His work, the Shalihotra Samhita, is an early Indian treatise on veterinary medicine (hippiatrics), likely composed in the 3rd century BCE.

He is said to have lived in Sravasti (modern Sahet-Mahet on the borders of Gonda and Bahraich districts in Uttar Pradesh).

This work described horse and elephant anatomy, physiology, surgery and diseases with their curative and preventive measures.

During Mahabharata period, Nakula, author of the Ashva-chikitsa, was considered an equine expert, while Sahadeva was a specialist in cattle management.

Ancient Indian medical treatises such as those of Charaka, Sushruta and Harita contain chapters or references about the care of diseased, as well as healthy animals.