PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATIONS
We undertake pre-purchase examinations or 'vettings' for horses of all types and ages, from top level international performance horses to leisure horses and the family pony, either at the Chiltern Equine Hospital or at our branch practices or we can travel to wherever the horse is kept in the UK or abroad.
All pre-purchase examinations comply with the standards issued by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Equine Veterinary Association.
The full FIVE STAGE vetting examination consists of:
Stage One – Preliminary Examination
This is a methodical examination of the animal's body to assess general appearance and condition. It includes examination of the heart, eyes, lungs, teeth, skin, limbs and feet.
Stage Two – Trotting Up
The animal is walked and trotted on hard, level ground. Flexion tests are performed on all four limbs. Where there are suitable facilities horses are observed lunged on a hard and soft surface.
Stage Three – Strenuous Exercise
The animal is given sufficient strenuous exercise to
1. Make it breathe deeply and rapidly so that any unusual respiratory sounds may be heard.
2. Increase the action of the heart so that abnormalities may be more easily detected.
3. Work the horse so that strains or injuries which are exacerbated by exercise will be revealed after the rest period.
4. To observe any lameness that may only be present when the horse is ridden under saddle.
Stage Four - 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 Five – The Second Trot Up
1. To check for any lameness.
2. The horse is backed up and turned sharply to the left and right in order to detect neurological abnormalities.
A TWO-STAGE vetting:
A two stage vetting is a limited examination involving only stages 1 and 2 as detailed above. Prior to a two stage examination being carried out a "limited prior to purchase examination" form must be completed. This form confirms that you are aware that the two stage vetting is being carried out and that it is a limited examination.
Additional Diagnostic Examinations
If you are buying a horse for competition or racing, it may be necessary to have further tests incorporated in the vetting, such as an endoscopic examination, an X-ray examination, an ultrasound scan, blood samples, etc. As part of the routine procedure, a blood sample is usually taken to detect the presence of anti-inflammatories or painkillers at the time of the examination. It is stored for a period of time and can be sent for analysis at the purchaser's request. Please feel free to discuss any requirements or concerns you may have about the potential purchase when you book the vetting in
INSURANCE EXAMINATIONS
These may be either 2 or 5 stage and are dependant on the insurance companies requirements. The value and use of the horse will determine the vetting level required. Please discuss this with your insurance company prior to booking the insurance vetting.