The development of the veterinary table (veterinary examination table/operating table) is closely related to the evolution of the veterinary profession, the growth of animal medical needs, and the advancement of industrial technology. Its origin can be traced back to the early intervention of humans in animal diseases, and it has gradually become specialized with the development of agriculture, pet medical and modern technology.
Origin: From a “temporary operating platform” to a professional tool
Ancient livestock needs:In agricultural society, livestock (such as horses, cattle, and sheep) were important production tools. When animals were sick, people would use wooden boards, stones, or simple brackets to fix the animals on the spot for treatment. This was the prototype of the veterinary station.
Limitations of traditional veterinary medicine:Before the 19th century, most veterinarians were part-time blacksmiths or farmers. There was a lack of professional equipment, and diagnosis and treatment were often done in animal pens or in the wild, with the operating table serving only as an auxiliary tool.
The beginning of specialization (19th century – early 20th century)
The rise of veterinary science:With the establishment of veterinary schools in Europe (such as the Lyon Veterinary School in France in 1762), veterinary medicine became an independent profession, and animal diagnosis and treatment required a more standardized environment, and fixed veterinary tables began to appear.
In the early days, most of them were made of wood or cast iron, which were bulky but stable. They were mainly used to fix animals (especially horses) for easy inspection or simple surgery.
The industrial revolution drives:Advances in steel processing technology have made veterinary tables more durable, and height-adjustable veterinary tables have emerged to accommodate animals of different sizes.
Modern transformation (20th century)
The rise of small animal healthcare:After the 20th century, the demand for pet (cats and dogs) medical care increased sharply, and the design shifted to lightweight veterinary tables and multifunctional veterinary tables.
Specialization of operating tables:With the popularization of anesthesia technology and aseptic surgery, veterinary operating tables need to meet strict hygiene standards. Stainless steel veterinary tables have become the mainstream and are equipped with:
Adjustable tilt angle
Animal fixing straps
Drainage trough (for easy cleaning)
Electricization and hydraulic technology:In the mid-to-late 20th century, advanced veterinary tables introduced hydraulic or electric lifting systems to achieve precise height adjustment and reduce the physical burden on veterinarians.
HF-VT1400E Customer Case Picture
Contemporary Developments (21st century to present)
Animal Welfare Orientation:A constant temperature system was used to reduce animal stress.
The evolution of the veterinary table from a piece of wood to a high-tech medical device is the result of the specialization of the veterinary profession, the refinement of animal medical needs, and the advancement of material engineering technology. In the future, it will continue to evolve in the direction of intelligence and humanization, becoming an important part of animal health management.
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