Prepurchase Examination Research Articles

A survey of ocular pathology in Warmblood horses in South Africa.

Warmblood horses are a popular breed around the world for equestrian sports. Previous studies have investigated ocular findings in other breeds of horses; however, no studies exist for the Warmblood breed. To determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in a convenience sample of Warmblood horses in South Africa and to determine if the prevalence of lens and chorioretinal lesions increase with age. Descriptive, observational study. Warmblood horses underwent a full ophthalmic examination which included a Schirmer tear test (STT), tonometry, fluorescein dye testing, slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Age was categorised into three groups namely <8 years old, 8-13 years old and 14+ years old for statistical analysis. Prevalence of lens and chorioretinal lesions were compared between age categories. One hundred and four horses (208 eyes) were examined. The age range was 5 months to 30 years (mean 11 years, standard deviation [SD] 6 years). Ocular pathology was noted in 125 eyes (60.1%) and 79 horses (76%). The highest number of lesions were noted in the choroid and retina, iris and lens. Chorioretinal lesions were seen in 100 eyes (48.1%) and in 65 horses (62.5%). Iridial lesions were seen in 19 eyes (9.1%) and 12 horses (11.5%). Cataracts were seen in 19 eyes (9.1%) and in 13 horses (12.5%). The presence of total chorioretinal lesions (eye level [p = 0.002]; horse level [p = 0.004]), focal chorioretinal lesions (eye level [p = 0.004]; horse level [p = 0.008]) and cataract (eye [p = 0.03]; horse level [p = 0.02]) were all shown to statistically increase with age. A small sample size and limited geographic area. There was a high prevalence of ocular pathology in this population of Warmblood horses in South Africa. This reiterates the importance of an ocular examination as a part of routine health checks, as well as during prepurchase examinations.

Use of a poll-mounted accelerometer for quantification and characterisation of equine trigeminal-mediated headshaking.

Equine trigeminal-mediated (TGM) headshaking (HS) is a neuropathic facial pain syndrome characterised by varying intensity and frequencies of head movements and signs of nasal irritation. An accurate method for quantification and/or characterisation of HS severity is lacking. To develop and validate an objective measure of TGMHS. Prospective case control study. Horses presenting for investigation of HS were recruited alongside those presenting for forelimb lameness (LAME) and pre-purchase examination as well as healthy controls (CONTROL). Head movement data were collected for 5 min whilst trotting on the lunge using a tri-axial accelerometer, with a range of ±16 g and sampling rate of 800 Hz, attached to the bridle headpiece. Recordings were exported for processing. Peak detection was performed using minimum and maximum thresholds of -1 g and +1 g (corrected for gravity) and a minimum peak width of 10 samples. Fifty-six horses were included in the study; 18 TGMHS, 10 non-TGMHS, 12 LAME and 16 CONTROL. Characteristics and frequency of vertical (Z axis) head movements of TGMHS horses differed significantly from other horses. TGMHS horses had peaks with greater mean and maximum positive g-force (P < 0.005) and lower mean and minimum negative g-force (P < 0.001), greater frequency of peaks/min (P < 0.001) and over 12 times greater percentage of peaks >+2 g compared with other horses (P < 0.001). Receiver operator curve characteristics of percentage of peaks >+2 g (CI 0.72-0.95), percentage of peaks <-2 g (CI 0.66-0.92) and percentage of peaks <-2 g and >+2 g (CI 0.72-0.96) showed excellent discrimination of TGMHS horses from LAME, CONTROL and non-TGMHS horses. Referral population of horses, small sample size and control horses were not evaluated for orthopaedic disease. Accelerometer data from trotting exercise on the lunge provides an objective measure of HS and can differentiate between TGMHS, non-TGMHS, normal head movements and those associated with forelimb lameness. Accelerometer use may aid HS diagnosis and monitoring of management strategies.

Survey-based investigation of sports and leisure horse owners' approaches to, and expectations of, equine veterinary care.

