DR ANDY KANEPS: I'm Dr. Andy Kaneps of Kaneps Equine.
Today, we'll discuss the pre-purchase examination.
Pre-purchase examinations are conducted by your veterinarian
to determine the condition of the horse
on that particular day, and to help advise you regarding
potential issues that need further identification,
such as by x-rays.
The pre-purchase examination can take a variety of levels,
from just a general wellness physical exam,
to detailed lameness evaluations, detailed imaging,
and also detailed laboratory evaluations.
All depending on your goals for this potential new horse.
Being on-site at the time of pre-purchase examination
is very important.
I fully understand, on occasion where
half a country away from where the horse is being purchased.
But good, detailed communication with the veterinarian
conducting the examination will help
you get the most information from a pre-purchase exam.
The first steps of the pre-purchase exam
are to record the physical appearance of the horse,
whether through photographs or drawing images of the horse,
determining the age, the work history of the horse,
the medical history of the horse,
and identifying all the individuals associated
with the seller and buyer present
at this time of the exam.
We usually start by drawing laboratory samples.
And that may involve things for just general wellness,
such as a complete blood count and chemistry panel,
or may involve things like laboratory tests for diseases,
such as equine infectious anemia.
A negative EIA test is necessary for transport
across state lines and is very important when
a change of ownership occurs.
We may also take samples for a drug screen.
The drug screen isn't run necessarily on every horse,
but it can be an advantage to hold samples such as this
aside, if at some point in the future testing is indicated.
The full history of the horse is determined and recorded
on the examination form, and then
a general physical examination is conducted.
The physical examination will evaluate all the major body
systems such as heart, lungs, skin, ears, eyes, mouth,
and then go to a lameness examination.
Again, all of these findings are recorded in detail,
so they can be part of the medical record that
goes to the buyer, and remains as part of the horse's record.
The lameness evaluation is detailed,
and starts with the general examination
of the horse's body.
Full palpation of the neck, back, and limbs.
Evaluation of conformation.
Evaluation of the hooves and shoeing.
Use of hoof testers when horses do not
have pads in all four feet, to determine whether or not
there's foot sensitivity.
Then the horse is worked in hand, in a straight line,
on the lunge, and potentially under saddle.
Flexion tests are conducted, and following
that general examination, a assessment
is made regarding the general medical conditions of the horse
and the musculoskeletal conditions of the horse.
And from that information, the veterinarian will consult with
the buyer, and determine whether or not additional imaging such
as x-rays--
or potentially ultrasounds-- be undertaken.
Most horses that undergo a pre-purchase exam
will have x-rays taken.
And the reason we take x-rays is to look
for obvious abnormalities of the bone
or joints that may impinge on soundness.
Certainly, horses that are lame at the time
of the pre-purchase exam are unlikely to have x-rays taken.
But we are looking for as many details
as we can in most pre-purchase exams,
so a good set of radiographs is very, very helpful
if, for no other reason, than having them as a baseline as
you take over a new horse.
The pre-purchase examination is conducted
to help you make a decision, whether this horse suits
the needs that you anticipate.
And your veterinarian can advise you
regarding the potential import of the findings,
and what you may expect in the future.
However, the bottom line on the pre-purchase
is to describe what your veterinarian is seeing
on the day of examination.
We don't have a crystal ball, as much as we would like to,
so we need to stick to the facts.
And that's the goal of the pre-purchase exam.
For further details on the medical portion of the exam,
and on the lameness exam portion,
you can take a look at the videos on the SmartPak Horse
Health Library.