Services
Pre-purchase examinations
Routine health checks/medical exams or ‘vettings’ are worth considering when purchasing a horse, regardless of its value, as it will give an idea of the horse’s health at the time. There are two possible options; a 2 stage or a 5 stage, both of which take into account your requirements for the horse/pony. These include:
Stage 1 – Initial examination of the horse is in the stable at rest where the heart, lungs, eyes and conformation are checked for abnormalities. The horse is then taken outside and looked over for any scaring, heat in joints, any signs of previous tendon and ligament injuries and to locate developing conditions such as sarcoids or other growths that may be hidden.
Stage 2 – Is the trot up to assess soundness and action on a straight line. It will include flexion tests of all four limbs which allow the vet to ascertain whether the horse remains sound after putting the joints under controlled stress.
- The 5 stage vetting will then continue with:
Stage 3 – The strenuous exercise phase where the horse will be ridden or lunged in all gaits to assess for abnormal movement and respiratory noise. Immediately after exercise the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are re-examined.
Stage 4 – Consists of the rest period during which time details of the markings will be noted. It also allows for any onset of stiffness or stress induced by the exercise to become apparent before the final stage.
Stage 5 – Is the final trot up where the vet will be looking for signs of lameness induced by the strenuous exercise. This is also when bloods will be taken for storage which can later be tested for drugs that may have affected the horses’ soundness and performance
As a practice we recommend that our clients opt for the 5 stage vetting with VDS bloods however we will carry out the 2 stage at the clients’ request. We can also offer further diagnostics in the form of x-ray, ultrasound and scoping for those clients wishing to have a more comprehensive health check of the horse.
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