Client satisfaction depends on the balance between expectations and service experience. Previous research identified seven aspects of equine veterinary professional conduct that are important for client satisfaction: quality of care, quality of service, horsemanship, transfer of knowledge, financial aspects, interpersonal skills and professionalism. By employing a cross-sectional study design through a survey-based investigation, horse owners' initial contact preferences and their perceptions of the importance of various aspects of veterinary care in different scenarios were explored. Categories included professional versus amateur and competitive versus non-competitive horse owners. Quantitative data analysis was performed. Data from 1153 participants revealed that horse owners promptly contacted veterinarians for colic (92.7%) but delayed for lameness (51.8%) and pre-purchase examinations (63.0%). Overall, quality of care emerged as the most important aspect of veterinary care for horse owners, with financial aspects considered least important. Competitive and professional horse owners prioritised financial aspects and professionalism, whereas non-professional and non-competitive horse owners prioritised quality of care and interpersonal skills (p<0.005). Survey distribution relied on a snowball effect, internet access was necessary and the study exclusively represents the Western equine community. Potential bias should be acknowledged. The perceived importance of various aspects of veterinary care varies depending on the nature of the consultation and the horse owner type. Tailoring veterinary services can improve client satisfaction by aligning with diverse expectations.

Should radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine remain part of the pre‐purchase examination?

SummaryThe inclusion of thoracolumbar radiographs in a pre‐purchase examination (PPE) is a topic of current and intense debate, subsequent to a statement from the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) advocating the exclusion of spinous process radiography from the PPE. This review will consider the reasons behind the addition of such radiographs into PPEs, the limitations of radiography in ambulatory practice and therefore, the diagnostic limitations to the practitioner, the diagnostic benefit of a complete radiographic examination, and discussion of common and less‐frequent thoracolumbar pathologies. We will focus on laterolateral radiographs of the spinous processes as these are most commonly acquired during the PPE. The lack of consistent and repeatable grading systems highlights the subjective nature and variability in assessing this region radiographically. Coupled with the sparse scientific evidence of correlation between clinical signs of primary back pain, future performance in different levels and disciplines of equine athletes and radiographic abnormalities of the thoracolumbar spine leads us to conclude that taking radiographs of the back during PPEs should not be performed unless the clinical examination indicates otherwise.

Should cervical radiographs be included in a pre‐purchase examination?

SummaryCervical radiographs are more frequently being acquired or requested as part of a pre‐purchase examination (PPE). Evaluating radiographs allows for detection of diseases which may prejudice the horse's suitability for its intended purpose. A thorough clinical examination is the most important element of a PPE and limits the list of possible radiographic findings to those that can be subclinical. Radiographic findings such as morphological variations of the vertebrae, osteoarthritis and osteochondral fragmentation are often present in asymptomatic horses. Furthermore, current evidence suggests that most findings present on cervical radiographs acquired at PPE are of unknown or low significance in a clinically normal horse. There is also minimal evidence of the progression of subclinical cervical radiographic abnormalities and their future impact on performance. Due to the high level of superimposition that is inherent to cervical radiographs, the reliability of interpretation of these findings is often variable. Additionally, PPE radiographs are often acquired in the ambulatory setting and the limitations of the equipment and environment can compromise their diagnostic value. Therefore, at this time, there is little evidence to support the acquisition of cervical radiographs as part of a PPE.

Prejudicial findings regarding suitability for intended purpose during pre-purchase examinations in a mixed horse population-A retrospective observational study in the United Kingdom.

Pre-purchase examinations (PPEs) are performed for prospective purchasers of horses to identify prejudicial findings that could make animals unsuitable for an intended use. Although this examination process is often standardised, PPEs remain, in large parts, a subjective procedure. In the United Kingdom, PPEs generally consist of either a two stage (two stage vetting [2SV], i.e., general physical examination at rest and basic trot in-hand) or a five stage-examination (five stage vetting [5SV], i.e., general physical exam at rest and after exercise, lameness evaluation including strenuous exercise with re-evaluation after a period of recovery). To identify the proportion of PPEs with prejudicial findings in a mixed horse population in the United Kingdom and to determine those findings. Retrospective observational study. PPE certificates from three first opinion equine practices were reviewed. Data collected included practice identity, examination format (i.e., 2SV or 5SV), PPE outcome, radiographs obtained (yes/no), purchase price, animal signalment, intended use and prejudicial PPE findings, if indicated. Prejudicial findings were grouped in 10 subcategories. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all parameters. Non-normally distributed numeric data between groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical data were compared between groups using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. Overall, 133 pre-purchase examination certificates were analysed. Seventy-six horses (57.1%) had prejudicial findings: Sixty-one (68.5%) horses undergoing 5SV and 15 (34.1%) of horses undergoing 2SV. Most horses had lameness as the primary prejudicial finding. Horses with a higher purchase price were more likely to undergo 5SV, undergo pre-purchase radiography, and were more likely to have prejudicial findings identified. Data were obtained retrospectively from PPE certificates from a single mixed horse population and different results may have been obtained by analysing a larger number of animals or PPEs of horses intended for different uses, from different geographical regions or undergoing a different PPE format. The level of competition in the intended discipline for horses was not recorded. Analysed data were limited to the information recorded on the PPE certificates, and the original radiographs, ultrasonography images and other additional diagnostic data were not reviewed. Lameness was the most common prejudicial PPE finding. More expensive horses were more likely to undergo a 5SV, have pre-purchase radiographs obtained and have prejudicial findings identified. These results may help inform prospective studies examining the merits of 5SV versus 2SV formats and the value of inclusion of additional diagnostic imaging in PPEs in the general horse population.

Substantial variability exists in the interpretation of survey radiographs among equine veterinarians.

Radiographs are a common diagnostic tool utilised during pre-purchase examinations, yet differences surround their interpretation among equine veterinarians. (1) To determine veterinarians' subjective impressions of a spectrum of radiographic abnormalities regarding suitability for purchase; (2) To determine how veterinarians' years in practice, primary discipline or board certification status influence their subjective impression of radiographic abnormalities, and (3) To determine how horses' discipline, current level of work (working at intended level vs. future prospect) and buyer intent (sell vs. retain ownership) influence veterinarians' subsequent recommendation. Worldwide electronic survey of veterinary professionals. Four radiographic series of navicular bones, tarsi, and stifles, representing varying degrees of pathological change (normal, mild, moderate and marked) were presented. Respondents (n = 211) graded their level of concern from 1 (no concern) to 10 (very concerned) based on the radiographs and case scenarios presented. Overall, as the grade of pathological change increased for each anatomical location, so did the level of veterinarian concern, but a wide range of answers were submitted for all grades of pathology. Board certified practitioners had a higher level of concern over marked radiographic changes of the navicular bone for both western performance and English sport horses as well as prospect horses (mean = 7.2 vs. 6.1; P = 0.009; 95% CI for difference = [0.3, 2.0]). Board certified respondents had a lower level of concern over marked radiographic changes of the tarsus regardless of the performance status of the horse (mean = 7.1 vs. 8.0; P = 0.008; 95% CI for difference = [-1.5, -0.2]). Western performance horse practitioners had a lower level of concern over mild radiographic changes of the tarsus regardless of the performance status of the horse (mean = 3.3 vs. 4.2; P = 0.009; 95% CI for difference = [-1.6, -0.2]). Only one example of each pathological grade per anatomical region was presented. On survey radiographs, the perceived clinical relevance of radiographic abnormalities among equine practitioners differs widely, making purchase recommendations highly variable.

