HOW-TO SESSION: PRE-PURCHASE EXAM FOR THE WESTERN HORSE 3. The Exam


The Horse Be sure that the horse you are being asked to exam- ine is actually the horse that is presented. Check papers, markings, teeth, tattoos, freeze brands, and microchips if available to verify the identity of the patient before ever proceeding with the exam.


Format


Remember, the documentation is the key to a full understanding of the exam, the communication that occurred, and the findings that were discovered. Days, weeks, and months after the exam has been concluded, the documentation is all anyone will have to authenticate what occurred on the day of the exam. Documentation of each step is key to both avoiding a legal issue in the first place and defend- ing a legal claim should any miscommunication or unfavorable outcome result for your client in the future. Again, do not make any guarantees on the horse’s future potential. You are assessing an an- imal as it exists in the moment of the exam. Make this distinction in your own mind as you proceed through the steps of your exam and make this dis- tinction abundantly clear in your documentation and in your communication to your client.


Environment


It is best if you examine the horse in an environment that you are familiar with where the horse can be handled by you and your staff. This will prove useful when going through the paces of the actual physical exam and will prevent any irregular cir- cumstances that otherwise might be out of your con- trol. Utilize your own staff when handling the horse, for both safety and to maintain complete con- trol of each phase of the exam. Having your own personnel handle the horse is critical to maintaining the environment and the integrity of your familiar approach to the examination. You are responsible for driving the exam, for identifying potential haz- ards that may lead to confusion, and creating a transparent experience for everyone so that there can be no misunderstandings. Make sure you understand who will be present at


the exam so that you can be prepared for that envi- ronment. It is best if only you and the client are present so that you can communicate your findings freely. Although there can be advantages to having the seller present at the examination (e.g., the horse is demonstrably lame), the buyer is your client and deserves private discussion about the examination of the horse and the significance of findings during the examination without the seller being present.1 As you move through the exam, you may find the


need for a ridden portion of the exam. If this is necessary, be sure you have the seller’s permission for the horse to be ridden by the specified rider. If you select the rider, always ensure that the rider you have designated is qualified to ride the level of


horse that you are evaluating. Should you prefer to ride the horse yourself, obtain the consent of the seller, and consider your own level of expertise as a rider and whether it is suitable for the level of horse you are examining. Alternatively, should you deem appropriate, you may ask the seller to either ride, or appoint someone to ride the horse. Ensure that the footing, the tack and the exercise are appropriate for the horse being examined. Video recording the exam can be an added layer of documentation. It can support your communica- tion of the exam and possibly defend your method- ology and findings should a future issue arise.


Bloodwork and Diagnostics


Recommend drug testing for analgesics, anabolic steroids, behavior-altering medications, breed- specific genetic or inheritable diseases (hyper- kalemic periodic paralysis [HYPP], hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia [HERDA]), etc; as- sure blood samples are drawn prior to any treat- ments such as sedation for radiographs.3 When blood is drawn, immediately separate and submit for testing. Should you elect to store a blood sample, recognize that there could be questions regarding the chain of custody of the stored sample. Understand the limitations of your examination procedures. Do not make assumptions. Offer all diagnostic procedures that you feel are appropriate. If you do not have the necessary diagnostic equip- ment in your practice, make verbal and written recommendation to have these diagnostic tests per- formed at a referral facility. Document in writing every diagnostic service offered and ask the buyer to initial next to that statement if they elected to de- cline them. Always exercise due diligence when going through each phase of your exam. If you are uncertain about the results of any diagnostics that you do perform, consult with specialists who may provide critical insight.


4. Legal Issues


Your efforts in identifying the parties involved, pro- viding full disclosure, and documenting your com- munication and findings are all steps taken to avoid running afoul of any legal issues. Potential legal issues in a pre-purchase exam scenario could arise from malpractice, agency, negligent or innocent misrepresentation, and from a claim for express warranty.


Malpractice


Malpractice is among the key areas of concern and this rests with your expertise and thoroughness as a veterinarian. Should an issue with the horse’s health or soundness be discovered after a purchase that a buyer feels should have been discovered dur- ing the exam, legal problems can result. In this case, the client will seek to prove that the horse has an issue that should have been discovered during


AAEP PROCEEDINGS  Vol. 65  2019 479


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