Purchase examinations for performance horses.

The research article describes a method for comprehensively examining performance horses before they are sold, to identify any health issues or abnormalities that might make them unsuitable for the buyer’s purposes.

Initial Examination

• The researchers propose starting the examination with the horse in its stall, an environment where it is comfortable and relaxed.
• The examination begins with the horse’s eyes, nasolacrimal puncta (the small hole at the inner corner of the eyelid that tears drain through), external ear canals and mouth, looking for anything out of ordinary that might indicate a health problem.
• The rectal temperature is measured as a preliminary indicator of health. Fever can be a sign of illness.
• The veterinarian also listens to the horse’s heart, lungs, trachea and sinuses to assess whether these are functioning normally.

Moving to External Examination

• The examination proceeds with the horse moved out of its stall for a more thorough inspection of its physical structure.
• Various parts of the horse’s body are inspected, including its head, parotid glands (major salivary glands), mandibular lymph nodes, larynx, neck muscles, jugular veins and cervical vertebrae.
• These parts are examined for any abnormalities that could potentially impact the horse’s performance or health.

Palpation and Inspection

• Further points of the horse’s body are palpated, or physically explored, including the scapula, point of the shoulder, withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades), tuber sacrale (a part of the horse’s spine) and point of the hip.
• Additionally, the ventrum (underside), tail, and muscles of the pelvic area and thighs are examined for tenderness, swelling or other signs of potential issues.
• All the limbs and feet are inspected for any evidence of disease, injury, or past surgery that might not have been disclosed.

Work Evaluation

• The horse is also observed while being worked out both on a longe line (a lengthy rein for working horses in a circle) and under saddle, allowing the veterinarian to evaluate how the horse carries its limbs and moves—any abnormalities in the carriage or gait can be indicative of musculoskeletal problems

Advanced Diagnostic Procedures

• Finally, if any anomalies or potential issues are identified during the examination, the veterinarian may recommend advanced diagnostic procedures such as radiography (a type of X-ray) or ultrasound to get a more detailed view of the issue.