A review of radiographic interpretation of the navicular bone

Navicular syndrome (also called navicular disease) plays a major role in the equine industry as a chronic, degenerative and often career-limiting disease process which affects a variety of breeds of horses. In addition to clinical signs and diagnostic analgesia, diagnostic imaging plays a key role in identification of this disease process – radiography is the most used imaging modality. In addition to their clinical utility, foot radiographs are a standard element of most pre-purchase examinations. Good radiographic quality and positioning are necessary for accurate interpretation. Radiographic lesions of the navicular bone such as sclerosis, enlarged synovial invaginations, distal border fragments and flexor cortical erosions are important to identify and understand because of their potential role in the disease process. This article reviews an approach to radiological evaluation and interpretation of lesions affecting the navicular bone.

The history oft the pre-purchase examination in the horse – Part II: The horse trade after foundation of veterinary schools, the developement of the veterinary profession, of diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and methods, the military veterinary constitution, and the remounting of military and police horses

The history oft the pre-purchase examination in the horse – Part II: The horse trade after foundation of veterinary schools, the developement of the veterinary profession, of diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and methods, the military veterinary constitution, and the remounting of military and police horses

Digitalisation in pre-purchase examination and prospects for an equine health database in Germany-Results of an online survey among equine veterinarians.

Digital recording and storage of health data are becoming increasingly important in the fields of both human and veterinary medicine. There is currently a lack of information on the level of digitalisation among equine veterinarians in Germany and their attitudes towards advanced digitalisation. To collect opinions of equine veterinarians about (1) digital data collection in pre-purchase examinations (PPEs), and (2) the establishment of an equine health database in Germany. Cross-sectional survey. An online survey was developed and distributed via email exclusively to equine veterinarians in Germany. After 40 days of data collection, answers were used for descriptive statistical analyses. The survey was sent to 1055 recipients, of which 147 (13.9%) participated and 130 survey responses from equine veterinarians could be used for analyses. Most respondents were working in an equine practice (77.9%) and performing PPEs (93.8%), for which they mostly used printed protocols (86.0%). The PPE protocol of the German Equine Veterinary Association as a paper print was the format most frequently used (47.1%). The majority of participating equine veterinarians (90.2%) would use a digital protocol for PPEs if available. Concerns were expressed about user-friendliness (55.9%) and integration into the daily veterinary routine (54.6%). Regarding the establishment of an equine health database, 72.3% of the respondents stated they would appreciate it. However, about one-third would support such a development only under certain conditions: guaranteed data safety, collection of objective data or involving the opinion of other stakeholders. Low response rate, potential non-response bias and wide range of question topics. A positive attitude towards digital PPEs and an equine health database in Germany became apparent. To facilitate further progress, it would be crucial to consider the concerns and conditions identified in this study to generate maximum compliance.

Design and Implementation of a Safe Equine Radiation-Free Radiographic Simulator for Veterinary Skills Training in the Pre-clinical Curriculum.

The ninth standard of accreditation as outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) mandates that all accredited colleges of veterinary medicine must provide instruction in medicine and surgery, including principles of practice, hands-on experiences with diagnostic methods, and interpretation of clinical findings. In equine practice, diagnostic imaging is used as a first-line diagnostic approach and is an integral part of pre-purchase and lameness examinations. Accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation relies heavily upon procedural techniques to acquire diagnostic images and overcome both motion artifacts and obliquity. Because the sizes and temperaments of equine patients potentiate hazardous working conditions for the veterinary team, learners might benefit from simulations that allow them to practice holding the x-ray generator and the imaging plate for diagnostic image acquisition in the absence of live horses. This teaching tip describes the development of a novel equine radiographic simulator for skills training in the veterinary curriculum. The model allows learners to handle imaging equipment safely and without radiation exposure as they develop proficiency positioning radiographic plates and placing directional markers. Learners can also test their understanding of radiographic positioning in reverse: if given a radiograph, they can be asked to describe how the x-ray generator was positioned to obtain the diagnostic image. Future iterations will investigate the simulator's efficacy with respect to learning outcomes when the model is paired with an assessment rubric as part of an objective standardized clinical examination.

