Pre-purchase examinations: Seller’s Perspective
The day of the pre-purchase examination can create plenty of anxiety for the seller. Often it is the final step in a potential sale that may have required plenty of work involving advertising, videotapes, phone calls and visits by buyers along with their trainers, various family members and friends. Both the seller and buyer are hopeful that the pre-purchase examination goes well. Today’s article will discuss steps the seller can do to facilitate the process. First, let’s review the basic thinking behind pre-purchase examinations.
The purpose of the pre-purchase examination is to have a veterinarian report on the health status of the prospective horse. Comments on conformation and remarks concerning temperament are commonly included in the report. Usually some problems are found in all horses since none of them are perfect. Positive attributes are routinely included in the report as well. Ultimately the pre-purchase examination provides information that helps determine the suitability of the horse for the intended use. The “intended use” is a very important aspect of this evaluation. A prospective horse’s suitability could be good for one buyer’s intentions but poor for another’s. For example, suppose the horse is older, well trained, and very well mannered but has a chronic minor lameness issue that shows up on flexion tests. This horse might meet the needs of an inexperienced rider who only plans to do flat work in an arena a couple times per week. This same horse, however, might not be suitable for someone planning more vigorous work for competitive purposes, such as gaming or eventing. This example illustrates how individualized the pre-purchase examination can be. It also helps explain why veterinarians refrain from using terminology such as “pass,” “fail,” “sound,” or “unsound” in their pre-purchase reports.
When performing a pre-purchase examination, the veterinarian is working for the buyer. The information provided is confidential and the decision to release the information to the seller is up to the buyer.
As mentioned in the introduction, the day of the pre-purchase examination can be stressful. Here are some thoughts on how the seller can help it go smoothly and efficiently:
• Try to be present at the pre-purchase examination. Usually there are lots of questions the seller can help with, such as history, handling, and incidental findings during the examination. The seller may need to grant authorization to perform certain procedures. Here are a few examples. If x-rays of the feet need to be taken it is better if the shoes are pulled. Sedation may be required to perform some procedures safely, such as rectal and vaginal examinations in broodmare prospects. Blood may need to be collected for various laboratory tests. If you will not be present at the exam, think about giving authorization ahead of time for anticipated potential procedures. Leave phone numbers where you can be contacted for unforeseen questions and authorizations.
• Have the history information readily available. Planning can help avoid awkward and vague answers to the veterinarian’s questions. Anticipating questions and gathering relevant information enables you to provide a concise factual account of the horse’s history. This reflects well on your knowledge of the horse you are selling and the care you’ve provided. Here is a list of information the veterinarian may ask about:
• Copy of registration papers.
• Vaccination and deworming records: list specific products used and dates administered if possible.
• Dental records.
• Date of last trimming/shoeing.
• Feed schedule.
• List of objectionable vices, such as cribbing.
• List of illnesses, injuries, colic, lameness, skin problems (e.g. scratches, sarcoids, fly bite allergies, etc.), or other health related problems. History of eye problems are especially important because of the impact vision has on athletic potential and safety concerns for handlers. Any surgeries performed should be listed, including umbilical hernias, castration, periosteal stripping, etc.
• The seller is encouraged to release all previous veterinary records. This is of even greater importance if the pre-purchase veterinarian is the horse’s regular veterinarian.
• Training, experience, show history.
• Current work schedule – what has the horse been doing for the past couple of months.
• The location of the pre-purchase examination is important and might be something the seller can help with. Ideally is helpful to have a well-lit clean stall for the physical examination. An area with a flat, level, firm surface is helpful to watch the horse at a walk and trot on the lead and to perform flexion tests. Finally, an area to watch the horse work either while ridden or on the longe line is necessary. If the weather is particularly bad, a covered arena is an advantage for this part of the exam.
• Prepare the horse for the examination. It certainly reflects favorably on your horse if he or she is cooperative, calm, and tolerant of the various aspects of the pre-purchase examination. In addition to good basic ground manners, there a few other procedures that can be practiced to familiarize your horse with ahead of time.
• Checking the temperature and heart rate.
• Check the gums for color and capillary refill time.
• Running your hands down the legs over the tendons, ligaments, and joints, front and back legs.
• Walking and trotting the horse on the lead.
• Avoid having the horse trimmed or shod just prior to the exam. Soreness from the trimming or a hot nail can complicate examination.
• Although it is not always possible, it is beneficial to have the horse in a regular riding program, preferably in the type of discipline the horse is being sold for.
Preparations such as these can help the pre-purchase examination proceed smoothly, thoroughly, and efficiently. Hopefully this will reduce everyone's stress level and help ensure the prospective horse is a good match for the buyer.
