Posted 2013-11-24 1:42 PM Subject: Pre-purchase exam vs. splints
Veteran
Posts: 114
I have a pending sale on a 5 year old that has popped splints while he was at reining training. When he came home I brought him in for x-rays just to be safe. Simple popped splint and bone calcification. Although not the prettiest legs, they do not affect him. But my concern is when a pre-purchase exam is done, is this considered an automatic fail?
I know how strict the guidelines are for "fail" and "pass" for pre-purchase exams to keep the vets out of deep water.
Posted 2013-11-24 1:46 PM Subject: RE: Pre-purchase exam vs. splints
The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
It all depends on the vet, and the X-rays, was there a fracture in the splint? Also what the integrity of the surrounding bone looks like. I would also want to know if any damage was done to ligaments or damage.
My vet would probably fail, but he would also give me the treatment options and the costs to treat
Posted 2013-11-24 5:49 PM Subject: RE: Pre-purchase exam vs. splints
Expert
Posts: 3147
The big concern on splints to a vet would be why the horse has them. If it's due to poor conformation then the splints would be a question mark. Cold splints from an accident are of little concern. Horses with offset cannon bones, bench kneed, etc are going to pop splints and those splints are of concern.
Posted 2013-11-24 6:47 PM Subject: RE: Pre-purchase exam vs. splints
Elite Veteran
Posts: 678 Location: Canada
Most vets around here don't "pass or fail" a horse on a vet check. If a horse is unsound and unrideable or horribly flawed on conformation yes it's a fail but for the most part it's an over view of the horse, the present issues noted and potential issues that may arise and the potential costs to maintain the horse. The buyer then proceeds with the sale based on the info or passes on the horse.
If you have interested parties just be honest the horse popped a split. You have the radiographs and a vet check which you can share with them and their vet. The only issue that the buyer may have is insuring the horse. Any injuries or lameness from the splits are likely not covered but the rest of the horse is.
Posted 2013-11-24 6:54 PM Subject: RE: Pre-purchase exam vs. splints
Blackbelt Babe
Posts: 9405 Location: South Georgia Good o'l USA
Poor conformation would be my only concern...many pop splints on the track as unconditioned two year olds but a good blister would ward off scar's and signs...it could be just that though.....either way...they're a negative to the resale value so it depends on what your intentions are....a correct conformation is important for the barrel prospect though.
Pre-purchase exam vs. splints
