Calls for dental checks to be in routine sale vettings

Only a basic mouth check is currently part of the standard pre-purchase examination.

- BECKY MURRAY

CALLS have been made for pre-purchase examination (PPE) guidelines to include more dental checks - as many owners are "largely in the dark" about the "minimal" procedure.

The topic was addressed by Rob Pascoe of Equine Dentistry Referrals at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress (11-14 September).

Current PPE guidelines include an examination of the horse's incisors. They add that examination with a gag "may be included as an additional procedure; however, some dental abnormalities may only be detected by a more detailed exam using sedation and a dental mirror or orascope".

Mr Pascoe believes the PPE process "has tended to overlook dentistry" and said there are conditions of the oral cavity that can prejudice a horse's suitability for intended use.

"Owners can find themselves purchasing animals with significant dental problems, ongoing treatment costs, and they're not aware," he said.