Proceedings of the 11th International Congress of the World Equine Veterinary Association

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Ursula Underwood
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Equine Veterinary Association 24 27 September 2009 Guarujá, SP,

1 Proceedings of the 11th International Congress of the World Equine Veterinary Association September 2009 Guarujá, SP, Brazil Next Meeting : Nov. 2-6, Hyderabad, India Reprinted in IVIS with the Permission of the Meeting Organizers

2 Imperfect Purchase Examination Findings and Intended Use: A Case-Based Presentation Much has been written over many years on the topic of examination of horses for purchase. This is an important veterinary service that, when performed competently, facilitates the buying and selling of horses, offers investment protection to the buyer and accurately documents the current health status of the horse. Intended use - Experienced practitioners recognize the importance of clinical competence as well as thorough and clear communications, accurate recording of data and reporting of results that is, the importance of both the science and the art of practice. Central to a successful outcome of the purchase examination is an accurate understanding by the equine practitioner of the buyer s intended use of the horse. Failure to clearly appreciate this factor can lead to the buyer s rejection of a suitable prospect or the acquisition of a horse with compromised ability to succeed in the desired discipline. Neither outcome benefits the equine industry or the reputation of the veterinarian. It is wise to make no assumptions regarding the buyer s level of equestrian knowledge, appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of the purchase examination and, in fact, the accuracy of the buyer s own perception of a specific intended use. Additionally, familiarity with the vagaries and nuances of the various performance discipline regulations is essential to evaluate the implications of physical abnormalities; i.e., a physical examination abnormality may constitute an unsoundness in one discipline and yet be irrelevant in another. The alltoo-common occurrence of the veterinary examiner exercising undue and excessive caution in response to an increasingly litigious culture recalls the axiom that any fool can fail a horse.

How To Purchase A Horse (1893) And first, I must caution all purchasers against a very common fault that of wanting and expecting to find perfection in any horse; there is no such thing either in man

3 How To Purchase A Horse (1893) And first, I must caution all purchasers against a very common fault that of wanting and expecting to find perfection in any horse; there is no such thing either in man or horse. Communications For equine practitioners to maximize the value of this service to their client the buyer and minimize the risk of legal action against their practice or defamation of their reputation, they must practice excellent communications. It is advisable to develop an effective and comprehensive communications mechanism to avoid misunderstandings and unfortunate consequences. This policy should engage all relevant parties and is especially important when dealing with absentee and novice buyers. Seller and/or Agent Primary care Veterinarian Farrier History Imaging Lab Intended use Other Diagnostics Physical Exam Prospective Buyer and/or Agent Incoming information

4 Outgoing information Prospective Buyer and/or agent Medical record Pre-Purchase Examination Primary Care Veterinarian Farrier Insurance Company For the sake of the buyer and in the written report, it is essential for the equine practitioner to differentiate between an abnormality with no bearing on intended use versus one likely to encumber successful intended use - as well as to avoid the misinterpretation of artifacts and normal structures. The inclusion of digital images in the report to the buyer is strongly encouraged as a means of documentation and support of examination findings. Using a series of actual cases from examination of non-racing sport horses, this presentation will strive to illustrate the importance of interpreting clinical findings within the perspective of intended use. These cases include physical examination findings from various body systems as well as information from the medical history, laboratory results and diagnostic imaging modalities. The case examples are taken from the speaker s own practice as well as consultations performed over the years for the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust and the Connecticut State Board of Veterinary Examiners. More in-depth coverage of all aspects of equine purchase examination can be found in the references listed at the end. References Moyer,W and Werner, H: PURCHASE EXAMINATION GUIDELINES FOR RISK REDUCTION, Western Veterinary Conference Proceedings 1998: Beeman, GM, editor: EXAMINATION FOR PURCHASE; Veterinary Clinics of North America 1992;8: In Depth: PURCHASE EXAMINATION; Proceedings,45 th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, 1999; Mantell, JAR, THE AIM OF THE PREPURCHASE VETERINARY EXAMINATION, a British Equine Veterinary Association Manual; Equine

5 Veterinary Journal, pub.; 1968: GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING PURCHASE EXAMINATIONS; Amerivan Association of Equine Practitioners 2009 Resource Guide. 2009) (Harry W. Werner VMD, WEVA,

June 2009 (website); September 2009 (Update) consent, informed consent, owner consent, risk, prognosis, communication, documentation, treatment

GUIDELINES Informed Owner Consent Approved by Council: June 10, 2009 Publication Date: June 2009 (website); September 2009 (Update) To Be Reviewed by: June 2014 Key Words: Related Topics: Legislative References: