Pre-Purchase Examination

This examination is not intended to be used as a prognosis for future health, soundness or a warranty for the horse's suitability for any particular future use or purpose. The veterinarian's job is neither to pass nor fail the animal being examined. The determination by the buyer to purchase the animal examined is solely buyer's choice and responsibility. The buyer should be aware that this examination does not encompass an in depth evaluation of the horse's temperament, ability, or aptitude for a particular discipline; it describes the horse's health and soundness on the day of examination. A routine pre-purchase examination may not reveal subtle unsoundnesses, especially if the horse has not been in hard/consistent work in the preceding months. Some conditions, such as mild recurrent airway obstruction ("heaves"), mild vision impairment, early PPID ("Cushing's Disease), digestive disorders predisposing to colic signs, and muscle disorders such as equine polysaccharide storage myopathy ("tying up") may not be apparent during an examination. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Patient Information: - "Thunderstruck" - 8 years - Gelding - Irish Sport Horse - Ms. Eleanor Vance - 07700 900345, eleanor.vance@email.com History: - The horse is being evaluated for pre-purchase. The buyer, Ms. Eleanor Vance, is considering "Thunderstruck" for competitive showjumping at 1.20m level. Current owner reports the horse has been in consistent work, schooling 5-6 times a week and competing regularly. No recent illnesses or lameness concerns have been noted by the seller. Horse is currently stabled with daily turnout. - "Thunderstruck" underwent colic surgery for an epiploic foramen entrapment at age 4, with an uneventful recovery. No other significant medical history reported. - Currently on no medications or herbal supplements. Vaccinations and deworming are up to date. - "Thunderstruck" has been competing in showjumping for the past 3 years. He is described as having a willing temperament and good work ethic. - No known allergies. Physical Examination: - General appearance and demeanor: Bright, alert, and responsive. Good body condition score (5/9). Well-muscled and symmetrical. No obvious lameness at rest. - Vital signs: Temperature 37.8°C, Heart Rate 36 bpm, Respiratory Rate 14 bpm. Mucous membranes pink and moist, capillary refill time <2 seconds. All within normal limits. - Findings from head to tail examination: Eyes clear, no discharge or opacities. Ears clean and responsive. Nasal passages clear, no discharge. Mouth examination revealed good dental health for age, no sharp points noted. Neck supple, no pain on palpation or range of motion. Back and loin palpation revealed no pain or sensitivity. Tail and perineal area clean, no abnormalities. Integument healthy, no skin lesions or parasites. - Findings from cardiovascular examination: Normal heart sounds, no murmurs auscultated. Peripheral pulses strong and synchronous. - Findings from respiratory examination: Clear lung sounds bilaterally, no adventitious sounds. No cough noted. - Findings from gastrointestinal examination: Normal borborygmi heard in all four quadrants. Abdomen soft and non-painful on palpation. No signs of colic. - Findings from musculoskeletal examination: Limbs appear symmetrical and free from swelling or heat. Joints have full range of motion without pain or crepitus. Hooves are well-maintained, balanced, and free from cracks or thrush. Palpation of tendons and ligaments revealed no heat, swelling, or pain. - Findings from neurological examination: Cranial nerves intact. Normal gait and proprioception. No ataxia or neurological deficits observed. Soundness and Fitness for Riding: - Overall soundness and fitness for riding: "Thunderstruck" demonstrated good overall soundness and fitness during the examination. He moved freely at walk and trot in a straight line and on both reins in a soft lunge. No significant lameness was observed during flexion tests or under saddle. - Findings related to lameness: Mild Grade 1/5 lameness (AAEP scale) noted on the left forelimb after flexion of the fetlock. This improved significantly with light work and was not reproducible after further trotting. This is a very subtle finding and may not be clinically significant for the horse's intended use. - Recommendations for further evaluation or treatment related to soundness and fitness: No immediate recommendations for further evaluation or treatment are deemed necessary at this stage given the mild, transient nature of the lameness. Buyer advised to monitor for any progression. Lameness Findings: - Specific lameness findings: As mentioned, a very mild, transient Grade 1/5 lameness in the left fore fetlock post-flexion. This resolved quickly. - Diagnostic tests performed and their results: No further diagnostic tests (e.g., nerve blocks, radiographs) were performed during this pre-purchase examination given the transient and mild nature of the lameness. - Treatments or interventions recommended for lameness: None recommended at this time. Additional Findings: - No additional significant findings not covered in other sections were noted during the examination. Recommendations: - Recommendation for further evaluation: "Thunderstruck" appears suitable for his intended use. However, given his history of colic surgery, the buyer may consider abdominal ultrasonography as an additional pre-purchase diagnostic, although no current clinical signs warrant it. - Recommendations for follow-up visits: Routine annual veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are recommended. Conclusion: - The pre-purchase examination of "Thunderstruck" revealed an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding in good general health with no significant findings that would preclude his intended use as a competitive showjumper. A very mild, transient lameness in the left fore fetlock was noted after flexion but resolved quickly and is unlikely to impact his performance. The horse's previous colic surgery history is noted, but he currently shows no signs of recurrence. The overall assessment indicates a sound and healthy animal on 1 November 2024. - Final recommendations include considering abdominal ultrasonography as an additional diagnostic due to previous colic surgery, and continued routine veterinary care.