RV Launches Subsidised Scan Program

Dubbed ‘Medicare for horses’, Racing Victoria has launched the ‘Diagnostic Imaging Subsidy Program’, reports racing.com. The program is aimed to encouraging trainers and owners to use diagnostic technology for early detection and injury prevention. Racing Victoria will pay half the cost of a range of scans, including scintigraphy (bone scanning), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (high field/standing) and computed tomography (CT), as well as providing grants for specialist appointments. The scheme will be funded from the welfare fund, which has been built up from the 2% of prizemoney used for welfare purposes. "In simple terms, it's very similar to Medicare. If the diagnostic imaging costs $1500, then we will fund a 50 per cent subsidy to reduce the cost to $750," Racing Victoria’s General Manager of Veterinary Services Dr Grace Forbes said. "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. We hope this financial support for owners and trainers will lead to more horses undergoing advanced diagnostic imaging, which has multiple benefits. 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. Lameness is the most common cause of poor performance, lost racing and training days, and early retirement. This program is designed to encourage a proactive approach to injury prevention using the technology available to help early detection and intervention."