Racing Victoria has set up the Diagnostic Imaging Subsidy Program in a bid to help detect lameness in horses.
In a bid to enhance equine welfare, Racing Victoria has announced it will subsidise a number of diagnostic imaging services conducted on horses.
Three equine practices, U-Vet Werribee Equine Centre, Ballarat Veterinary Practice Equine Clinic and Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, will take part in a six-month trial commencing on July 1.
The Diagnostic Imaging Subsidy Program has been launched to help minimise the risk of serious injury to thoroughbred racehorses and is open to horses that are listed as active, or spelling, on their stable return.
To be eligible for the program, an owner or trainer must have their horse undergo a lameness examination by a veterinarian, provided the horse has resided in Victoria for three months.
The owner or trainer of an eligible horse will ultimately be able to recoup 50 per cent of their costs, a potential saving of up to $1600, when accessing advanced diagnostic imaging, which includes scintigraphy, MRI or CT.
To help the owner or trainer cover the cost of their initial assessment they will also be eligible for a subsidy of up to $300 upon referral by the veterinarian to one of the three participating practices.
The Diagnostic Imaging Subsidy Program is made possible by the Victorian racing industry’s $25 million equine welfare fund.
RV General Manager Veterinary Services, Dr Grace Forbes, said the new program, in simple terms, was akin to Medicare.
“With the addition of the specialist assessment and hospitalisation subsidies, it becomes a much more affordable option for owners and trainers when managing lameness in their horse,” Forbes said.
“We hope this financial support for owners and trainers will lead to more horses undergoing advanced diagnostic imaging.
“It importantly helps reduce the risk of more serious injury through early intervention, while also allowing us to develop a deeper understanding of lameness in our racehorses.”
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au
