2 Stage PPE Stage 1: This involves examining the eyes, heart, lungs, the front of the mouth and incisor teeth without use of a speculum (gag), the skin and hair coat and the musculoskeletal system by inspection, palpation and manipulation. Conformation is noted. Stage 2: The horse is observed walking and trotting in hand on a straight hard surface, backing up and turning in tight circles. Flexion tests of all 4 legs are NOT obligatory components of the examination and may not be performed if the veterinary surgeon considers them to be unsafe or inappropriate.

5 Stage PPE The five stages of a pre-purchase examination are: : Stage 1: This is a thorough clinical examination of the horse at rest to detect any apparent signs of injury, disease or physical abnormality. It includes a thorough palpation of all the limbs, listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope and an examination of the horse’s eyes in a dark stable with an ophthalmoscope. : Stage 2: Observation of the horse walking and trotting in hand in a straight line on a hard, level surface, including flexion tests. The horse is normally also trotted on a small diameter circle on a firm surface to detect subtle lameness issues. : Stage 3: Observation of the horse performing strenuous exercise, normally under saddle. This allows further evaluation of the way the horse moves and assessment of the heart and respiratory systems’ response to exertion. If ridden exercise is not possible (e.g. if the horse is unbroken), this stage may be conducted by exercising the horse on the lunge. : Stage 4: A period of rest in the stable to give time for any stiffness induced by the exercise to become apparent. During this time the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are monitored as they return to their resting levels. The horse’s markings are normally recorded and the passport examined. : Stage 5: A second examination of the horse at trot in hand. This is primarily to check that the strenuous exercise has not exacerbated a subtle underlying lameness problem. Flexion tests or trotting on a small diameter circle are sometimes repeated at this time. Blood Sampling A blood sample will be taken which is stored for six months. It can be used if concerns arise after purchase, to test for substances such as sedatives, pain killers and anti-inflammatories that may have masked certain conditions at the time of the vetting. This is included in a 5 stage vetting. This can be included at extra cost in a 2 stage vetting Further Diagnostic Tests Depending on the horse’s intended use or occasionally as a requirement of the purchaser’s insurance company, we can also perform further diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound examination of legs, endoscopy of the respiratory tract or examination of the back of the mouth with a speculum (gag) under sedation. We are happy to advise on the appropriateness of these more detailed diagnostic tests on an individual basis.

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