Equine Pre-Purchase Examinations Devon
Our fantastic vets offer equine pre-purchase examinations in Devon. We offer both 2 and 5 stage examinations with full radiography if required. Although we are based in Mid Devon, we offer our services across the South West and beyond. To arrange a pre-purchase examination in Devon or further afield, please get in touch with us.
Why Have a Pre-Purchase Examination?
We would strongly advise getting your horse professionally examined by a qualified vet before purchase. This is especially true if you are buying a valuable horse. An examination will highlight issues with the horse before you buy, meaning you can make an informed decision before you commit yourself to the purchase. These examinations can also be carried out to determine your horse´s fitness for insurance purposes.
5 Stage Examination for Horses
- Examination of heart and lungs, eyes, teeth, and limbs in the stable prior to exercise.
- Walk and trot in hand assessing the horse´s gait before and after flexion of the joints.
- Strenuous exercise normally under saddle and requiring the horse to work on both reins and at different paces. The final part of this phase involves working the horse hard enough to discover any respiratory or cardiac abnormalities at exercise.
- Rest. During this period, we identify the horse and check the paperwork as well as making a final check for abnormal lumps and bumps.
- A blood sample is taken at the time of the examination and is stored in a secure laboratory in case the need arises to investigate the use of prohibited substances (such as bute) being administered to the horse and altering the outcome of the vetting. All horses undergoing a 5 stage examination are tested as a matter of routine.
(If radiographs are required as part of the inspection they are taken at this stage) - Final trot. The horse is trotted in hand one last time to ensure no problems have arisen during exercise.
2 Stage Examination for Horses
- Examination of heart and lungs, eyes, teeth, and limbs in the stable prior to exercise.
- Walk and trot in hand assessing the horse´s gait before and after flexion of the joints.
- Paperwork checks.
Additional services
Radiography, Ultrasonography and/or Endoscopy will be incorporated into the procedure if appropriate.
Contact West Ridge Equine Vets
If you require further information about our equine pre-purchase examinations in Devon, please get in touch. We can provide advice and arrange an examination at a suitable time for you.