Performing prepurchase examinations of sport horses

Background: The sport horse industry is growing exponentially worldwide. Alongside this there is an increasing demand for veterinary prepurchase examinations. It's important for all equine veterinarians to be familiar with how to perform these examinations in order to best advise their clients.Aim of the article: This article is primarily intended to assist British veterinarians perform prepurchase examinations (PPEs) of sport horses. The information provided here is based on our experience and opinions. Veterinarians must have comprehensive understanding of the British Equine Veterinary Association's and RCVS's guidance notes on this topic before undertaking PPEs.

The history of the pre-purchase examination in the horse – Part I: The evolution of equine medicine and the pre-purchase examination from antiquity up to 1762 and the legal history of horse purchase

The history of the pre-purchase examination in the horse – Part I: The evolution of equine medicine and the pre-purchase examination from antiquity up to 1762 and the legal history of horse purchase

Avoiding pitfalls in today's pre-purchase examinations

The pre-purchase examination is a complex procedure, providing not only clinical, but logistical and communication challenges to surmount. Practitioners should aspire to deliver an excellent level of client service and fairly interpret whether any condition identified prejudices the suitability of the horse for a specific use, dispelling the perception that clinicians practise defensive medicine. In recent times, an unprecedented number of horses are being bought unseen and the technology used to enable this presents a new array of potential pitfalls. A plethora of literature is available discussing clinical diligence during the examination itself, including how to assess individual body systems in the most effective manner. This article focuses on how pitfalls can be identified and avoided with good preparation, as well as the impact of how the pre-purchase examination is evolving in the digital era.

Inter- and intra-observer agreement for grading radiographs of thoracolumbar spinous processes in healthy horses during a pre-purchase examination.

There is wide variability in radiographic grading systems in thoracolumbar spinous processes in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the agreement of grading different parameters, and combinations of those, in radiographs of the spinous processes of the equine thoracolumbar spine in the scope of a pre-purchase examination. We hypothesized that agreement is variable and interpretation of these radiographs is difficult. Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine of healthy horses (N=100) were assessed by three observers. Spinous processes were separately graded for interspinous space width, modelling, radiopacities, radiolucencies and isolated opacities dorsally. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was assessed for individual and combinations of parameters. Agreement (inter- and intra-observer) was good for the following parameters: interspinous space width, isolated opacities dorsally, beak-shaped formations craniodorsally and modelling cranioventrally. The agreement increased slightly for a sum of specific parameters such as radiopacities, modelling, dorsal abnormalities and related abnormalities involving increased opacity, modelling and osseous cyst-like lesions. Agreement for the total radiographic abnormalities per back was moderate. Grading of thoracolumbar radiographs in horses without back pain showed good inter- and intra-observer agreement for specific parameters and these should be used in future grading of spinous processes. Limitations should be considered in pre-purchase examinations.

Identification and Clinical Significance of Heart Murmurs in Puppies Involved in Puppy Trade.

The detection of a congenital heart defect at purchase is an important step in early detection from a clinical and legal standpoint. Indeed, some cardiac abnormalities may be corrected with surgery, and very often, treatment needs to be performed early before congestive heart failure or irreversible heart damage can occur. From a legal viewpoint, if the defect is revealed in a newly purchased puppy, the buyer may be required to return it and receive compensation. Puppies affected with congenital heart defects are likely to die prematurely, causing emotional suffering to the owner. Furthermore, by considering breed predisposition, early recognition allows breeders to avoid breeding from particular dogs with genetic defects and prevent the continuation of genetic defects in breeding lines. Given gaps in the literature about the recognition of murmurs in the puppy trade, the present article describes how to identify a heart murmur in a puppy during a pre-purchase examination and its significance from a clinical and legal viewpoint. In the canine population, the prevalence of cardiac defects ranges between 0.13 and 1.6%. Pulmonic stenosis is the most common defect found in puppies, followed by patent ductus arteriosus, subaortic stenosis, and ventricular septal defect. On the basis of the above considerations, the veterinarian should recognize and identify the murmur following a protocol for routine examination of puppies involved in trade.

