Pronunciation: [hɪpˈɪətɹˌɪ] (IPA) 
Hippiatry is the medical treatment of horses. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the combination of two Greek roots, híppos (meaning horse) and iatrós (meaning healer or physician). The correct pronunciation of the word is /hɪˈpaɪətri/ (hi-pie-uh-tree), with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling may seem unusual, but it follows the standard rules of Greek root words used in English.
Hippiatry is a branch of veterinary medicine that specifically focuses on the care and treatment of horses. Derived from the Greek words "hippos" meaning horse and "iatreia" meaning healing, hippiatry involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various equine health conditions and injuries. It encompasses a wide range of medical disciplines such as orthopedics, internal medicine, dentistry, and surgery, all tailored specifically for horses.
Hippiatry plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of horses. It involves not only addressing acute injuries and illnesses but also implementing preventive measures to ensure optimal health in horses. Hippiatrists, the specialized veterinarians in this field, possess extensive knowledge of equine anatomy, physiology, and behavior, allowing them to effectively diagnose and treat various equine ailments.
Hippiatries provide care and treatment for a diverse array of conditions that can affect horses, including lameness issues, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory diseases, dermatological conditions, and muscle or skeletal injuries. They can provide routine healthcare services such as vaccinations, dental care, and general check-ups, as well as advanced medical procedures and surgeries when necessary.
In addition to clinical work, hippiatry also contributes to advancements in equine healthcare through research and education. By studying the unique physiology and diseases that affect horses, hippiatrists help develop new treatments, prevention strategies, and surgical techniques, thus further enhancing the field of equine medicine.
In summary, hippiatry is a specialized branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the comprehensive care, diagnosis, and treatment of horses, combining various medical disciplines to ensure the health and well-being of these magnificent animals.
Veterinary surgery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "hippiatry" comes from two Greek words. "Hippios" means "horse", and "iatros" means "doctor" or "healer". Therefore, "hippiatry" translates to "horse doctor" or "horse healer". Originally, the word referred to the medical treatment of horses and was used to describe the branch of veterinary medicine that deals specifically with the healthcare and treatment of horses.
