The Equine Pre Purchase Examination (PPE)

What is the intended use for this horse?
This is the first important question to address. The qualities necessary for a pleasure or occasional trail horse are much different from those of a second level dressage horse. For example, a horse that’s over at the knee has sore feet, or a pronounced sway back but a heart of gold and a temperament of steel- may make a great trail horse for a child. This same horse may have difficulty staying sound as a second level dressage horse.

The Physical Exam
The physical exam is divided into nine different body systems as well as an evaluation of the horse’s conformation. Each of the horse’s body systems is examined for abnormalities and potential problems. Remember, the pre-purchase exam is only evaluating the horse during a short period of time. The pre-purchase exam isn’t a guarantee the horse won’t have future lameness or medical problems. Cardiovascular exam -Listening to the heart rate and rhythm with a stethoscope can detect horses with heart murmurs or rhythm problems. The jugular veins and gums are also examined for any abnormalities. Problems associated with the cardiovascular system are not common, but if present may inhibit a horse from a performance career.

Respiratory Exam
A stethoscope is also used to evaluate the trachea, the lung sounds, and respiration rate. The nostrils are examined for discharge or abnormalities. Auscultation can be repeated after exercise. An endoscopic exam can be performed to determine the anatomy, health and function of the respiratory tract. Endoscopy is an optional exam, but very important in the performance horse. The dressage horse is asked to perform on the bit which can put more stress on the throat. The event horse must gallop long distances. Morgans and Saddle Horses are asked to work hard under extreme flexion at the pole. Racehorses must go fast! Any of these types of horses can suffer performance limiting problems which may only be identified by endoscopic examination.

Gastrointestinal Exam
The consistency of the manure is examined as well as the fiber length. The fiber length indicates if the horse is chewing food normally or needs its teeth floated. An oral exam is performed to determine the condition of the teeth and mouth. The horse should be checked for the presence of an old abdominal incision to determine if the horse has had previous colic surgery. Finally, listening to the intestines with a stethoscope will determine if motility appears normal at the time of the exam. Questions about previous colic episodes can also be posed at this time.

Immune System
The vaccine history should be gathered at the time of the pre-purchase exam. In Maine, for instance, the lack of West Nile or EEE vaccination may be cause for concern.

Ophthalmologic Exam
A thorough exam to determine that both eyes are visual and without defects is extremely important.

Integumentary Exam
The skin is the largest organ system of the body and should be examined to determine if the horse is free of external parasites or skin disease. The presence of a dull hair coat and an unkempt appearance may be due to an underlying metabolic disease.

Reproductive Exam
This is an important exam for a horse whose primary purpose is breeding. The reproductive system can be overlooked in the case of a horse which is intended for a performance horse. The external genitalia will be examined for abnormalities in either case. A mare’s ovaries and uterus may be palpated rectally to determine any abnormalities. A breeding stallion’s exam may include a semen sample to evaluate sperm count and viability and to determine adequate testicle size.

Conformation Evaluation
The veterinarian will assess conformation issues that may eventually lead to soundness problems. Based on the intended use the Veterinarian will discuss the impact of conformation on the horses use. For example, a horse with offset knees may develop splints. These deviations from normal conformation may be acceptable in the occasionally ridden trail horse or pasture ornament, but may pose potential problems for a performance horse ridden hard five to six days a week.

Musculoskeletal Exam
The horse’s neck, thorax, pelvis, all four limbs and all joints are palpated for increased fluid, heat, or pain. The muscles are then palpated for symmetry, pain, heat, or any other abnormality. Hoof-testers are placed on both front feet to determine if pain is elicited. Pain over the navicular bones in the case of a quarter horse with small feet may point out a potential problem.

Neurological Exa
A basic neurological exam is included in the pre-purchase exam. The cranial nerves, mental status and coordination of the horse are assessed.

The Soundness Exam
A thorough soundness exam is performed. This goes hand in hand with the musculoskeletal exam. The exam should include flexion tests, jogging the horse in a straight line, jogging in a circle, lunging, and for elite performance horses, evaluation under saddle in the appropriate discipline. Based on the results of these tests recommendations for further diagnostics such as radiographs may be made. Once all the results are in an overall assessment of the soundness of that individual is made. This assessment takes into account intended use, age, overall conformation, way of going, abnormalities of structure and issues of unsoundness.

Radiographs
Some buyers request a full set of x-rays as part of the pre-purchase. Radiographs of joints and bones may reveal potential problems apparent during the physical exam. Other buyers will only have x-rays taken of joints which have increased joint fluid or pain noted on flexion. While radiographs add to the cost of the pre-purchase exam, they often answer questions associated with particular joints. Buyers, who don’t have any radiographs taken, must assume the risk of not revealing a potential problem.

Blood Work
Blood work can be the final step in a pre-purchase exam. The date of the last Coggins is often requested. A screen of the blood count and chemistries is valuable for insuring health. Blood can be tested for the presence of drugs that may mask pain or bad behavior.

Conclusion
The pre-purchase exam is an in-depth and important piece of information about a new horse. The information gained from the pre-purchase exam should be combined with other factors such as the temperamnt and cost of the horse, the intended use, and the experience of the rider. Pick a horse that is at your skill level and one that can grow as your skills do. Pick a healthy one that will fit into your lifestyle. Avoiding mismatches will make you and the horse much happier.

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