Clinical findings associated with blunt ocular trauma in horses: a retrospective analysis.

Identify ocular findings associated with blunt ocular trauma to aid in differentiation from other equine ocular diseases. Retrospective case-control study. Medical records of horses at the Equine Clinic Munich-Riem, Munich, Germany and Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine were reviewed. Age, sex, breed, laterality, and clinical findings on ophthalmic examination, as well as an observed (confirmed) or unobserved (suspected) history of trauma, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to identify any correlation between clinical signs and blunt ocular trauma. Fifty-nine clinical signs were evaluated, and their association with blunt ocular trauma and non-traumatic uveitis was determined. The frequency of clinical signs associated with non-traumatic uveitis was also reported. Fifty-five eyes affected with blunt trauma were included. The comparison group consisted of 233 eyes (168horses) diagnosed with non-traumatic uveitis. The most frequent ocular findings after BOT included cataract (36/55, 65.5%), corneal edema (26/55, 47.2%), decreased intraocular pressure (23/55, 41.8%), aqueous flare (19/55, 34.5%), lens subluxation, luxation, or lens loss (18/55, 32.7%), fibrin in the anterior chamber (18/55, 32.7%), hyphema (16/55, 29.1%), peripapillary depigmentation ("butterfly lesion") (16/55, 29.1%), conjunctival hyperemia (16/55, 29.1%), corneal fibrosis (15/55, 27.3%), corpora nigra avulsion (14/55, 25.5%), blepharospasm (13/55, 23.6%), and iridodialysis (11/55, 20.0%). The characteristic pattern of ocular signs associated with blunt ocular trauma may assist in differentiation from other types of uveitis and may improve interpretation of ocular lesions identified during pre-purchase examinations. This study also represents the first peer-reviewed documented and photographed cases of iridodialysis in the horse.

Movement asymmetries in horses presented for prepurchase or lameness examination.

SummaryBackgroundThe increasing popularity of objective gait analysis makes application in prepurchase examinations (PPE) a logical next step. Therefore, there is a need to have more understanding of asymmetry during a PPE in horses described on clinical evaluation as subtly lame.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to objectively compare asymmetry in horses raising minor vet concerns in a PPE and in horses raising major vet concerns with that found in horses presented with subtle single‐limb lameness, and to investigate the effect of age/discipline on the clinicians' interpretation of asymmetry on the classification of minor vet concerns in a PPE.Study DesignClinical case‐series.MethodsHorses presented for PPE (n = 98) or subjectively evaluated as single limb low‐grade (1–2/5) lame (n = 24, 13 forelimb lame, 11 hindlimb lame), from the patient population of a single clinic, were enrolled in the study provided that owners were willing to participate. Horses undergoing PPE were assigned a classification of having minor vet concerns (n = 84) or major vet concerns (n = 14) based on findings during the dynamic‐orthopaedic part of the PPE. Lame horses were only included if pain‐related lameness was confirmed by an objective improvement after diagnostic analgesia exceeding daily variation determined for equine symmetry parameters using optical motion capture. Clinical evaluation was performed by six different clinicians, each with ≥8 years of equine orthopaedic experience. Vertical movement symmetry was measured using optical motion capture, simultaneously with the orthopaedic examination. Data were analysed using previously described parameters and mixed model analysis and least squares means were used to calculate differences between groups.ResultsThere was no effect of age or discipline on the levels of asymmetry within PPE horses raising minor vet concerns. MinDiff and RUD of the head discriminated between forelimb lame and PPE horses raising minor vet concerns; MinDiff, MaxDiff, RUD of the Pelvis, HHDswing and HHDstance did so for hindlimb lameness. Two lameness patterns differentiated both forelimb and hindlimb lame from PPE horses with minor vet concerns: RUD Poll + MinDiff Withers – RUD Pelvis and RUD Pelvis + RUD Poll − MinDiff Withers. Correcting for vertical range of motion enabled differentiation of PPE horses with minor vet concerns from PPE horses with major vet concerns.Main LimitationsObjective data only based on trot on soft surface, limited number of PPE horses with major vet concerns.ConclusionsCombinations of kinematic parameters discriminate between PPE horses with minor vet concerns and subtly lame horses, though overlap exists.

