Neurological exam question

[Bristol_Bay]

I recently had a PPE done on a five year old TB whose last race was in October. He had maybe 26 starts and was a money winner. I specifically asked for a neurologist exam because I had to retire my gelding due to ataxia.

In the exam, the vet said “He doesn’t quite know where he is.” I saw him being pulled to the side on the tail pull. Yet the vet pronounced him sound.

I passed on the horse, but my friend thinks I should reconsider. My doubts spring from my belief that a successful 5-year-old racehorse should know where his feet are.

What say you, wise COTHers? Should I reconsider, or am I right to suspect issues down the road?

[AZ_TD]

I would trust your gut, if you got the horse you probably always be wondering. I have learned the hard way that if you make excuses for a horse (or boyfriend), it will not be a good match.

[Lunabear1988]

I’ve also learned the hard way, listen to your initial gut. If you are talking yourself into the horse, it’s not the right one.

I think you commented on my other thread, on my 4 year old with Wobblers. After that, I will always want a neurological exam AND neck/spine x-rays. Especially with any younger TBs. It’s just not worth this risk to me anymore.

[knic]

In the future, I would ask the vet to be a lot more specific in describing the results of a neuro exam. The grade of neuro deficit, which limbs were affected and which tests they performed poorly on should be detailed.

But, I also agree that you should go with your fur on this one.

[joiedevie99]

I would expect more specific findings from a neuro exam, but I agree that I would pass on this one. If you are using a vet you don’t know well, they may or may not have much experience in the area. Have the exam video taped for your vet to review later.

[Peggy]

I would have passed, or at least had more done. Did they do a whole neuro exam, including the various modes of walking downhill?

[Bristol_Bay]

@Peggy

I would have passed, or at least had more done. Did they do a whole neuro exam, including the various modes of walking downhill?

Yes, he did do that. This vet was blasé about other things that bothered me. I think I did the right thing. I just think the ‘he’s young therefore sorta uncoordinated’ comment was a tell that this horse had issues in his future. Thanks everyone for confirming that.

[Peggy]

A friend had a kind of similar experience. Vet said something about not liking the pivot/spin test. Those videos looked ok to me but she also sent some of him trotting in hand. The first few strides looked stabby to me. Not lame but not quite normal. I suggested that perhaps the vet was trying to tell her something but for some reason didn’t call out those trot steps. When she asked what I’d do I suggested radiographing the neck. It was not good. That horse was a bit pricier than a recent OTTB would have been.

[Bristol_Bay]

@Peggy

When she asked what I’d do I suggested radiographing the neck. It was not good. That horse was a bit pricier than a recent OTTB would have been.

I’m inviting you to come along on the next PPE. You have a good eye!

[Libby2563]

@Bristol_Bay

I just think the ‘he’s young therefore sorta uncoordinated’ comment was a tell that this horse had issues in his future.

I agree that comment seems silly. The horse is 5 years old and raced dozens of times. How could he still be uncoordinated due to his age? Makes no sense to me. Maybe if he were 5 weeks old I’d make some allowance! I agree you were right to pass and I wouldn’t use that vet again if I could help it. I feel sorry for less-knowledgeable buyers who can’t read between the lines or don’t know enough to exercise independent judgment.

I had a sales horse vetted a few weeks ago by someone who does a lot of PPEs and is considered a good lameness vet. He didn’t do any sort of neuro exam at all and that really surprised me. I do specially request neuro checks for PPEs myself but I don’t think you should have to.