Pre-Purchase Examinations
PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATION OF HORSES
At Central Ontario Veterinary Services, we are proud of our reputation for offering thorough, informative pre-purchase examinations for anyone seeking to buy a new horse or pony, whether they be first-time horse buyers or top level riders.
Buying a new horse is an exciting experience and one that offers riders a chance to add a new dimension to their chosen activity. We understand that the process can be daunting, with many equine health issues to consider, and a few unscrupulous sellers to avoid.
Our aim is to discover any medical or lameness condition that could adversely affect the horse’s use for the new owner’s intended purpose, and to give you a professional opinion on its significance. This is achieved by discussing the purchaser’s requirements, carrying out detailed and careful examinations, recommending tests, quickly reporting our findings, and providing comprehensive written reports. We want to discover any condition that could prevent the horse from safely performing its intended function at the desired level.
What does a pre-purchase examination involve?
A pre-purchase examination must be thorough if it is to be useful. The word vetting means “to check or examine thoroughly; to investigate someone thoroughly to ensure that they are suitable for the job”. Vetting is another term for the pre-
purchase examination of a horse, and it has entered the English language more generally because of its association with the truly rigorous inspection that is required in the examination of a horse on behalf of a prospective purchaser.
We suggest that the purchaser be present at the time of the examination if possible, in order to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. If the purchaser is unable to attend, then the examining veterinarian will discuss their specific requirements before the examination.
In order to ensure that a rigorous examination is performed and that nothing is left to chance, we follow the methods laid out by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the British Equine Veterinary Association, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
There are five stages routinely performed in the exam as follows:
1. Physical examination of the horse at rest:
Physical examination includes assessing the horse’s conformation, age, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, digestive system, genitalia, skin, and feet. It does not routinely include examination of a mare for pregnancy or fertility, but this can be arranged in mares intended for breeding.
2. Light exercise:
Inspection during movement on a lead, including assessment at walk and trot, flexion tests and turning in tight circles. In addition, lunging or trotting in hand on a circle on a hard surface may identify subtle problems.
3. Moderate to strenuous exercise (depending on the fitness of the horse):
Ridden examination assessment at walk, trot and canter (and galloping if required), for lameness and abnormal respiratory sounds. Heart & lungs are examined immediately after strenuous exercise.
4. A period of rest until the heart and respiratory rate return to normal:
During this time, documentation may be completed and blood samples taken if necessary.
5. Final inspection:
Trotting the horse in hand after a period of rest to assess if a lameness has developed during the exam. Flexion tests may be done, if not done earlier in the examination.
ADDITIONAL TESTS
Other tests may be required if specific concerns have been identified, if the horse is intended for particularly strenuous activities, or if specific genetic conditions are likely. These include radiography (x-rays), endoscopy, ultrasound, and a variety of blood tests.
Radiographs are frequently taken of the feet and lower front legs, the knees, the hocks, and the stifle joints.
Digital radiography allows the veterinarian to view the images at the time of the examination; however, detailed evaluation of radiographs requires time and optimal light conditions, so it may be necessary for the veterinarian to postpone giving a final judgment on the images obtained.
Ultimately, how much investigation will be done is determined by the purchaser’s tolerance for risk, which may or may not relate to the value of the horse.
REPORTING OUR FINDINGS AND OPINION
If the purchaser cannot be present at the examination, we will report the interim results by telephone. The veterinarian may need to speak to you in the event that a problem is discovered during the examination, so please leave a daytime contact number on which you can be reached. If the horse appears lame at the time of the examination, the examination will be discontinued. If the problem is temporary, we can resume the examination when the horse is no longer lame.
Within a few days of the examination, a detailed report will be sent to you by email or by post. We can also complete any required veterinary certificate for insurance on the basis of our pre-purchase examination.
The report will list any abnormalities that were identified during the course of the examination, and will give the veterinarian’s opinion on the likely significance of the abnormalities for the purchaser’s intended use of the horse.
A horse does not pass or fail a pre-purchase examination; it is judged to be suitable or unsuitable for the intended use. A horse may be unsuitable for one purpose, but more than adequate for another.
You might also be interested in our Fact Sheet about Equine Emergencies.
For more helpful resources, check out our Equine News and How to Prepare pages.