As the cowherders have intimate knowledge of the animal problems and the locally available remedies and because vetenirary services were unknown in the past, they carried out the treatment of the various animal health problems. Cattle are often treated with different herbs, fodder and nutritious food to overcome diseases. Rituals are also performed to avert evil spirits which cause animal health problems. Bhutanese farmers carry out minor surgeries on animals for fractures and dislocations, by doing stitches and creating casts to hold the bones together.