CLINICAL - Equine Pre-Purchase Examinations Flashcards
What is an equine pre-purchase examination (PPE)?
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
How should you identify the horse before you carry out a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?
Scan the microchip and compare the microchip number with the horse’s passport
What are the five stages of a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?
Stage 1: Preliminary examination
Stage 2: Walk and trot
Stage 3: Exercise
Stage 4: Rest and Re-examination
Stage 5: Second walk and trot
What is a preliminary examination?
A general clinical examination
What are the steps of the cardiothoracic portion of a preliminary examination
- Observe respiratory rate, effort and depth
- Palpate for oedema
- Observe for peripheral vascular distension and assess peripheral perfusion
- Assess mucous membranes and capillary refill time
- Take a pulse and asses rate, rhythm and quality
- Auscultate the heart
Describe the steps involved in the auscultation of the equine heart
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
(T/F) In an equine ECG, there will not be a P wave
FALSE. In an equine ECG, there will not be a Q wave
What is a second degree atrioventricular heart block?
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
How should you determine if the second degree atrioventricular (AV) heart block is physiological or pathological?
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
What should be carried out during stage two of a pre-purchase examination?
Walk and trot in a straight line for 30 - 40m followed by lunging at a trot and flexion tests
What should be assessed during stage three of a pre-purchase examination?
Gait at a walk, trot, canter and gallop
What should be carried out during stage four of a pre-purchase examination?
Monitor the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as the horse returns to rest following exercise
What should be carried out during stage five of a pre-purchase examination?
Walk and trot in a straight line for 30 - 40m
Hoof examination
Why is it important to take a blood sample for storage at the end of a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?
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
What are the correct facilities required for a pre-purchase examination (PPE)?
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
What are the stages of a two-stage pre-purchase examination?
Stage 1: Preliminary examination
Stage 2: Walk and trot
What kind of insurance can be obtained following a two-stage pre-purchase examination?
All risks mortality insurance
What kind of insurance can be obtained following a five-stage pre-purchase examination?
Veterinary insurance
Loss of use insurance
What does all risks mortality insurance cover?
All risks mortality will cover the value of the horse if there is sudden death or euthanasia on humane grounds
What classifies as euthanasia on humane grounds?
-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
What does loss of use insurance cover?
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
Why is it essential to either euthanise or brand a loss of use horse?
To prevent fraud
What is a pre-insurance examination?
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
What are the four body systems involved in the exercise physiology of a horse?
Respiratory system
Cardiovascular system
Musculoskeletal system
Haematopoietic system
What are the two adaptations seen in horse muscle cells to accommodate their high metabolic rate?
Large glycogen stores
Large number of mitochondria
What is aerobic capacity (VO2max)?
Aerobic capacity (VO2max) is the maximal amount of oxygen the body can consume during maximum intensity exercise
What’s the average aerobic capacity (VO2max) seen in horses?
140 to 180 ml O2/kg/min
What are the four factors which allow horses to have such a high aerobic capacity (VO2max)?
Large lung capacity
High maximum cardiac output
High haemoglobin concentration
Splenic contraction
Give two examples of respiratory diseases which can cause poor performance in horses
Soft palate displacement
Equine asthma
Give two examples of musculoskeletal diseases which can cause poor performance in horses
Recurrent exertion rhabdomyolysis
Hock osteoarthritis
Give an example of a gastrointestinal disease which can cause poor performance in horses
Equine gastric ulceration syndrome (EGUS)
