Passed 5 stage vetting in October- now retired? Can I do anything?

Frumpoon

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Just my two pence worth, I had a horse diagnosed with severe irreparable stifle damage by a local vet only to go off to newmarket a few months later with an unrelated condition, whilst there I had the images repeated with the much more powerful scanner only to find I had been led down the garden path and there's was no stifle damage at all. Instead the horse had mild fetlock arthritis which was perfectly treatable with steroid and occasional nsaids

Maybe get a specialist referral
 

VRIN

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Having had an issue which should have been picked up on a vetting and having pursued this through the VDS I doubt very much (from what you say) that you will succeed in a claim against the vet.

In my case, ultimately I was successful but it was hard fought and initially the VDS rejected my claim. I was only successful because a well respected vet supported my POV and put this in writing.
 

EquestrianFairy

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I could potentially ask my vet to do a statement but if I’m honest, both vets aren’t far apart in distance and I feel he may decline on the basis of not wanting to get involved.

She had an arthroscopy to determine the damage, he said they grade it 1-3 with 3 being the most severe and she is 3.

Her hocks showed a ‘normal’ level of Spavin which was injected (though, now a pointless cost) - that was diagnosed via xray.
 

Frumpoon

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In that case why don't you ring Jacqui Fulton's equine law helpline, she'll tell you if you have a case and if she would take it on and on what terms
 

sidewaysonacob

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A friend has recently had to go down the legal route in a similar situation - be prepared for a long haul and legal costs (although if you win the vet's insurers will pay this).
 

Ossy2

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This is what my current vet said-

To put it down as pre existing will invalidate my insurance.. but does this still count if she’s no longer insured?

They’ve paid the costs to date for diagnosis, there is no further treatment for her.

Your not going down a loss of use claim with her now I assume then?
 

exracehorse

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Unless you have a huge pot of money to crack on through the courts as that what it will take, I would not.

Toe dragging and the fact being lazy I personally would have sent the horse back.

You accepted the vets decision on the day and sadly it has not paid off

I take it you did not have loss of use insurance?

Horses break sadly, all the time

You can ask an equine solicitor for their opinion but think you will be advised it will be long and expensive and no odds about winning. I think they will side with the vet as no xrays done etc and passed a 5 stage on the day.
I was buying a dresssge horse end of last year. Had a basic 2 stage vetting. My vet stopped vetting after the trot up as toe dragging rear left. Having had a toe dragged that then went on to develop skipping stiffles and hock issues, I took her advice and walked away.
 
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