Pre-Purchase Examinations By Mark Grant MA VetMB BSc PhD CertAVP(ED) BAEDT MRCVS
informed decision about a horse's suitability for the job they want it to do. The PPE is based on a recognised examination carried out in five stages (N.B. all stages may not be completed if the horse fails the examination at one of the early stages). Sometimes a two stage examination (‘limited examination’) may be requested - for example for a young, unbacked horse or for a broodmare. This consists of only the first two stages outlined below and the vet will form an opinion based on a restricted set of findings. A limited examination may not reveal certain conditions which may have been discovered during the course of a full five stage examination (e.g. about the horse’s ability to exercise, being lame when ridden, difficulty breathing at faster paces and how the heart responds to exercise) and this can have implications for insurance cover. You will need to ascertain that you are able to obtain suitable insurance cover before purchasing the horse and your vet will ask you to sign a form prior to the examination to confirm that you understand the limitations of a two- stage vetting.
T
The full 5 stage examination comprises: Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
This stage usually starts by examining the horse at rest in its stable. Sometimes vices such as weaving, box-walking or crib-biting can be observed. A methodical physical examination of the horse follows, which includes an assessment of his general appearance, conformation and condition.
The horse will be checked carefully against the passport and scanned for a microchip to verify its identity. The eyes are examined in a darkened stable with an ophthalmoscope. The front teeth (incisors) are checked to ensure the approximate age of the horse matches that of the passport. Estimating age from a horse’s teeth has been proven to be unreliable and so is no longer advised. It may be possible to determine whether the horse has ‘wolf teeth’ present and whether there are any gross abnormalities in terms of conformation of the teeth. It is not a requirement to put a dental gag on the horse for assessment of teeth, but most vets will do this for safety.
Mark Grant listens to a horse’ s heart at rest.
The skin is examined for lumps and scars, and any masses such as melanomas (common in greys) and sarcoids are noted. In many cases, such conditions will not be reason enough to 'fail' a horse but should still be recorded; for example, sarcoids may not cause a problem if they are located where they will not interfere with tack.
Stage 2 – Walk and trot, in hand
This phase includes assessment of the horse standing square, walking and trotting in a straight line, being backed up for several strides and performing tight turns on both reins. This should all take place on a firm, level surface.
Flexion tests are commonly performed during PPEs, where the leg is held
he pre-purchase examination (PPE) or 'vetting' is a standardised and comprehensive examination of a horse by a veterinary surgeon. PPEs are designed to enable a prospective purchaser to make an
The resting heart is assessed on both sides of the chest with a stethoscope for any evidence of murmurs (which indicates abnormal blood flow) or abnormal rhythms that may affect the horse's ability to work (see image).
Eyes are examined with an ophthalmoscope to check for any abnormalities or signs of disease.
28 THE WINTER SPECIAL 2019
Flexion tests may be performed on all four limbs to help identify if a pre-existing problem is present
For the latest news
visitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92
