The University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville is on the cutting edge with its first-of-a-kind Mobile Equine Diagnostic Science rig, which is referred to as the MEDS unit. The $450,000 custom-made truck takes modern technology to the field.

The 24-foot box behind the crew cab is equipped for digital radiology, echocardiography, gastroscopy, ultrasound, and endoscopy, and it has blood analysis machines in addition to a satellite link with the university. It was built on a 4400 International chassis and customized by E-One, a company that builds fire trucks and ambulances, and Hall-mark Fire Apparatus. The idea was born in January 2004, and the 28,000-pound unit became operational last November.

“The MEDS unit is an expression of how far we’ve come in medicine and surgery in the veterinary world,” stated Michael Porter, DVM, PhD, director of the new MEDS Program.

“The technology today allows us to come to your farm and provide the same kind of service you’d otherwise have to travel to a referral hospital for,” Porter said