Xrays

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Sandstone1

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Do vets still xray at client's? It seems you are expected to take your horse to clinic these days. It's a bit of a pain if you don't have transport. What do people do?
 
My vets have both a decent portable x ray machine and a scanner that they'll bring out, as well as state of the art ones back at their horsepital, so I get the best of both worlds.

They do encourage owners to take horses straight in to clinic as they have better facilities there, but are amenable to coming out if requested.
 
Thanks, I realise that they have better facilities at the clinic, I'm willing to take horse there if it proves to be needed. Just would prefer to have the basic xrays done at home if possible.
Need to have a chat with vet after the hols I think.
 
Prancer said:
Both :) however I have found x-rays done in situ are clearer/better.

There are pros and cons for both tbh, go with your gut feeling :)
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Thanks, my gut feeling is that it would be better done at home where he's more relaxed.
Also it's more expensive for me to hire a box.
I know the vet will prefer me to take him to clinic but after all I'm paying the bill!
 
As long as you're sure which bit of him you need to x ray, and why, the portable x rays are very good.

I've only had them done for feet, though. Firstly to see if there had been any pedal bone rotation, and secondly to check progress on a seedy toe resection.

If there's an element of doubt as to why he's lame (I presume he's lame), then getting him into clinic may be best, as they can check everything whilst he's in.

Good luck.
 
He may not need xrays. Vets going to check him again and xray if nec. I'm just thinking ahead. He's much better but still slightly lame.
I would prefer xrays at home. He is insured.
 
I think there's a point here that you are not considering. The HSE (health & Safety Executive) are starting to show some interest in field radiography of horses.Legally radiography of people, pet animals and horses should only be carried out on specific 'designated premises' other than in exceptional circumstances.
In the case of horses, exceptional circumstances are really only those in which transporting the horse may compromise the welfare of the horse e.g. - laminitis, some fractures.
It is likely that at some point the HSE will make an example of person(s) undertaking field radiography in non-exceptional circumstances - presumably the vet / radiographer AND potentially the owner of the horse which could well result in hefty penalties.
With the ready availability of portable, digital radiography systems, there is no doubt that 'field radiography' is relatively simple and straightforward however the legality of doing this is questionable ( whether you are paying the bill or not!).
Most, if not all equine clinics and hospitals will have designated radiography sites, and I think that you will find that increasingly radiography will have to be carried out on theses premises.
 
I have recently had back X-rays done at home, also previously foot X-rays. Vet took a lot of precautions and only himself and nurse were allowed anywhere the machine while it was on. We had to stand behind a concrete wall. However, the portable equipment is not suitable for doing deeper areas, such as pelvis, due to the amount of muscle cover.
 
Thanks. Going to have a chat with vet. As horse is a youngster who's not done much traveling and due to fact that I'd have to hire a box which is not covered by insurance would much prefer to have it done at home.
However I will do what's best for the horse in long run.
 
My vet is going to X-ray my mare at home this week, for her travelling is an issue (it's how she injured herself - severed artery) so I don't want to travel whilst she's still and if I dint have to. They said no issue.
 
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