3 minute read
Handy Checklist
Fall sales, auctions, organized rides, and other equestrian events are prime venues for purchasing a new horse. And it’s always a good time to adopt a horse that needs a forever home. One way to help ensure you’re getting a sound, healthy horse is to invest in a prepurchase examination by a qualified equine veterinarian. Here’s a prepurchase-exam checklist.
Before the Exam
■ Find the right vet. Try to use your own veterinarian, but be aware that you might need to call in a different vet if the horse is located far from your vet’s office. Avoid using the seller’s vet; it’s best to get an objective opinion. ■ Talk to the vet. Discuss your plans, with the vet, so he or she knows how you’ll be using the horse. Share everything you know about the horse’s medical history and current use.
During the Exam
■ Vital signs. The vet will check for normal temperature, respiration, and pulse while at rest.
The horse will then be given some light exercise and checked again. Abnormal vital-sign readings can indicate illness. ■ Gut sounds. Using a stethoscope, the vet will listen to the sounds coming from the different sections of the horse’s gastrointestinal system. Normal gut sounds indicate a healthy digestive tract. ■ Heart and lungs. The vet will listen to the horse’s heart and lungs with a stethoscope, checking for abnormal sounds. ■ Eyes. Using a light source, the vet will check the health of the horse’s eyes, looking for corneal scarring, cataracts, inflammation, and other signs of disease. ■ Teeth. The vet will examine the horse’s mouth for problems, including missing teeth, overgrown molars, poor alignment, and abnormal wear. ■ Conformation. The vet will evaluate the horse’s conformation for any faults that may affect the animal’s ability to perform the job you have in mind for him. ■ Passive lameness exam/legs.
In this part of the lameness exam, the horse stands still. The vet will palpate (expertly feel) the lower limbs, checking the horse’s bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. He or she also will likely palpate the horse’s back. ■ Passive lameness exam/ hooves. The vet will look closely at the shape, balance, size, and quality of the horse’s feet and hooves. He or she will use hoof testers (metal pincers) to check for any soreness. The vet will also conduct flexion tests (in which various joints are manipulated) to reveal any pain, especially those in the lower leg. ■ Active lameness exam. Here, the horse will be asked to move.
The vet will watch closely as the horse is led at walk, trot, and canter. The vet may then ask to see the horse longed in a small circle, preferably on a hard surface. ■ Radiographs. At your request, the vet may take radiographs to further evaluate soundness and overall health. Radiographs are typically taken if the flexion test reveals any signs of lameness. ■ Blood. Blood tests are optional.
If you ask for a blood test, the vet will check for equine infectious anemia, thyroid function, and other metabolic problems. You may also request a drug test for sedatives, painkillers, and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. ■ Neurologic problems. The vet might also check for equine protozoal myelitis and other neurological problems, especially if there have been any outbreaks in the area. He or she might bend the horse’s neck, ask the horse to back or turn in a tight circle, or tap the horse to check certain reflexes. If there are signs of a possible neurologic problem, the vet may perform approved additional tests. USR — Audrey Pavia
PHOTO BY CLIXPHOTO.COM During a prepurchase exam, the vet will conduct flexion tests to reveal any pain, especially those in the lower leg.
