Prior to Purchase Examinations
The standard examination is conducted in five stages, although the exact sequence of
the examination may vary.
The stages are:
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 ophthalmascope, the skin, the limbs and 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 breathe 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 which 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.
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If you would like to book a Prior to Purchase Examination, please complete the form below and a Team Member will contact you to arrange an appropriate visit.