Horse Vetting Essentials
A
properly conducted pre-purchase vetting is essential if you want to avoid
buying a horse with health problems.
The
format of a pre-purchase examination is dictated by country specific
veterinary requirements which may vary to a certain extent, but generally
standard forms must be completed by the vet following the examination
which may follow up to five stages:
The
First stage
incorporates examination of the external structures of the horse - listening
to the heart and lungs and examining the eyes. Other areas to inspect
include teeth and limbs.
The
Second stage
involves assessing the horse's
soundness at walk and trot on a hard flat surface. Flexion tests of
the limbs can be undertaken at this stage; this involves the vet manually
flexing the horse's limbs and joints. The horse will also be circled
in hand and backed up.
The
Third stage
involves the horse in strenuous exercise, the degree which depends on
his fitness and could range from a dozen laps of an indoor school at canter
to fast work on gallops. During this stage of the vetting the horse's
soundness at faster paces, and his cardiovascular and respiratory systems
can all be tested.
The
Fourth stage
follows a period of rest, often after completion of identification silhouette
drawings on the standard pre-purchase form. The vet watches the horse
trot-up to ensure it is sound after both exercise and rest.
The
Final stage
consists of a thorough examination of the horse's feet. In addition, a
blood sample may be taken to test whether the horse has been given anti-inflammatory
drugs (such as Bute) which can mask lameness.
X-rays
may be taken too, and the vet has the discretionary power to request
that other tests be undertaken - such as a rectal examination if a horse
is suspected of having internal malignant tumors.
At
the end of the pre-purchase examination, the vet completes the form by
stating that the horse is, or is not, fit to undertake certain disciplines.
Our Commitment
We
want You to be completely happy with your purchase. For your peace of
mind, we will only recommend or sell a Friesian horse if you agree to
at least a clinical pre-purchase examination. If the horse fails this
important test, we will pay the vet bill and try to find you another
suitable Friesian.
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We work harder to help you find and buy your own special Friesian horse.
Hassle-free, always at a competitive price and with a keen eye for detail.
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