CLINICAL - Equine Pre-Purchase Examinations Flashcards

1
Q

What is an equine pre-purchase examination (PPE)?

A

An equine pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a thorough clinical examination on behalf of the purchaser to identify and assess factors of a veterinary nature that could impact the horse’s ability to carry out it’s intended use

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2
Q

How should you identify the horse before you carry out a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?

A

Scan the microchip and compare the microchip number with the horse’s passport

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3
Q

What are the five stages of a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?

A

Stage 1: Preliminary examination
Stage 2: Walk and trot
Stage 3: Exercise
Stage 4: Rest and Re-examination
Stage 5: Second walk and trot

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4
Q

What is a preliminary examination?

A

A general clinical examination

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5
Q

What are the steps of the cardiothoracic portion of a preliminary examination

A
  1. Observe respiratory rate, effort and depth
  2. Palpate for oedema
  3. Observe for peripheral vascular distension and assess peripheral perfusion
  4. Assess mucous membranes and capillary refill time
  5. Take a pulse and asses rate, rhythm and quality
  6. Auscultate the heart
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6
Q

Describe the steps involved in the auscultation of the equine heart

A

Palpate for the apical heartbeat and place your stethoscope here. Assess the heart sounds, rate, rhythm and quality followed by moving the stethoscope cranio-dorsally so listen to the base of the the heart. Repeat these steps on both sides of the animal

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7
Q

(T/F) In an equine ECG, there will not be a P wave

A

FALSE. In an equine ECG, there will not be a Q wave

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8
Q

What is a second degree atrioventricular heart block?

A

A second degree atrioventricular heart block is a physiological arrhythmia seen in horses where there is an intermittent blockage in the electrical impulse as it travels through the atrioventricular (AV) node due to their high vagal tone

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9
Q

How should you determine if the second degree atrioventricular (AV) heart block is physiological or pathological?

A

The arrhythmia should stop during exercise, if the arrhythmia continues, this suggests that it is a pathological rather than physiological arrhythmia and further tests should be carried out

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10
Q

What should be carried out during stage two of a pre-purchase examination?

A

Walk and trot in a straight line for 30 - 40m followed by lunging at a trot and flexion tests

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11
Q

What should be assessed during stage three of a pre-purchase examination?

A

Gait at a walk, trot, canter and gallop

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12
Q

What should be carried out during stage four of a pre-purchase examination?

A

Monitor the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as the horse returns to rest following exercise

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13
Q

What should be carried out during stage five of a pre-purchase examination?

A

Walk and trot in a straight line for 30 - 40m
Hoof examination

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14
Q

Why is it important to take a blood sample for storage at the end of a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?

A

This blood sample is stored at an external laboratory and can be tested for drugs in the event of a query after purchase. This is intended to protect both the purchaser and the seller

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15
Q

What are the correct facilities required for a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?

A

Stable in which the light can be restricted for an eye exam
Concrete or tarmac of sufficient length for the walk and trot
Area where exercise can be conducted safely

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16
Q

What are the stages of a two-stage pre-purchase examination?

A

Stage 1: Preliminary examination
Stage 2: Walk and trot

17
Q

What kind of insurance can be obtained following a two-stage pre-purchase examination?

A

All risks mortality insurance

18
Q

What kind of insurance can be obtained following a five-stage pre-purchase examination?

A

Veterinary insurance
Loss of use insurance

19
Q

What does all risks mortality insurance cover?

A

All risks mortality will cover the value of the horse if there is sudden death or euthanasia on humane grounds

20
Q

What classifies as euthanasia on humane grounds?

A

-Euthanasia due to a strangulation lesion of the small intestine that cannot be corrected
- Euthanasia of an adult horse with a severe fracture
- Euthanasia of a horse with terminal illness

21
Q

What does loss of use insurance cover?

A

Loss of use insurance covers the value of the horse if the animal develops a disability which prevents the horse for carrying out its function

22
Q

Why is it essential to either euthanise or brand a loss of use horse?

A

To prevent fraud

23
Q

What is a pre-insurance examination?

A

A pre-insurance examination is a thorough clinical exam that is carried out on a horse that is already in ownership in order to obtain insurance

24
Q

What are the four body systems involved in the exercise physiology of a horse?

A

Respiratory system
Cardiovascular system
Musculoskeletal system
Haematopoietic system

25
Q

What are the two adaptations seen in horse muscle cells to accommodate their high metabolic rate?

A

Large glycogen stores
Large number of mitochondria

26
Q

What is aerobic capacity (VO2max)?

A

Aerobic capacity (VO2max) is the maximal amount of oxygen the body can consume during maximum intensity exercise

27
Q

What’s the average aerobic capacity (VO2max) seen in horses?

A

140 to 180 ml O2/kg/min

28
Q

What are the four factors which allow horses to have such a high aerobic capacity (VO2max)?

A

Large lung capacity
High maximum cardiac output
High haemoglobin concentration
Splenic contraction

29
Q

Give two examples of respiratory diseases which can cause poor performance in horses

A

Soft palate displacement
Equine asthma

30
Q

Give two examples of musculoskeletal diseases which can cause poor performance in horses

A

Recurrent exertion rhabdomyolysis
Hock osteoarthritis

31
Q

Give an example of a gastrointestinal disease which can cause poor performance in horses

A

Equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS)