Vettings
Before making the final decision to buy a horse or pony, we would advise a pre-purchase examination, also known as a vetting. Vettings are used as a means of detecting signs of disease and injury, as observed by the vet on the day. However, it is not a guarantee against any future health issues.
The full five stage examination process:
- Preliminary Examination - 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 ophthalmoscope, the skin, the limbs and feet and flexion of the limb joints to reveal pain or limitation of movement.
- Trotting Up - the animal is walked and trotted on hard, level ground in order to detect gross abnormalities of gait and action.
- Strenuous Exercise - the animal is given 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.
- A Period of Restricted 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.
- 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.
Two Stage Vetting
Some clients opt for a ‘two-stage’ examination, which just incorporates the first two stages of the below process. If you request a two-stage vetting, you will be asked to complete and sign a form confirming that you understand that such a limited examination may not reveal certain conditions which may have been discovered during the course of a full 5 stage examination.
For more information on Pre Purchase Examinations: BEVA/RCVS Guidance Notes.
Some clients opt for a ‘two-stage’ examination, which just incorporates the first two stages of the below process. If you request a two-stage vetting, you will be asked to complete and sign a form confirming that you understand that such a limited examination may not reveal certain conditions which may have been discovered during the course of a full 5 stage examination.
For more information on Pre Purchase Examinations: BEVA/RCVS Guidance Notes.