Pre-purchase Examinations and Radiographs
David has carried out hundreds of pre-purchase examinations in his career, ranging for six-figure racehorses, eventers and polo ponies to £600 children's ponies. In all cases, the outcome must be the same; an informed and reassured purchaser.
David will travel anywhere throughout Ireland, bringing his X-ray machine and scanner with him. He can perform a high level pre-purchase examination, X-ray or scan on request, and have a typed report and the digital images sent through to you that evening.
There are two types of PPE available – either a 5 stage (full vetting) or a 2 stage (limited vetting). Both PPE’s include a clinical examination and evaluation of the horse in walk and trot. The five stage exam also includes ridden examination, strenuous exercise, a period of rest and then a second lameness examination.
The examination of a Horse on behalf of a Purchaser
Veterinarians have developed a general routine of examination which has been found to be satisfactory as a means of detecting signs of disease and injury. This examination is conducted in five stages and all the stages should be completed. If this has not been possible it should be made clear on the certificate in what way the examination has been varied and that any opinions are based on this restricted examination.
The full stage examination consists of :
Stage 1 – Preliminary examination
This is a methodical examination of the animal’s body to assess general appearance and condition. It includes examination of the teeth, the resting heart, the eyes by ophthalmoscope, the skin, the limbs, feet and flexion of the limb joints to reveal pain or limitation of movement.
Stage 2 – Trotting Up
The animal is walked and trotted on hard, level ground in order to detect gross abnormalities of gait and action.
Stage 3 – Strenuous exercise
The animal is given sufficient strenuous exercise (1) to make it breath deeply and rapidly so that any unusual breathing sounds may be heard; (2) to increase the action of the heart so that abnormalities may be more easily detected; and (3) to tire the animal so that strains or injuries may be revealed by stiffness or lameness after a period of rest
Stage 4 – A period of rest
The horse is allowed to stand quietly for a period. During this time the breathing and the heart are checked as they return to their resting levels.
Stage 5 – The second trot and foot examination
The horse is walked and trotted again, turned sharply and backed, in order to reveal abnormalities exacerbated by the strenuous exercise stage.
The 5 stage examination will pick up more subtle lameness, or unwanted ridden behaviours
that may not be evident on a 2-stage examination, and we always recommend a full 5-stage examination. We will ask for a disclaimer to be signed if you do not wish to incur the expense of a full 5 -stage examination and opt for a 2-stage
X-rays can be taken if desired - X-rays help rule out some serious developmental diseases, screens for arthritis or traumatic injury. Before organising a PPE, please check with your insurance company as some companies request X-rays for horses above a certain value.
A blood sample will be taken. It does not check for medical conditions routinely but can be tested for drugs in the event of a dispute following purchase. A general health profile blood analysis can be carried out upon request. For further advice on PPE please contact us on 07851262275.
To book a Pre-Purchase Examination please follow the link below: