When I entered equine practice 30 years ago, I got my schedule from the office at the beginning of the day, then checked in when I had finished my appointments. I carried a beeper, and when I got a page, I had to stop at a convenience store along my route to use a pay phone. If I had to take radiographs, I developed them at the end of the day by dumping them in vats of chemicals in the practice darkroom. If I needed more or different views, I had to go back to the farm to repeat the process. Diagnosing a lameness was tricky, and chances were a horse would be treated based on a “likely guess” about what was wrong. Sore hocks? Inject them with corticosteroids and see if that helps. Sore feet? Talk to your farrier about corrective shoes.
Times have changed. These days, my cellphone is always at my side. My office can reach me any time they need me, and so can my clients. The beeper is long gone, and I haven’t seen a pay phone in years. I can take as many radiographs as my heart desires on the digital system, and if I don’t like what I see, I can simply repeat the view—right then and there. I honestly don’t know how any of us did it “back in the day,” but I do know things are better now. Technology has not only improved on the things we use every day, it’s also opened up a whole new world of tools for diagnosing lameness, and has led to treatment options that increase the chances for a successful outcome.
This story is from the Spring 2021 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Spring 2021 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Horseback High
Riding vacations can be found around the world, and here are five bucket list rides in the United States
JOIN THE CLUB!
Riding clubs of all forms can be found across the country. What should you look for when choosing—or starting—a club of your own? We asked three club leaders to share their insights
Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!
Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect
REPLACING FEAR WITH CURIOSITY
Horses have both flight and investigative behaviors but not at the same time. Learn how to help your horse switch to curiosity when his flight instincts kick in, and how to put the brakes on when he's already gone
Ranch Riding Mares
Evaluate and place these performance mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge's.
An Empty Stall
The loss of a horse leads to a new landscape of managing emotions and moving forward
Strengthen Your Mental Game
Prepare your mind for peak performances with your horse by implementing these tips from reining trainer Shane Brown
Burning Off the Fresh
Whether your horse has gone unridden due to a health problem, the weather, or your schedule, a thoughtful process can keep everyone safe during his return to work
Return to Exercise Slowly
If you’ve been turned out to pasture for a while, as the result of injury or just a busy life, return to exercise in a safe and steady way
Ground Tying for Ranch Trail
There are many reasons to teach your horse how to safely ground tie