Risky business

YOUNG vets entering equine general practice today can expect to be given an array of medications and technology to allow them to perform their daily tasks safely and to a high standard.

They will be able to find precisely the location of the practice’s clients using GPS, to communicate by mobile phone with their base when required and to be able to respond instantly to emergencies. Using lightweight miniaturised equipment, they will be able to take and view digital X-rays immediately (after the images have been enhanced by image-correcting software) and to visualise in detail a horse’s digestive and respiratory tracts with a video endoscope. And most importantly, they will have strong sedatives that allow them to perform potentially dangerous procedures on big horses at minimal risk to themselves.

But it was not always like this. The past 50 years have seen major innovations in diagnostic equipment, which have profoundly improved the ability of vets to diagnose and