Pre-Purchase Vetting Reveals Heart Conditions in Horses

When buying a horse, especially if you plan to show or compete with it, a thorough pre-purchase vetting is essential to uncover any hidden health concerns, including potentially serious heart conditions. While the horse may appear healthy and perform well during an initial viewing, some cardiovascular problems might only become apparent during a veterinary examination.

Understanding Pre-Purchase Vetting and Heart Checks

A pre-purchase veterinary examination (PPE) aims to detect existing health issues that could affect the horse’s performance and longevity. Heart conditions are a major focus due to their impact on the horse’s safety during exercise and competition. The vet starts with a physical examination, including listening to the heart with a stethoscope from both sides of the chest to identify any abnormal heart murmurs or irregular rhythms (arrhythmias).

Some heart defects are only evident under physical stress, so the vet may assess the horse before and after exercise. This is why a comprehensive 5-stage vetting, which includes exercise and recovery monitoring, is recommended for buyers who want the most reliable information.

Detecting Heart Murmurs and Arrhythmias

During the exam, the vet listens for unusual sounds such as loud murmurs during the systolic phase of the heartbeat, which can indicate a congenital defect like a ventricular septal defect—a hole in the heart’s septum separating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. These abnormalities force the heart to work harder and can contribute to heart failure over time.

If murmurs or arrhythmias are suspected, the vet may recommend specialised tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart's electrical activity or an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to assess blood flow and structural abnormalities. These tests are sometimes performed during exercise for accurate diagnosis.

Types of Pre-Purchase Vettings

There are two primary types of PPEs:

• Two-stage vetting: A more limited exam typically done at rest without exercise, suitable for lower-risk purchases.
• Five-stage vetting: A comprehensive exam including rest, exercise, and recovery stages, crucial for detecting subtle heart or respiratory issues that appear only under physical stress.

Choosing the appropriate type depends on your horse use intentions and risk tolerance. The five-stage vetting is preferred for competition horses to maximise detection of any heart concerns.

Preparing for a Pre-Purchase Vetting

To ensure an accurate examination and vet’s full access to required information, owners should:

• Provide the full name and contact details of the seller for record-keeping.
• Have all papers and official documentation, including the horse passport, ready to be shown to the vet.
• Ensure the horse is clean, groomed, and stabled for at least three hours prior to the vetting.
• Make sure the horse’s feet have been trimmed or recently shod, but avoid applying hoof oil beforehand.
• Keep the horse in a dark stable to facilitate a thorough eye examination as vision issues can influence suitability.
• Provide a flat, hard, and safe surface for trotting the horse—avoid fields for this purpose.
• Offer access to a lunging or schooling area to allow the vet to observe the horse’s movement and behaviour under exercise.
• Pre-book additional tests such as ultrasonography or endoscopy if desired or requested, especially if insurance requires it.

Making an Informed Decision

Identifying a heart condition during vetting—whether minor or serious—is crucial to make an informed purchase choice. While many horses with mild murmurs remain healthy and perform well, others with serious defects may pose safety risks or have a reduced lifespan. Your vet’s expert opinion will guide whether the risk is acceptable or if it is safer to decline the purchase.

Insurance providers may also require additional tests or may decline to insure horses with heart abnormalities. It is advisable to check these requirements ahead of booking your pre-purchase vetting.

By investing in comprehensive pre-purchase vetting, especially a five-stage exam with exercise and ECG monitoring, you protect your investment and your horse's wellbeing, ensuring many happy years together.

For buying a horse, always choose reputable sources and trusted horses for sale to promote responsible ownership and animal welfare.