Travis Reed wrote:.........
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www.MREQUINE.com.... they pull a 18 wheeler of sorts....clinic does have to supply the power to pull it and they plug into that power source...you also have to knock the horse down and load it on a table ...then roll table to lift gate and the load it in the trailer part that is outfitted with MR,...you also have to have a vet in the set up to keep hhorse alive.. I have seen bills from vet run in the 2k to 5k on blocks..veng..sona..radiogaphs and makeing horse lunge...when a mri finally told what the issue wasand could be treated and it was 800 to 1200...I can understand when u say the cients u work for just don't have that kind of money ..so yes I would say a mri is not for everyone...but when dealing with a horse that makes the client money or a project horse to sale money is not a issue over finding out what is deff wrong so it can be treated and get back to work......I noticed u work on a lot of founder and stuff but I just don't see much founder at all..I quess one reason is most of my work is in show and lesson barns where the horses are on a strict diet..... so I do see the point of cost when dealing with just a pasture pet that the main goal is just keep the horse comfy...
For this system to work there needs to be a facility with surgical capabilities and a lift to get the horse up onto the table and a recovery stall for him to wake up in. There also has to be a dedicated 220 electrical line installed outside where they can plug in. Our referral equine facility has MRI capability at present, but they are pretty pricey. I am not sure this group would want to travel to Northern Virginia from Meridian, Idaho for less than what can be done here.
I work on horses other than pasture pets. These horses have usually been seen by a number of veterinarians and specialty practices. The 2009 Junior Canadian Dressage National Champion was one of my team's wins.
I guess my perpective differs from many practices because I see most of my referrals when the clients are at the end of their rope after having been through the usual channels. I can't repair them all, but my odds are pretty good as the majority of them are better. Those that can't be helped; the owners are usually satisfied they have done all they can and I don't have them do a lot of manuevers that really won't help the situation. I would probably be a lot richer if I did, but I have a nasty little critter sitting on my shoulder I call 'conscience'. He is most annoying at times, but I really do feel better having him around.
M. W. Myers, D.V.M.