2* v 5* Vettings

[dieseldog]

I recently bought a horse and I had it 2* vetted as it wasn't really being ridden. I was quite surprised at what was included in the 2*, everything apart from being ridden.

Is this normal, or was my vet just being nice to me? I always thought that 2*s weren't really worth doing, but I wanted a bit of piece of mind so went for it.

 

[zoeshiloh]

No, that sounds about normal. I am not a big fan of 5 stage vettings to be honest, I have only had them done when the insurance demands it. For most horses a two stage will pick up any glaring problems.

 

[star]

does depend on the vet. 2 stage will often just include trot up and examination. some vets still do the flexion tests and others do the trotting in circles etc, but it's not guarenteed - there's no standard pattern they have to follow like in the 5 stage.

 

[chillidragon]

For someone who knows nothing about this, would anyone be good enough to explain what happens in each? (I gathered a bit from what was said already but I'd be grateful for a fuller description). Also, is there any such thing as 1*/3*/4* vetting? (As you may have gathered, I didn't have Brandy vetted since I'd already been riding her for such a long time anyway - it seemed rather pointless since I only intended to carry on doing exactly what we'd been doing to press, but perhaps that was the wrong idea?)

 

[auntyfred]

http://www.chinehousevets.co.uk/vetting.htm explains what each stage consists of.
At my 2* vetting the vet even took bloods!!!!

 

[houdini]

Hi
5 stage vetting includes trot up, flexion and heart after exertion (normally fast canter). This shows up any lameness that may be brought on by exercise or any heart problems afetr exercise. Some horses (especially fit horses) can have blips in their heart rate that normalise when exercised.
Taking blood is optional for any vetting and is a VDS kit which is stored for 6 months. Should the buyer enter into a dispute with seller about the horse after purchase then bloods can be tested for NSAID's / sedatives etc. Beware though as this costs over £200 so only really worth it in a court case etc. The blood is disposed of usually after 6 months.
The difference in price is usually about £50 dearer for 5 stage. I really think it depends on your vet as to how much you trust their judgement.....

 

[badgerdog]

My last 2 stage vetting was more involved than a previous one I had for a different horse. As well as the physical examination he did flexion tests, asked the horse to be lunged, trotted round in-hand in the yard and then more flexion tests. I felt it was quite thorough. It cost £120 including the call out charge.