Horse ownership offers an opportunity to learn about horses.
There is much to learn and it is important to recruit reliable sources of knowledge. Getting a qualified veterinarian to examine the horse before buying it can be a worthwhile investment.
A pre-purchase examination provides information that can help a prospective buyer make an informed decision.
When performing a pre-purchase examination,the veterinarian is working for the intended buyer, not the seller.
If the veterinarian acts for the seller, it is easy to see how a conflict of interest may develop because both the veterinarian and the owner stand to benefit. Also, the seller might not disclose the entire contents of an exam report to the potential buyer.
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The buyer should be present for the pre-purchase examination to gather information about the horse.
Often the word “soundness” is used to describe a horse that has nothing wrong with it. But no animal is without some defect.
The veterinarian and the buyer must understand that no horse is perfect. They should try to identify and evaluate the significance of the horse’s imperfections.
If possible, the intended purchaser should ride the horse before inspection or keep it for a short trial to determine its suitability.
The overall health status is evaluated during the pre-purchase exam and, because most horses are expected to perform some activity, the musculoskeletal system is examined.
Pre-purchase exams also weigh the potential for future problems and the veterinarian can advise prospective owners on how to manage the problem.
Conformational defects or old injuries might limit the horse’s ability.
The intended use of the horse must be specified because this could affect the type of exam.
For example, a gelding intended for weekend recreational riding will have different physical requirements than a brood mare intended for breeding program or a rodeo horse used for calf roping. A pre-purchase examination is like a photograph of the horse. It is information that reflects a specific time in the horse’s life.
The accuracy of the evaluation increases if there is a thorough medical history available.
Likewise, information gathered during the pre-purchase exam can be a valuable reference for subsequent examinations.
The manner of the pre-purchase examination may vary between veterinarians and may vary from horse to horse.
Observing the horse from a distance can provide information about the animal’s general attitude, any vices such as cribbing or weaving as well as eating patterns, respiratory rate, posture and stance.
Detailed inspection
A “hands on” physical examination is conducted. This involves checking the animal’s age, dental structures, eyes, temperature, pulse and respiration.
The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are assessed before and after exercise.
Body structures and limbs may be palpated. Hoofs are visually examined and tested under pressure with hoof testers.
The horse is then examined under motion.
The examiner observes the horse moving toward him and away from him on both hard and soft surfaces at a walk, trot and canter. The animal is then lunged in both directions at different gaits.
It is carefully examined for swellings, scars, blemishes, uneven hoof wear, thickness and overall conformation and balance.
The preliminary examination will alert the veterinarian to problems or potential problems that may affect the horse’s performance.
Further examination may be recommended using radiographs, endoscopy, bloodwork, rectal examination, reproductive examination and ultrasonography.
Some conditions are manageable and will have minimal effect on the performance of the horse.
Other conditions may be difficult or costly to manage and could have a bearing on the purchase. Options such as lifestyle, farrier work, nutrition, surgery and medical treatments may be employed to manage conditions.
Many veterinarians are hesitant about pre-purchase examinations because they might be caught between the seller and buyer.
For example, when exam findings result in the transaction falling through, both parties may be disappointed.
However, if the information is used to benefit the horse’s health, regardless of ownership, the examination was of value.
As a veterinarian, I certainly would rather be paid for wellness than illness. Pre-purchase examinations give me a rare opportunity to serve in this capacity.
An informed decision is a worthwhile investment.
