Signs of Buting or Similar?

[FlyingCircus]

Just a quick question -
Are there any signs that a horse has been buted (other than taking and testing bloods)?
Just wondering if there's any more ways I can safeguard myself from getting an unsuitable horse vetted, and seeing if a horse has been buted or similar would potentially be useful just to check whilst i'm checking over the rest of the horse.

Sorry if silly question

 

[LadyRascasse]

Sadly not that I could tell you of, maybe ask about feed or view in the evening and ask to see him fed 'so you can see he isn't food aggressive' keep an eye out round the feed room while they make feeds, look at feed boards if they have one. All that said I have my bute on the shelf with my supplements but mine isn't buted its just there to hand just in case I need it.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Not a silly question at all.
However, you/vet would not know if a painkilling drug has been given, nobody could tell unless bloods taken & tested.

Its easier to check for sedation, but again this is sometimes easy to miss.

If you have any concerns, walk away now. Otherwise get vet to do a full 5 stage vetting & tell the owner you will of course be getting bloods tested.

If necessary get a document signed that commits them to pay for your vetting if the bloods show prohibited substances. (not a usual thing, but has been known to happen)

Good luck

 

[FlyingCircus]

Thanks guys

No concerns about a horse in particular right now - just wondering if there's any more things I need to look out for when I go to see a horse to buy As I've been doing typical checks all over for lumps and bumps, seeing them walked and trotted up, see them in stable, tied up outside, then undersaddle (them then me) in various different situations..so was really just wondering if there was anything else :')

 

[Tobiano]

pick his feet up! (all of them). It was the first sign of my boy's arthritis and bute doesn't touch it. He shakes his back leg if you pick up his back foot. Won't be the sign of everything but I do think I missed a trick there.

 

[Cowpony]

Turn up early so they don't have the chance to sedate, but Bute has a cumulative effect so if they've been Buting him up for a few days that won't work. Get the vet to take bloods and test them if you have a concern.