Goldfish, Elephants and Everything In Between

Veterinarians Dr Corin Murfitt, Alex Familton, Dave Marshall and Vince Peterson share memories of their colourful profession. As veterinarians worldwide celebrate 250 years since the first Veterinarian School was established in Lyon, France, in 1761, these local veterinarians recall how the profession has changed within their lifetime here in New Zealand.

Vince Peterson (Left) and Alex Familton with a guillotine dehorner for cattle from another era.

While the oldest of the group was trained in Australia and England, the youngest were among the first intake at Veterinary School at Massey University in Palmerston North. The West Coast seemed to be a popular training ground. The young men found themselves driving huge distances over long hours, and by the weekend smelling so richly of animal that they were given a wide berth at the cinema.

Equine Vet Dr Corin Murfitt

With so many years under their belt, stories of unusual animal ailments and contrary clients abound, along with the ability to laugh at their early naivety and to marvel at the infinite variety of animal and human behavior alike.

Dave Marshall at work