Hunting was educated first at the Edinburgh Academy,[5] and then attended the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, Scotland, receiving his diploma and becoming a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in 1865 at the age of 19.

[5] Hunting founded the Veterinary Record, the first issue of which was published on 14 July, 1888,[2] about which, he wrote:[3] Skilful observation makes a successful practitioner, but his skills die with him.

By recording his observation he adds to the knowledge of his profession, and assists by his facts in building up the solid edifice of pathological science.Hunting was recognised as an authority on glanders, a disease which affects horses, and was described in 1908 as being "greatest authority in the English-speaking world" on the subject by a speaker at the American Veterinary Medical Association's annual conference.

[7] In 1875, The Veterinary Journal was launched, and Hunting's paper on glanders was the first article in its first volume.

[9] While writing this book, Hunting was Chief Veterinary Inspector to London County Council,[10] a position from which he retired only when he reached the maximum allowable age for the post.