret, but some records can be found in museums and with local veterinarians. Today, around 2,000 practitioners use various methods, such as branding animals, inhaling medicinal fumes, and giving oral medications to treat animals, mostly on a part-time basis.
Abstract
Systems for preventing and treating animal diseases have been employed in Sri Lanka since ancient times, long before the advent of modern veterinary science. Many such methods have been used, mainly in ruminants but also in trained elephants. Records of animal treatments can be found in historical documents. The first recorded treatment is that of the elephant 'Kadol Etha' belonging to King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC). Later, the physician King Buddhadasa (AD 340-368) is reported to have operated on a snake. The methods and experience gained by practitioners have usually been passed on in secrecy from father to son. However, records on ola leaf manuscripts are available for consultation in the National Museum and the Ayurvedic Research Institute, while others are in the possession of native veterinary practitioners. Approximately 2,000 practitioners are scattered throughout the island; the majority treat animals on a part-time basis. The marking of animals using brands in symbolic shapes, inhalation of medicinal fumes and oral medication are the common treatment methods.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8038446/