The longevity of modern veterinary inserts factors into responses given when company representatives were asked what advice they give mobile practitioners and their thoughts on the future of equine practice vehicles.

Almost all believe flex-fuel vehicles and alternate fuel sources will be part of the next chapter in practice vehicles. If fuel becomes less expensive or if alternative energy sources are found, then size and comfort will again be factors.

Newer equipment is being developed constantly, and high-end mobile practitioners already need room to carry digital radiography units, thermo-graphy cameras and digital ultrasound machines, with more gadgets and devices coming soon.

"Remember that a mobile veterinary insert can weigh close to 200 pounds. Add to that the weight of all the drugs and equipment, and it starts to add up. Smaller SUVs are not designed to handle that weight, leading to problems with the frame, wear and replacement of shocks, brakes and tires. That may make smaller a poorer choice," he says.

If the cost of the units are factored over their average life and the difference in maintenance offset against the cost of gasoline, then the decisions become a bit harder.

Still, the changing demographics of equine veterinarians and current economic conditions have likely closed the chapter on the mobile equine practice truck.

As we have seen, a new vehicle choice will be made and modern equine veterinarians will still ride the roads and make their rounds with a historical reminder that there is also, finally, "just plain everyday walking it."

Marcella is an equine practitioner in Canton, Ga.