pre-purchase
further downloads
- Instructions pre-purchase examination
- pre-purchase examination
contract & protocol (PDF) - Order list for pre-purchase examination
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Clinical examination
The clinical examination refers to the horse as a whole and should help us to get an impression of the current status of the horse. Through this examination the locomotion, - heart- and circulation system, eyes, skin etc. of the horse is examined. This procedure includes different stages:
The veterinarian starts by observing the complete horse standing square on hard ground. This is done to assess the confirmation, shoeing, condition, heart, lungs etc. The horse is also palpated to assess whether it has any sensitive or painful areas.
The horse is walked and trotted in hand on a straight line and on a circle to assess soundness and the way of moving.
In Germany it is not standard in a pre-purchase exam to see the horse under saddle.
Of course this is possible if you request it.
The veterinarian then proceeds with the flexion tests. These flexion tests are performed to provoke and detect any hidden problems.
After the examination on hard ground the horse is assessed on soft ground during exercise. For this the horse is lunged with side rains. During the exercise the veterinarian again assesses soundness, way of moving (locomotion) and possible breathing sounds or other respiratory problems like coughing or nasal discharge.
Right after exercise the pulse and respiratory rate are taken, and a few minutes later this will be repeated to determine the recovery time.
During the last stage of the clinical exam we take the horse inside the treatment room to assess the eyes and the mouth. The protocol for the clinical examination is shown on the following pages. These forms will be handed over to the commissioner after the examination and its payment are fulfilled.
Despite the thorough clinical examination, internal diseases cannot always be determined. Although veterinary medicine has developed considerably over the last years, and new knowledge and diagnostic tools are available, it is not possible to extend a normal pre-purchase examination to such an extent. Therefore we might recommend additional examinations in special cases.
