In the early days of the large animal veterinarian, all medical supplies had to either fit into the back of a small car or a satchel. A bucket of cold water, a rough piece of burlap, and a hard bar of soap were the only things available for washing up.

When veterinary medicine advanced, diagnostic equipment was the stuff of hospitals, so veterinarians had to make referrals or wait to see the patient at a clinic.

Today’s ambulatory equine veterinarian’s truck, car, or SUV is thoroughly modern, filled with cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and conveniences such as refrigeration, hot water, and computerized billing