Cardiac pre‐purchase examination in horses – evaluation, outcome and athletic follow‐up

SummaryThis retrospective study describes the clinical, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic data for 174 horses presented for a cardiac evaluation as part of their pre‐purchase examination (PPE). Follow‐up information regarding outcome and performance was obtained via interview and/or FEI records. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the abnormalities found on cardiac pre‐purchase examinations (PPE), (2) assess whether athletic prognosis generated by comprehensive cardiovascular examination at the time of the PPE was predictive of cardiac limitations to intended athletic activity and (3) evaluate whether signalment, murmur characteristics, presence of an arrhythmia or final diagnosis could predict either the prognosis or cardiac limitations to performance. The majority of horses had mild disease or physiological murmurs/arrhythmias (142 horses). However, performance‐limiting conditions were found in 29 horses, and this included moderate or severe mitral and aortic regurgitation, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, large ventricular septal defects, an aortocardiac fistula, atrial fibrillation, atrial tachycardia with second degree AV block and frequent ventricular premature complexes during exercise. Athletic prognosis was excellent in 142 horses (with 60 normal horses and 82 horses with mild disease and an excellent prognosis), fair in 18 horses and poor in 11 horses. Athletic outcome was analysed in 96 horses. Prognosis given at the time of the PPE was the only significant predictor of the athletic outcome. Signalment, auscultation findings and diagnosis were not significantly associated with prognosis or outcome. Comprehensive cardiac examinations in horses with murmurs and arrhythmias at the time of the pre‐purchase examination should be recommended and provide a unique opportunity to eliminate at‐risk horses from the sport.

Do owners recognise abnormal equine behaviour when tacking‐up and mounting? A comparison between responses to a questionnaire and real‐time observations

SummaryBackgroundCauses of abnormal behaviour during tacking‐up or mounting are multifactorial, but may be associated with an ill‐fitting saddle, a rider sitting on the caudal third of the saddle, or lameness.ObjectivesTo determine whether: (1) owners believed their horse showed abnormal behaviour when tacked‐up or mounted; (2) this agreed with observations by a veterinarian.Study designCross‐sectional study; convenience sample.MethodsHorses were undergoing prepurchase examinations, investigation of poor performance, or were recruited by invitation. Owners were asked if their horse showed abnormal behaviour when tacked‐up or mounted and subsequently whether they showed specific behaviours (yes/no) during bridling, saddling, girthing and mounting. Each horse was observed during tacking‐up and mounting by one veterinarian who recorded the occurrence of each behaviour. Agreement between the owners and the veterinarian was evaluated using intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOverall 34.2% (66/193) of owners reported that their horse showed behavioural abnormalities during tacking‐up or mounting. There was poor to good agreement between the owners and veterinarian for horses putting their head up to avoid bridling (ICC 0.53, CI 0.37, 0.64) and being reluctant to open their mouth for the bit (ICC 0.52, CI 0.36, 0.64). There was poor to fair agreement for evading noseband tightening (ICC 0.41, CI 0.21, 0.56), elevating the head (ICC 0.24, CI 0.00, 0.43) and teeth grinding (ICC 0.23, CI 0.00, 0.42). For attempts to bite, there was fair to excellent agreement during saddling (ICC 0.67, CI 0.56, 0.75) and good to excellent agreement during girthing (ICC 0.73, CI 0.64, 0.79). Results for some behaviours suggested potential systematic disagreement between the veterinarian and owners.Main limitationsPotential bias of volunteers recruited by invitation. Day‐to‐day variation of behaviours is unknown.ConclusionsThe majority of owners were unaware that their horses showed behavioural abnormalities during tacking‐up or mounting.