The inclusion and extent of any oral examination as part of a pre-purchase examination (PPE) varies widely both between countries and between individual veterinarians due to the absence of specific industry standards. FEEVA acknowledges the confusion this can cause for both those within the veterinary profession and those outside, including those selling and purchasing horses. As such, this position statement intends to provide guidance and clarity on this procedure.
Oral examination as part of a standard PPE
When carrying out a standard PPE the horse is not routinely sedated, therefore oral examination may be limited to a visual examination of some or all of the following by parting the lips: the incisors, canines, rostral gum and mucosa tissues. Relevant clinical findings should be recorded as per the rest of the PPE. It is important to communicate to your client that relevant clinical findings may only be detected by a more detailed examination (e.g. using sedation and a dental mirror or oroscope). If a more extensive examination is indicated or requested, this should be considered an ‘Additional Procedure’ (see below).
Oral examination as an ‘Additional Procedure’
The extent of the examination and any equipment used should be described on the appropriate documents along with any relevant clinical findings (e.g. within the contemporaneous notes/worksheet and on the PPE certificate). For example, where used, details of the following should be included:
1. Sedation
2. Equipment (e.g. light source, speculum, mirror, probe, oroscope)
3. The anatomical areas which were included/excluded in the examination Referral to a specialist veterinary surgeon If the extent of the oral examination, either requested by the client or prompted by the initial examination, is outside the ability or beyond the experience of the examining veterinarian, it is advisable to refer the client to a veterinarian who has extensive experience of dental pathology, such as a specialist in equine dentistry in those countries where such qualifications exist (e.g. Dip EVDC (Equine)).