Vettings with X-rays

Ossy2

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I’m looking at getting a vetting for a potential new horse. It’s been a long time since I purchased a new horse.
I’d like to include X-rays in the vetting maybe just feet and legs?

The horse is outside my own vets area although they have said they would travel for me for 5 stage but they I’d only do X-rays in clinic which I can’t travel the horse to there’s for it’s to far for a horse that isn’t mine. They’ve recommended another vet in the area which the seller also recommended but they too have said they only do vetting X-rays in clinic?
Is this normal?
 
I think most vets 'prefer' to do xrays in clinic if possible but I have recently been able to book xrays to be done at the sellers yard, so it's definitely possible. There is just an additional charge to take the machine out.
 
You need a peripatetic vet practice that doesn’t have a clinic. They will have the mobile x-ray machines you need. My practice has no clinic and all x-rays are done on site at the yard or field. They have batteries so no need for power, just a reasonably level surface.
 
For the last 25 years I've never had a vet that doesn't do on-site x-rays, even those with clinics. Sometimes I have had to pre-book as they do not have that many mobile machines to go round
 
I'm currently trying to buy a horse and have spoken to a few vets recently. They have all agreed to xray legs and feet on site. Some don't want to do back and neck on site and some will not do the neck at all.
 
Often clinics have better equipment for taking X-rays, especially back and necks which high power machines are needed for good images, especially in thicker set warmbloods. Also the team in a clinic are all used to taking lots of images and will get better images, usually for cheaper than being on the road.
 
I had a horse vetted a couple of years ago that I was selling. He had a full set of xrays inc neck and back done in his stable at home. Perfectly possible although the images were not quite as clear as a clinic based set up.
 
My vets use same x ray machines in clinic. I have had a few backs done over the years at home and images are fine to tell you if going to have an issue.

The vet referral hospital has a more powerful one which is better for precise diagnostics.

It’s also very helpful if horse has been X rayed before so you can compare.
 
I would do back, neck, hocks, fetlocks and feet.

In my imaginary future when I buy a £50k dressage horse, stifles and knees are also on that list, possibly elbows. And ultrasound of hind suspensories.
.
 
My old vets used to do a package, think it was something like £500 for 23 xrays including interpretation of findings.
 
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