Vet check or not to Vet check… that’s the question!
An interview with Ed Millhouse
Conducted by Martha Northwick

Looking for a new horse? Buying your first horse? We all wrestle with whether or not you should call your vet in, to check out your big purchase. I sat down with Ed Millhouse of Millhouse Veterinary Service to get his take on the subject.

How did you get involved with horses?

I was born in a manger! (Ha, ha very funny!) Actually I lived in town until I was around 9 or so. I had a few friends that had horses and after begging for YEARS my parents gave in and we moved out of town. I started riding with my neighbors and after that my parents granted my wish and got me a horse. I rode bareback for an entire year before getting my first saddle. My dad got really involved with the horses and we just kept growing from there. I’ve always loved horses and then decided to take it even a step further by becoming a vet.

How long have you been a Vet? Where did you go to school?

I have been a vet for over 20 years. I got my undergraduate degree at the University of River Falls. They have a great horse program and I learned TONS there. I was the first kid in my family to graduate college so it was a great honor. My family was thrilled when I decided to go to Madison to finish my studies. I picked Madison because they not only have a great program, but offer the ability to go anywhere your 4th year. I was able to see some really interesting cases that last year because of that! I graduated in 1990 and the rest is history!

Being you have so much experience buying horses and in the Vet science field do you have any tips for someone looking for their first horse?

Hmmm, buy an Appaloosa! Just kidding! First PLAN AHEAD! It’s important to understand all of the expenses that go with owning an animal in general. When you own a large animal like a horse, the expenses go up. So plan for that, can you truly afford everything your horse will need.

Next find someone who is smarter then you. Or at least knows more about horses then you currently do. Sit down with them and discuss what you want from your horse. Are you competing? Just trail riding? All those things are important to know prior to your search. Also the person you get to help you should be able to help you make the call when it’s time to buy. You don’t want to be overmatched with the horse you decide to buy.

Then once you find a horse, don’t get too attached until after the pre-purchase exam is done. I see it time after time when I come out. The buyer will tell me, “This horse is perfect.” And then I find something out that makes them change their mind and it devastates them!

Last, be analytical, don’t buy for color and TAKE YOUR TIME!

So what are some red flags when looking at a horse then?

Well if you’re buying from someone you don’t know or trust, no papers can be a big red flag. As a vet I can tell to a certain point how old a horse is, but without the papers there’s no guarantee.

Also ready between the lines in an ad. I see things like “Not for a beginner” or “Only rides with a hackamore.” Always ask why. When you make a large purchase like a horse you don’t want to be overmatched. Looking for clues like this will help you avoid that.

I don’t like telling someone, “This horse isn’t the one for you.” But if the seller doesn’t disclose a horses problems and I see a dangerous situation I will give you my opinion.

Why is it a good idea to have a pre-purchase exam (Vet Check)?

Even if you get a horse for free, you should do this. We always find something. Trust me… always!

Sometimes what we see is serious, sometimes the problem might stop you from taking the horse, or it might be helpful to keep your horse going for longer.

We can help make bad feet manageable, give you tips for back issues. I can help you with breeding tips that increase your odds.

Think it of it this way, when you buy a used car, you would want a mechanic to look at it or a car fax report, once they point out the issues, you see them more. A Vet can give tips on confirmation etc and you should be able to learn something about this horse you didn't know. At least you will be prepared, and get the things you can't see or wouldn't look for.

Basically a pre-purchase exam or vet check helps pave the way for a good future with your new horse.

What does the exam consist of?

I always tell people to schedule at least 45 minuetes of time for an exam like this.
First I get a detailed history of the horse. I ask more questions. Getting a good history is really important. When I talk to sellers they get more specific. Things can come out at that point.

A few examples I’ve seen:

• This horse has Impressive bloodlines. (Impressive is also notorious as the primary source of the widespread genetic disease known as Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP).)
• I’ve had trouble breeding her
• I actually haven’t touched this horse much
• I feed alfalfa hay only
• He has a history of colic
• I get his joints injected
• She had surgery on this part last year that’s where the scar came from
• I didn’t break him out until he was 7 because he was crazy  

Basically I’m going to get all the information I can to make the best decisions.

 Next I’ll start the physical exam. I give your new horse a once over.
I look in their mouth, nostrils, eyes, ears. I feel each limb. Then I listen to their heart and lungs. Also for gut sounds and look for any obvious surgeries. Then I check for any conformational issues.

Once we finish that part of the exam I watch the horse move. I perform a flexion test to see if they have any issues with their legs. Then the hoof tester, where I make sure their feet are ok.  

It also depends on what you are going to be doing with your horse. I can do a breed exam (testicles, uterus, scars issues etc)

A pre-purchase exam should be thorough. You should always learn something new about the horse you’re buying.

Do you have any parting words of wisdom for us?

The biggest thing, for new or old horse people, is to be around good people that know what you want or need. You want someone that can give good advice and can help you learn. Find a place to get training. It’s ok to take a friend from the place you board. ALWAYS keep learning. As you get a base of knowledge expand. What make sense to you now won’t always be true, so keep an open mind! And have fun, succeed, keep striving to improve!  My favorite quote is, “There is something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man!” ~Winston Churchill

Oh and make sure to tip your vet big! HA!

Big thanks to Ed Millhouse for this interview! Check out his website at www.millhouseveterinary.com for more information on his practice.